Federal Agency: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects Assistance Listing Number: 93.243 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI080332 (23/24) Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal awards 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: In a sample of transactions that were in the expense detail supporting the total federal expenditures on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), transactions were identified as being incurred after the end date of the period of availability. Questioned costs: N/A Context: In a sample size of fourteen expenditure transactions, one was incurred after the end date of the period of availability. • • Cause: Transaction was related to a payroll period that began prior to the end date of the period of performance and ended after said date. Effect: Amounts are included on the SEFA for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2024, that were incurred after the end date of the period of performance. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: Perform a review policies and procedures regarding proper monitoring of period of performance related to grant end dates. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects Assistance Listing Number: 93.243 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI080332 (23/24) Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal awards 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: In a sample of transactions that were in the expense detail supporting the total federal expenditures on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), transactions were identified as being incurred after the end date of the period of availability. Questioned costs: N/A Context: In a sample size of fourteen expenditure transactions, one was incurred after the end date of the period of availability. • • Cause: Transaction was related to a payroll period that began prior to the end date of the period of performance and ended after said date. Effect: Amounts are included on the SEFA for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2024, that were incurred after the end date of the period of performance. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: Perform a review policies and procedures regarding proper monitoring of period of performance related to grant end dates. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects Assistance Listing Number: 93.243 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI080332 (23/24) Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal awards 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: In a sample of transactions that were in the expense detail supporting the total federal expenditures on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), transactions were identified as being incurred after the end date of the period of availability. Questioned costs: N/A Context: In a sample size of fourteen expenditure transactions, one was incurred after the end date of the period of availability. • • Cause: Transaction was related to a payroll period that began prior to the end date of the period of performance and ended after said date. Effect: Amounts are included on the SEFA for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2024, that were incurred after the end date of the period of performance. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: Perform a review policies and procedures regarding proper monitoring of period of performance related to grant end dates. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects Assistance Listing Number: 93.243 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI080332 (23/24) Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal awards 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: In a sample of transactions that were in the expense detail supporting the total federal expenditures on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), transactions were identified as being incurred after the end date of the period of availability. Questioned costs: N/A Context: In a sample size of fourteen expenditure transactions, one was incurred after the end date of the period of availability. • • Cause: Transaction was related to a payroll period that began prior to the end date of the period of performance and ended after said date. Effect: Amounts are included on the SEFA for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2024, that were incurred after the end date of the period of performance. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: Perform a review policies and procedures regarding proper monitoring of period of performance related to grant end dates. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 93.323, 93.847 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G231006 (23/24), R01DK108054 (23/24) Pass-Through Agency: WV Department of Health and Human Resources Pass-Through Number(s): G231006 Award Period: July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal awards 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: In a sample of transactions that were in the expense detail supporting the total federal expenditures on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), transactions were identified as being incurred after the end date of the period of availability. Questioned costs: $3,320 Context: In a sample size of twenty-eight expenditure transactions, five were incurred after the end date of the period of availability. Cause: Four of the exceptions were the result of the department administering the grant not submitting a revised internal form to update the funding source. These transactions were not included on the final invoice to the awarding agency but were included in the SEFA. One of the exceptions was the result of clerical entry error. • • Effect: Amounts are included on the SEFA for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2024, that were incurred after the end date of the period of performance. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: Perform a review policies and procedures regarding proper monitoring of period of performance related to grant end dates. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding number: 2024-011 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through agency: Commonwealth Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Program: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program ALN #: 84.424 Award number: 0309-000548-2024-0035 Award year: September 12, 2023 to September 30, 2025 Finding: Internal Control and Compliance over Period of Performance Prior Year Finding: No Type of Finding: Material Weakness and Material Noncompliance Criteria Period of Performance A non-federal entity may charge 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. LEAs and SEAs must obligate funds during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. This maximum period includes a 15-month period of initial availability plus a 12-month period for carryover. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.303 indicates that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition During our testing of period of performance associated with those expenditures charged to grant awards which began during fiscal year 2024 and cost transfers, we noted noncompliance for 2 expenditures out of a sample of 4. Per review of the underlying vendor invoices, the service period for these expenditures started prior to the award start date of September 12, 2023.Cause This appears to be due to an insufficient review of invoices to ensure the underlying services performed by vendors are within the grant awards outlined grant period. Effect Insufficient review of vendor invoices increases the risk of costs being charged to a grant award outside its approved budget period. Whether Sampling was Statistically Valid The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Questioned Costs: $1,250,864 Recommendation We recommend that the Boston Public Schools (BPS) re-enforce its policies and procedures to ensure their review of expenditures charged to the award also includes a detailed review of the underlying vendor service period. View of Responsible Officials from the Auditee BPS will take a multi-step approach to ensuring accuracy of spending to the grant award period: 1. Reinforce our existing practice of ensuring that period of service is reflected on Purchase Orders, which it was for the PO’s in question. 2. Working with major suppliers to ensure they understand the grant funded nature of their program and the eligible dates of service, which are outlined on the Purchase Order 3. Review / Update training for our Accounts Payable team on ensuring that the period of service on an invoice matches the period of service on the Purchase Order 4. Review / Update training for our State & Federal Grants, Programs, and Compliance teams to ensure that expenses are reviewed before the end of the grant period to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
2024 -007 - Noncompliance with Period of Performance Requirements State Entity: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) Award Years: 2021, 2022 Award Numbers: 80NSSC21M0165, DE-FE0031919 Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Repeat Finding: No See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Condition: UL Lafayette did not ensure that all expenses charged to federal Research and Development (R&D) awards complied with the period of performance requirements. From a population of 166 R&D grants with expenses totaling $6,720,454 and periods of performance starting or ending during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, a non-statistical sample of 17 grants was tested for compliance with period of performance requirements. For two (11.8%) of the 17 grants tested, expenses totaling $63,790 were identified as noncompliant with the period of performance requirements. One grant had expenses totaling $28,833 that were incurred after the period of performance. For the other grant, UL Lafayette failed to liquidate obligations totaling $34,957 incurred during the period of performance within 120 days after the end the period of performance as required by federal regulations. Criteria: A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance [2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)]. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.344 states that the recipient must liquidate all financial obligations incurred under the federal award no later than 120 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance. Cause: UL Lafayette did not have sufficient internal controls to ensure that only expenses incurred during the period of performance were charged to R&D grants and that obligations were liquidated timely. Effect: Noncompliance with the period of performance requirements resulted in $63,790 in questioned costs and increases the risk that expenses could be disallowed and not reimbursed by the awarding agency. Recommendation: Management should strengthen their procedures and internal controls that are in place to ensure that all expenses incurred on federal R&D grants comply with the period of performance requirements. Management’s Response and Corrective Action Plan: Management concurred with the finding and outlined a plan of corrective action (B-62).
2024 -007 - Noncompliance with Period of Performance Requirements State Entity: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) Award Years: 2021, 2022 Award Numbers: 80NSSC21M0165, DE-FE0031919 Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Repeat Finding: No See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Condition: UL Lafayette did not ensure that all expenses charged to federal Research and Development (R&D) awards complied with the period of performance requirements. From a population of 166 R&D grants with expenses totaling $6,720,454 and periods of performance starting or ending during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, a non-statistical sample of 17 grants was tested for compliance with period of performance requirements. For two (11.8%) of the 17 grants tested, expenses totaling $63,790 were identified as noncompliant with the period of performance requirements. One grant had expenses totaling $28,833 that were incurred after the period of performance. For the other grant, UL Lafayette failed to liquidate obligations totaling $34,957 incurred during the period of performance within 120 days after the end the period of performance as required by federal regulations. Criteria: A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance [2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)]. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.344 states that the recipient must liquidate all financial obligations incurred under the federal award no later than 120 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance. Cause: UL Lafayette did not have sufficient internal controls to ensure that only expenses incurred during the period of performance were charged to R&D grants and that obligations were liquidated timely. Effect: Noncompliance with the period of performance requirements resulted in $63,790 in questioned costs and increases the risk that expenses could be disallowed and not reimbursed by the awarding agency. Recommendation: Management should strengthen their procedures and internal controls that are in place to ensure that all expenses incurred on federal R&D grants comply with the period of performance requirements. Management’s Response and Corrective Action Plan: Management concurred with the finding and outlined a plan of corrective action (B-62).
2024-007 – Period of Performance Federal Agency: National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Research and Development Cluster Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.017 and 47.081 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Award Period: 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024 Type of Finding: Other Matters and Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: A non-federal entity may charge 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: Two grants were identified as having ended in a prior year but were still incurring expenditures that are included on the SEFA in fiscal year 2024. Questioned Costs: N/A Context: During the testing of the SEFA for the period, it was noted that two of the grants tested had end dates before the beginning of the fiscal year (7/1/2023) but had costs incurred and reported on the SEFA for fiscal year 2024. The University did not receive extensions on these grants. Cause: Internal controls ensuring that costs are not reported on the SEFA after the end of the period of performance were not functioning as designed. Effect: The current year SEFA included expenses that were incurred after the grant ended. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the University review and revise their current procedures in place and provide training to employees within the grant and finance functions related to the grant reconciliation and recording process to ensure expenses are reflected prior to the grant ending and recorded in the correct period on the SEFA. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding and the University is in the process of implementing corrective procedures.
2024-007 – Period of Performance Federal Agency: National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Research and Development Cluster Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.017 and 47.081 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Award Period: 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024 Type of Finding: Other Matters and Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: A non-federal entity may charge 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: Two grants were identified as having ended in a prior year but were still incurring expenditures that are included on the SEFA in fiscal year 2024. Questioned Costs: N/A Context: During the testing of the SEFA for the period, it was noted that two of the grants tested had end dates before the beginning of the fiscal year (7/1/2023) but had costs incurred and reported on the SEFA for fiscal year 2024. The University did not receive extensions on these grants. Cause: Internal controls ensuring that costs are not reported on the SEFA after the end of the period of performance were not functioning as designed. Effect: The current year SEFA included expenses that were incurred after the grant ended. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the University review and revise their current procedures in place and provide training to employees within the grant and finance functions related to the grant reconciliation and recording process to ensure expenses are reflected prior to the grant ending and recorded in the correct period on the SEFA. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding and the University is in the process of implementing corrective procedures.
2024-001 U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.309 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity may charge to a Federal award only allowable costs incurred during the 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. Condition: Costs were recorded for service periods prior to grant approval date. Cause: The District did not properly identify service periods for costs reported under grant. Effect: The District expended funds outside of the period of performance which resulted in questioned costs. Questioned Costs: $155,246 Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: The District should implement procedures to properly monitor award performance dates to ensure that goods and services charged to federal grants are within the approved grant period. Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the finding.
2024-001 U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.309 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity may charge to a Federal award only allowable costs incurred during the 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. Condition: Costs were recorded for service periods prior to grant approval date. Cause: The District did not properly identify service periods for costs reported under grant. Effect: The District expended funds outside of the period of performance which resulted in questioned costs. Questioned Costs: $155,246 Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: The District should implement procedures to properly monitor award performance dates to ensure that goods and services charged to federal grants are within the approved grant period. Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the finding.
2024-001 U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.309 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity may charge to a Federal award only allowable costs incurred during the 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. Condition: Costs were recorded for service periods prior to grant approval date. Cause: The District did not properly identify service periods for costs reported under grant. Effect: The District expended funds outside of the period of performance which resulted in questioned costs. Questioned Costs: $155,246 Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: The District should implement procedures to properly monitor award performance dates to ensure that goods and services charged to federal grants are within the approved grant period. Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the finding.
2024-001 U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.309 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity may charge to a Federal award only allowable costs incurred during the 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. Condition: Costs were recorded for service periods prior to grant approval date. Cause: The District did not properly identify service periods for costs reported under grant. Effect: The District expended funds outside of the period of performance which resulted in questioned costs. Questioned Costs: $155,246 Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: The District should implement procedures to properly monitor award performance dates to ensure that goods and services charged to federal grants are within the approved grant period. Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding No. 2024-003 Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: 64.033 Supportive Services for Veteran Families Criteria 2 CFR § 200.308, 200.309 and 200.403(h)) A non-federal entity may charge 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. Condition During period of performance testing for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, eight instances were identified where expenses were incurred outside of the allowable timeframe. Cause This noncompliance may have resulted from inadequate controls to validate expense dates during approval and/or lack of staff training on period-of-performance requirements Effect There is an increased audit risk for federal fund misuse and a potential for unallowable expense reimbursement repayment. Recommendation 1. Implement pre-approval controls: Require date validation for all expenses against the award’s period of performance. 2. Conduct training: Educate staff on 2 CFR requirements and period-of-performance limitations. 3. Perform periodic reviews: Monitor compliance quarterly to detect outliers. Management’s Response Management agrees with this finding, see the Corrective Action Plan.
Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Continuum of Care Program 14.267 Criteria 2 CFR § 200.308, 200.309 and 200.403(h)) A non-federal entity may charge 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. Condition During period of performance testing for the Continuum of Care Program two instances were identified where expenses were incurred outside of the allowable timeframe. The sample size was extended to address this deficiency, and no additional exceptions were noted. Cause This noncompliance may have resulted from inadequate controls to validate expense dates during approval and/or lack of staff training on period-of-performance requirements Effect There is an increased audit risk for federal fund misuse and a potential for unallowable expense reimbursement repayment. Recommendation 1. Implement pre-approval controls: Require date validation for all expenses against the award’s period of performance. 2. Conduct training: Educate staff on 2 CFR requirements and period-of-performance limitations. 3. Perform periodic reviews: Monitor compliance quarterly to detect outliers. Management’s Response Management agrees with this finding, see the Corrective Action Plan.
Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program: Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program Federal Assistance Listing Number(s): 93.297 Award Period: July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Compliance – Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: According to 2 CFR § 200.309, costs must be incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless explicitly authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: During testing, it was noted that costs totaling $6,933 were charged to the award outside the designated period of performance. Specifically, these costs were incurred before the start date of the award. Questioned Costs: $6,933 Context: Of the costs tested it was identified five of eight transactions sampled were incurred prior to the period of performance start date listed in the notification of award. The total dollar amount was $6,933 and related to payroll incurred prior to the start date of the award but paid after the start date. Cause: The Organization did not have adequate internal controls to ensure that costs were only charged within the period of performance. There was a lack of communication between the finance department and program managers regarding the start date of the award. Effect: Questioned costs were identified. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Organization implement stronger internal controls to monitor the period of performance on its federal awards. This includes regular training for staff on compliance requirements and establishing clear communication channels between finance and program departments. Views of Responsible Official: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse ALN No. 93.959 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Opioid STR ALN No. 93.788 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Criteria or Specific Requirement – Activities Allowed and Unallowed and Cost Principles – 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E, and Period of Performance – 2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h) Condition – A sample of 80 expenditures were selected from each of the following populations: • ALN No. 93.959 – 1,152 items totaling $1,077,416 • ALN No. 93.788 – 1,222 items totaling $2,537,080 The samples were not, and are not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 80 expenditures tested from each grant program, the following were determined to lack appropriate supporting documentation to support being charged to grant program: • ALN No. 93.959 - 41 items totaling $25,810, including projected errors over the total population totaling $191,145 • ALN No. 93.788 - 10 items totaling $72,347, including projected errors over the total population totaling $207,012 The Organization did not have adequate supporting documentation demonstrating actual time and effort reporting and lacked evidence of supporting invoices. Cause – The Organization charged budgeted percentages to the grant programs without a system in place to monitor and track that actual time and effort was consistent with budgeted percentages. In addition, the Organization charged expenditures to the grant programs without evidence of supporting invoices. Effect or potential effect – Costs charged to the grant programs could have varied from actual time and effort. In addition, costs charged to the grant could not be supported by actual invoices. Questioned costs – • ALN No. 93.959 - $25,810 • ALN No. 93.788 - $72,347 Context – The Organization did not have a reasonable methodology of allocating costs to these grant programs and did not maintain proper supporting invoices. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – Repeat finding (see 2023-003) Recommendation – Management should implement policies and procedures that strengthen internal control over compliance in relation to activities allowed and cost principles. The policy and procedure should be designed to ensure that a reasonable allocation methodology is implemented and followed or that time and effort is certified by the employee on a regular basis. In addition, management should implement a document retention policy consistent with 2 CFR 200.334.
Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse ALN No. 93.959 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Opioid STR ALN No. 93.788 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Criteria or Specific Requirement – Activities Allowed and Unallowed and Cost Principles – 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E, and Period of Performance – 2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h) Condition – A sample of 80 expenditures were selected from each of the following populations: • ALN No. 93.959 – 1,152 items totaling $1,077,416 • ALN No. 93.788 – 1,222 items totaling $2,537,080 The samples were not, and are not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 80 expenditures tested from each grant program, the following were determined to lack appropriate supporting documentation to support being charged to grant program: • ALN No. 93.959 - 41 items totaling $25,810, including projected errors over the total population totaling $191,145 • ALN No. 93.788 - 10 items totaling $72,347, including projected errors over the total population totaling $207,012 The Organization did not have adequate supporting documentation demonstrating actual time and effort reporting and lacked evidence of supporting invoices. Cause – The Organization charged budgeted percentages to the grant programs without a system in place to monitor and track that actual time and effort was consistent with budgeted percentages. In addition, the Organization charged expenditures to the grant programs without evidence of supporting invoices. Effect or potential effect – Costs charged to the grant programs could have varied from actual time and effort. In addition, costs charged to the grant could not be supported by actual invoices. Questioned costs – • ALN No. 93.959 - $25,810 • ALN No. 93.788 - $72,347 Context – The Organization did not have a reasonable methodology of allocating costs to these grant programs and did not maintain proper supporting invoices. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – Repeat finding (see 2023-003) Recommendation – Management should implement policies and procedures that strengthen internal control over compliance in relation to activities allowed and cost principles. The policy and procedure should be designed to ensure that a reasonable allocation methodology is implemented and followed or that time and effort is certified by the employee on a regular basis. In addition, management should implement a document retention policy consistent with 2 CFR 200.334.
Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Federal program title: Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services Assistance Listing Number: 93.958 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services Pass-Through Number: 45CCB03514; 45CCB04278; 45CCB00648 Award Period: 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2024 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Immaterial Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: A non-federal entity may charge 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition: Costs outside of the period of performance were charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: $7,311 Context: Four (4) of the twenty (20) transactions selected for testing. Cause: Oversight. Effect: The Organization may allocate unallowable costs to the federal grant. Repeat Finding: Yes, prior year finding number was 2023-004 Recommendation: Management should review and revise its process for allocating costs to federal grants to include additional layers of review and so that costs for which some or all are from outside of the period of performance, may be appropriately excluded from the federal grant. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.309 and §200.403(g), only costs incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award are allowable. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless specifically authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: The County lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that all payroll costs charged to the grant were incurred within the grant’s period of performance. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $33,314. Context: Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00122 had a period of performance ending February 28, 2024. The County charged $31,314 in payroll costs to this grant using the same allocation method described in Finding 2024-013. However, the allocation was based on hours worked throughout FY24, and the County could not provide a detailed transaction listing to isolate costs incurred within the grant’s performance period. While $25,755 in nonpayroll costs were confirmed to be within the allowable period, the payroll costs could not be verified. Cause: The County did not maintain detailed records of expenditures by grant and relied on an allocation method that did not align with the grant’s performance period. Effect: Payroll costs totaling $33,314 may have been charged outside the allowable period, resulting in questioned costs and a material weakness in internal controls. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The County should implement procedures to ensure that all expenditures are tracked by grant and incurred within the specified period of performance. Detailed transaction listings should be maintained to support compliance testing. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.309 and §200.403(g), only costs incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award are allowable. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless specifically authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: The County lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that all payroll costs charged to the grant were incurred within the grant’s period of performance. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $33,314. Context: Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00122 had a period of performance ending February 28, 2024. The County charged $31,314 in payroll costs to this grant using the same allocation method described in Finding 2024-013. However, the allocation was based on hours worked throughout FY24, and the County could not provide a detailed transaction listing to isolate costs incurred within the grant’s performance period. While $25,755 in nonpayroll costs were confirmed to be within the allowable period, the payroll costs could not be verified. Cause: The County did not maintain detailed records of expenditures by grant and relied on an allocation method that did not align with the grant’s performance period. Effect: Payroll costs totaling $33,314 may have been charged outside the allowable period, resulting in questioned costs and a material weakness in internal controls. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The County should implement procedures to ensure that all expenditures are tracked by grant and incurred within the specified period of performance. Detailed transaction listings should be maintained to support compliance testing. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.309 and §200.403(g), only costs incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award are allowable. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless specifically authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: The County lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that all payroll costs charged to the grant were incurred within the grant’s period of performance. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $33,314. Context: Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00122 had a period of performance ending February 28, 2024. The County charged $31,314 in payroll costs to this grant using the same allocation method described in Finding 2024-013. However, the allocation was based on hours worked throughout FY24, and the County could not provide a detailed transaction listing to isolate costs incurred within the grant’s performance period. While $25,755 in nonpayroll costs were confirmed to be within the allowable period, the payroll costs could not be verified. Cause: The County did not maintain detailed records of expenditures by grant and relied on an allocation method that did not align with the grant’s performance period. Effect: Payroll costs totaling $33,314 may have been charged outside the allowable period, resulting in questioned costs and a material weakness in internal controls. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The County should implement procedures to ensure that all expenditures are tracked by grant and incurred within the specified period of performance. Detailed transaction listings should be maintained to support compliance testing. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.309 and §200.403(g), only costs incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award are allowable. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless specifically authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: The County lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that all payroll costs charged to the grant were incurred within the grant’s period of performance. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $33,314. Context: Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00122 had a period of performance ending February 28, 2024. The County charged $31,314 in payroll costs to this grant using the same allocation method described in Finding 2024-013. However, the allocation was based on hours worked throughout FY24, and the County could not provide a detailed transaction listing to isolate costs incurred within the grant’s performance period. While $25,755 in nonpayroll costs were confirmed to be within the allowable period, the payroll costs could not be verified. Cause: The County did not maintain detailed records of expenditures by grant and relied on an allocation method that did not align with the grant’s performance period. Effect: Payroll costs totaling $33,314 may have been charged outside the allowable period, resulting in questioned costs and a material weakness in internal controls. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The County should implement procedures to ensure that all expenditures are tracked by grant and incurred within the specified period of performance. Detailed transaction listings should be maintained to support compliance testing. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.309 and §200.403(g), only costs incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award are allowable. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless specifically authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: The County lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that all payroll costs charged to the grant were incurred within the grant’s period of performance. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $33,314. Context: Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00122 had a period of performance ending February 28, 2024. The County charged $31,314 in payroll costs to this grant using the same allocation method described in Finding 2024-013. However, the allocation was based on hours worked throughout FY24, and the County could not provide a detailed transaction listing to isolate costs incurred within the grant’s performance period. While $25,755 in nonpayroll costs were confirmed to be within the allowable period, the payroll costs could not be verified. Cause: The County did not maintain detailed records of expenditures by grant and relied on an allocation method that did not align with the grant’s performance period. Effect: Payroll costs totaling $33,314 may have been charged outside the allowable period, resulting in questioned costs and a material weakness in internal controls. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The County should implement procedures to ensure that all expenditures are tracked by grant and incurred within the specified period of performance. Detailed transaction listings should be maintained to support compliance testing. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.309 and §200.403(g), only costs incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award are allowable. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless specifically authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: The County lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that all payroll costs charged to the grant were incurred within the grant’s period of performance. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $33,314. Context: Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00122 had a period of performance ending February 28, 2024. The County charged $31,314 in payroll costs to this grant using the same allocation method described in Finding 2024-013. However, the allocation was based on hours worked throughout FY24, and the County could not provide a detailed transaction listing to isolate costs incurred within the grant’s performance period. While $25,755 in nonpayroll costs were confirmed to be within the allowable period, the payroll costs could not be verified. Cause: The County did not maintain detailed records of expenditures by grant and relied on an allocation method that did not align with the grant’s performance period. Effect: Payroll costs totaling $33,314 may have been charged outside the allowable period, resulting in questioned costs and a material weakness in internal controls. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The County should implement procedures to ensure that all expenditures are tracked by grant and incurred within the specified period of performance. Detailed transaction listings should be maintained to support compliance testing. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.309 and §200.403(g), only costs incurred during the period of performance specified in the federal award are allowable. Costs incurred outside this period are unallowable unless specifically authorized by the awarding agency. Condition: The County lacked sufficient documentation to demonstrate that all payroll costs charged to the grant were incurred within the grant’s period of performance. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $33,314. Context: Grant 20-CDBG-CV1-00122 had a period of performance ending February 28, 2024. The County charged $31,314 in payroll costs to this grant using the same allocation method described in Finding 2024-013. However, the allocation was based on hours worked throughout FY24, and the County could not provide a detailed transaction listing to isolate costs incurred within the grant’s performance period. While $25,755 in nonpayroll costs were confirmed to be within the allowable period, the payroll costs could not be verified. Cause: The County did not maintain detailed records of expenditures by grant and relied on an allocation method that did not align with the grant’s performance period. Effect: Payroll costs totaling $33,314 may have been charged outside the allowable period, resulting in questioned costs and a material weakness in internal controls. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The County should implement procedures to ensure that all expenditures are tracked by grant and incurred within the specified period of performance. Detailed transaction listings should be maintained to support compliance testing. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Improve Controls Over Period of Performance Over Federal Awards (Significant Deficiency) Federal Agency: Department of Education Cluster/Program: Special Education Cluster AL Number(s): 84.027 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Previously reported as 2023-001 Criteria or Specific Requirement A non-federal entity may charge 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Management of the School District is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal pro¬gram. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of per¬forming their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context There were several payroll charges and invoices for costs that occurred prior to the start of the School District’s fiscal year 2024 IDEA special education grant. Since these costs occurred outside of the authorized period of performance, they are not eligible to be charged to that grant. Cause The School District has not established adequate procedures to ensure costs charged to the grant are within the authorized period of performance. Effect or Potential Effect Due to the weakness in internal control noted above, there are known and questioned costs reported related to salaries and contracted services incurred prior to the period of performance and charged to the grant, which could impact future grant funding. Questioned Costs The payroll charges and invoices for costs in question are below $25,000. Recommendation The School District should implement controls to ensure that no costs are charged to a grant prior to the authorized period of performance. Views of Responsible Official Management agrees with the finding. Planned Corrective Action Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the schedule of prior year findings.
MW-2024-002 Improve Controls Over Period of Performance Over Federal Awards Federal Program(s) Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Cluster/Program: Special Education Cluster AL Number(s): 84.027/84.173 Award Year: 2022 Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Type of Finding Material Noncompliance Internal Control over Compliance – Material Weakness Criteria or Specific Requirement A non-federal entity may charge 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Management of the School Department is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of per¬forming their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context There were invoices for costs incurred after the end of the School Department’s fiscal year 2022 ARP SPED IDEA/Preschool grant. Since these costs occurred outside the authorized period of performance, they are not eligible to be charged to the grant. Cause The School Department has not established adequate procedures to ensure costs charged to the grant are within the authorized period of performance. Effect or Potential Effect Due to the weakness in internal control noted above, there are known and questioned costs reported for expenditures incurred outside the period of performance and charged to the grant. Questioned Costs Questioned costs related to these invoices outside of the period of performance were approximately $60,000. Recommendation The School Department should implement controls to ensure that no costs are charged to a grant outside the authorized period of performance. Views of Responsible Officials Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the schedule of prior year findings.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-008 FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 84.002) ADULT EDUCATION–BASIC GRANTS TO STATES (ALN – 84.027) SPECIAL EDUCATION–GRANTS TO STATES (IDEA, PART B) (ALN – 84.048A) CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION–BASIC GRANTS TO STATES (PERKINS V) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARD NUMBERS V002A210005 (07/01/2021 – 09/30/2023); H027A210003 (07/01/2021 – 09/30/2023); V048A210052 (07/01/2021 – 09/30/2023) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA According to the 2 CFR §200 Appendix XI, 84.000-Cross-Cutting Section, all ESEA and other programs as identified in the program documents except subrecipients under Career Technical Education (CTE) – Funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. This maximum period includes a 15-month period of initial availability plus a 12-month period for carryover. STATEMENT OF CONDITION For the ALN 84.002, 84.027, and 84.048A, we obtained all the disbursements made during the fiscal year 2023-2024 for the grant awards V002A210005, H027A210003, and V048A210052 which had an ending date by September 30, 2023. For these disbursements we verified that they had purchase orders issued with an effective date on or before September 30, 2023. However, for the population of each program we noted and identified purchases order were issued with an effective date for the month of October 2023, clearly indicating these transactions were been obligated after the Grant Award ending date September 30, 2023. For the ALN 84.002 we noted one (1) purchase order, for the ALN 84.027 we found two (2) purchase orders, and for the ALN 84.048A we noted five (5) purchase orders. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION This is a systemic deficiency. The PRDE does not have in place proper documented internal control procedures which could prevent to create and approving a purchase order after the period of performance of an award. STATEMENT OF CAUSE The PRDE lacks a standardized and documented monitoring process in the Budget Area to avoid the registration of any purchase order after September 30, of each year, for any closing grant awards. We corroborated with PRDE that this process is manually performed by one of the accountants in the Budget Department who closes access in SIFDE to create a new purchase order after the period of performance due date. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT Programs did not comply with this requirement, which could lead to unallowable costs. In addition, an over-expenditure could occur and not properly prevented by PRDE. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING Not previously reported. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that the PRDE create and document internal control procedures for reviewing purchase order recorded in the grant award that will end during the current fiscal year in order to ensure that there are not any obligations incorrectly recorded in a closed grant award. In addition, proper procedures should be in place and properly documented in the Budget Division, that prevents a grant continuation open and allows the creation of purchase orders after the period of performance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS The PRDE acknowledges and accepts the finding. Management recognizes the importance of ensuring that all obligations and expenditures are properly incurred within the authorized period of performance established for each grant in compliance with federal regulations under 2 CFR §200.77 and §200.309. The PRDE has initiated a comprehensive review of the purchase orders (POs) identified in the finding that were obligated after the grant award end date of September 30, 2023. Each program—Adult Education (84.002), Special Education (IDEA, 84.027), and Career and Technical Education (Perkins V, 84.048A)—will evaluate these transactions to determine whether they correspond to allowable and valid obligations incurred during the active grant period. Where applicable and supported by documentation, PRDE will adjust or reclassify the expenses to the appropriate and current grant period. In instances where reassignment to an active grant is not possible, PRDE will identify available state funds to absorb these costs and will process the corresponding reimbursements or journal entries to ensure full compliance with federal requirements. Furthermore, PRDE’s Budget Office, in coordination with the Federal Affairs Office and Finance Office, is in the process of strengthening internal control procedures to prevent the creation of POs after the period of performance. This includes: (i)Automating system controls within the SIFDE accounting system to restrict the creation of POs for grants whose period of performance has expired; (ii)Implement an internal monitoring checklist at the program and budget level to validate the effective date of POs prior to approval; (iii)Establishing a communication between the Budget Office and program offices to ensure that any pending obligations are reviewed and processed before the closeout of the grant period. These corrective actions aim to ensure compliance with federal regulations, strengthen accountability, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the internal control environment related to the management of federal funds. IMPLEMENTATION DATE December 30, 2025 RESPONSIBLE PERSON María de los A. Lizardí Valdés Director Office of Federal Affairs Evelyn Rodríguez Cardé Director of Finance Dr. Jorge L. Acosta Irizarry Auxiliary Secretary of Occupational and Technical Education Dr. Yarilis Santiago Ramos Auxiliary Secretary of Adult Education Enid Díaz Nieves Associate Secretary of Special Education Executive Director
Federal agency: All agencies in the SEFA Assistance Listing Number: See SEFA Award Period: 01/01/2023 to 12/31/2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: The compliance requirements for Federal Assistance Number 93.558 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Programs includes a Period of Performance element. The compliance requirement related to period of performance is that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period (also identified as the grant 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Condition: Allocations of indirect costs are performed once during the year-end closing process based on time study data for the entire year, and when program attendance data for programs that are ran for various increments throughout the year is available. The TANF grant period that was tested as a major program was December 2022 – August 2023. As the grant period ended in September, no costs incurred after that date should be considered major program expenditures. Questioned Costs: Indeterminable. The questioned costs could be considered those indirect costs considered TANF expenditures that were incurred after August 2023. In addition, because the program attendance is used to allocate costs between programs, program attendance after August 2023 may be inappropriate to be considered when allocating those indirect costs to specific programs. Context: Indirect cost allocations are performed once during the year-end closing process by the auditee. Time studies are performed to allocate indirect costs between supporting and program functions. The indirect costs allocated to the program functions are then allocated between individual programs, including federally funded programs, based on the number of participant hours in each program. The time study and program hours used to allocate indirect costs are based on the entire year and not just the major program grant period. In addition, indirect costs that are allocated are incurred during the entire year and not just the major program grant period. Cause: Time and program participation data used to allocate costs are not consistent with the grant period. In addition, the costs that are allocated are not consistent with the grant period. Effect: The single annual allocation of costs means that costs incurred outside the major program grant/budget period are being allocated to the major program. In addition, allocation base data from outside the grant/budget period is being used as a base for the indirect cost allocation. Repeat Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend the auditee perform indirect cost allocations so that the costs and allocation base align with the grant/budget period. Performing the allocation of indirect costs annually may not create an equitable allocation at the individual program level. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We agree that the allocation being performed once annually does not create the most equitable allocation of costs between our individual programs. We will perform our indirect cost allocations more periodically during the course of the fiscal year to ensure that more appropriate times studies and applicable participant hours are being utilized to limit the potential of allocating unrelated indirect costs from the year to individual programs, including the federally funded programs.
Federal agency: All agencies in the SEFA Assistance Listing Number: See SEFA Award Period: 01/01/2023 to 12/31/2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: The compliance requirements for Federal Assistance Number 93.558 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Programs includes a Period of Performance element. The compliance requirement related to period of performance is that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period (also identified as the grant 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Condition: Allocations of indirect costs are performed once during the year-end closing process based on time study data for the entire year, and when program attendance data for programs that are ran for various increments throughout the year is available. The TANF grant period that was tested as a major program was December 2022 – August 2023. As the grant period ended in September, no costs incurred after that date should be considered major program expenditures. Questioned Costs: Indeterminable. The questioned costs could be considered those indirect costs considered TANF expenditures that were incurred after August 2023. In addition, because the program attendance is used to allocate costs between programs, program attendance after August 2023 may be inappropriate to be considered when allocating those indirect costs to specific programs. Context: Indirect cost allocations are performed once during the year-end closing process by the auditee. Time studies are performed to allocate indirect costs between supporting and program functions. The indirect costs allocated to the program functions are then allocated between individual programs, including federally funded programs, based on the number of participant hours in each program. The time study and program hours used to allocate indirect costs are based on the entire year and not just the major program grant period. In addition, indirect costs that are allocated are incurred during the entire year and not just the major program grant period. Cause: Time and program participation data used to allocate costs are not consistent with the grant period. In addition, the costs that are allocated are not consistent with the grant period. Effect: The single annual allocation of costs means that costs incurred outside the major program grant/budget period are being allocated to the major program. In addition, allocation base data from outside the grant/budget period is being used as a base for the indirect cost allocation. Repeat Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend the auditee perform indirect cost allocations so that the costs and allocation base align with the grant/budget period. Performing the allocation of indirect costs annually may not create an equitable allocation at the individual program level. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We agree that the allocation being performed once annually does not create the most equitable allocation of costs between our individual programs. We will perform our indirect cost allocations more periodically during the course of the fiscal year to ensure that more appropriate times studies and applicable participant hours are being utilized to limit the potential of allocating unrelated indirect costs from the year to individual programs, including the federally funded programs.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: H49MC00119‐19‐00 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2018‐2020 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, under 2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)), the Organization may charge 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. Condition: The Organization lacked supporting documentation for non‐payroll expenses. Due to lack of supporting documentation, period of performance could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) nonpayroll transactions examined, ten (10) lacked supporting documentation for review, and 1 expense was for services performed in a prior period. Effect: Management possibly did not expend funds in accordance with the approved detailed lineitem budget and grant agreement and possibly expended funds in the incorrect period of performance. Cause: Expenses including approved invoices and/or supporting documentation were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $7,674 and likely questioned costs of $34,117 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend that internal controls be strengthened and processes implemented to ensure all expenses include supporting documentation/invoice indicating period of performance.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: H49MC00119‐19‐00 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2018‐2020 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, under 2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)), the Organization may charge 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. Condition: The Organization lacked supporting documentation for non‐payroll expenses. Due to lack of supporting documentation, period of performance could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) nonpayroll transactions examined, ten (10) lacked supporting documentation for review, and 1 expense was for services performed in a prior period. Effect: Management possibly did not expend funds in accordance with the approved detailed lineitem budget and grant agreement and possibly expended funds in the incorrect period of performance. Cause: Expenses including approved invoices and/or supporting documentation were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $7,674 and likely questioned costs of $34,117 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend that internal controls be strengthened and processes implemented to ensure all expenses include supporting documentation/invoice indicating period of performance.
Federal Agency: Department of Justice Federal Assistance Listing Number: 16.756 Program: Court Appointed Special Advocates Award Number: 15JDP-21-GK-02762-CASA Criteria: The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR §200.403 states that for costs to be allowable under federal awards, they must be adequately documented and there must be sufficient documentation. “Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under federal awards: a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the federal award as to types or amount of cost items. c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally financed and other activities of the non-federal entity. d) Be accorded consistent treatment. A cost may not be assigned to a federal award as a direct cost if any other cost incurred for the same purpose in like circumstances has been allocated to the federal award as an indirect cost. e) Be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), except, for state and local governments and Indian tribes only, as otherwise provided for in this part. f) Not be included as a cost or used to meet cost sharing or matching requirements of any other federally financed program in either the current or a prior period. See also §200.306(b). g) Be adequately documented. See also §200.300 through §200.309. h) Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to §200.308(e)(3).” Condition: National CASA/GAL allocated expenditures to programs during 2023 based on a direct allocation methodology. This allocation is done manually, and the support was inconsistently maintained. During our testing of costs (excluding salaries), we noted in accordance with §200.403(g) that: • 4 of 60 transactions was partially charged in the incorrect fiscal period, though within the period of performance. The cost of these 4 transactions were $5,246. • 2 of 60 transactions had an error in the allocation rate utilized. The cost of these 8 transactions were $33. • 4 of 60 transactions lacked documentation of review and approval of the allocation of costs made through journal entries. Cause: National CASA/GAL did not have procedures in place to document, and maintain the documentation of, the review and approval of the allocation methodology and the allocation of costs (journal entries). Effect or Potential Effect: Without adequate controls in place to ensure costs are allowable and reimbursable, including controls over review of allocation methodologies, National CASA/GAL could incorrectly charge expenditures to the federal programs. Known Questioned Costs: $5,279 Likely Questioned Costs: $131,271 Context: This is a condition identified per review of National CASA/GAL’s compliance with specified requirements not using a statistically valid sample. Nonpayroll costs in 2023 were $3,612,154. The sample tested consisted of 60 transactions totaling $145,247. Questioned costs consist of amounts lacking underlying support or amounts in excess of supported allocations. Identification as a Repeat Finding: 2022-004 and 2022-008. Recommendation: We recommend that policies and procedures be updated to ensure underlying support, as well as support for allocations, is appropriately maintained as required by §200.403. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding that documentation of support and allocation of costs should be maintained. Policies and procedures were enhanced in 2023 and through 2024 to ensure compliance.
Finding 2023-003: Period of Performance Federal Program: ALN 19.701 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): According to 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, §200.309 - Period of Performance, Federal awards must comply with the specified period of performance outlined in the award documentation. The period of performance defines the timeframe during which the recipient may incur costs and complete the project or program objectives. Condition: During the audit period, the Global Center had two active awards serving nearly identical purposes. The first award concluded in September 2023, at which point the follow-on award commenced. In July 2023, the Global Center incurred an expense, believing it could be charged to the follow-on award. The Global Center requested authorization from the donor to charge the cost to the award, even though it was incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance. While awaiting confirmation from the donor, the Global Center went ahead and billed the expense to the award. The donor, however, took nearly a year to respond and ultimately ruled the cost unallowable. The Global Center subsequently reclassified the cost out of the award. Cause: Administrative delays and miscommunication with the donor. Effect or Potential Effect: As a result of initially recording an expense incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance before it had specific authorization to do so, the Global Center inadvertently drew down funds for this unapproved cost. Questioned Costs: None noted Context: By recording the expense before receiving donor confirmation, the Global Center risks incurring and claiming costs outside of the allowable period for reimbursement. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not applicable Recommendation: The Global Center should refrain from recording any expenses outside the period of performance until written approval is received from the donor, ensuring compliance with award guidelines.
Finding 2023-003: Period of Performance Federal Program: ALN 19.701 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): According to 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, §200.309 - Period of Performance, Federal awards must comply with the specified period of performance outlined in the award documentation. The period of performance defines the timeframe during which the recipient may incur costs and complete the project or program objectives. Condition: During the audit period, the Global Center had two active awards serving nearly identical purposes. The first award concluded in September 2023, at which point the follow-on award commenced. In July 2023, the Global Center incurred an expense, believing it could be charged to the follow-on award. The Global Center requested authorization from the donor to charge the cost to the award, even though it was incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance. While awaiting confirmation from the donor, the Global Center went ahead and billed the expense to the award. The donor, however, took nearly a year to respond and ultimately ruled the cost unallowable. The Global Center subsequently reclassified the cost out of the award. Cause: Administrative delays and miscommunication with the donor. Effect or Potential Effect: As a result of initially recording an expense incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance before it had specific authorization to do so, the Global Center inadvertently drew down funds for this unapproved cost. Questioned Costs: None noted Context: By recording the expense before receiving donor confirmation, the Global Center risks incurring and claiming costs outside of the allowable period for reimbursement. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not applicable Recommendation: The Global Center should refrain from recording any expenses outside the period of performance until written approval is received from the donor, ensuring compliance with award guidelines.
Finding 2023-003: Period of Performance Federal Program: ALN 19.701 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): According to 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, §200.309 - Period of Performance, Federal awards must comply with the specified period of performance outlined in the award documentation. The period of performance defines the timeframe during which the recipient may incur costs and complete the project or program objectives. Condition: During the audit period, the Global Center had two active awards serving nearly identical purposes. The first award concluded in September 2023, at which point the follow-on award commenced. In July 2023, the Global Center incurred an expense, believing it could be charged to the follow-on award. The Global Center requested authorization from the donor to charge the cost to the award, even though it was incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance. While awaiting confirmation from the donor, the Global Center went ahead and billed the expense to the award. The donor, however, took nearly a year to respond and ultimately ruled the cost unallowable. The Global Center subsequently reclassified the cost out of the award. Cause: Administrative delays and miscommunication with the donor. Effect or Potential Effect: As a result of initially recording an expense incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance before it had specific authorization to do so, the Global Center inadvertently drew down funds for this unapproved cost. Questioned Costs: None noted Context: By recording the expense before receiving donor confirmation, the Global Center risks incurring and claiming costs outside of the allowable period for reimbursement. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not applicable Recommendation: The Global Center should refrain from recording any expenses outside the period of performance until written approval is received from the donor, ensuring compliance with award guidelines.
Finding 2023-003: Period of Performance Federal Program: ALN 19.701 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): According to 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, §200.309 - Period of Performance, Federal awards must comply with the specified period of performance outlined in the award documentation. The period of performance defines the timeframe during which the recipient may incur costs and complete the project or program objectives. Condition: During the audit period, the Global Center had two active awards serving nearly identical purposes. The first award concluded in September 2023, at which point the follow-on award commenced. In July 2023, the Global Center incurred an expense, believing it could be charged to the follow-on award. The Global Center requested authorization from the donor to charge the cost to the award, even though it was incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance. While awaiting confirmation from the donor, the Global Center went ahead and billed the expense to the award. The donor, however, took nearly a year to respond and ultimately ruled the cost unallowable. The Global Center subsequently reclassified the cost out of the award. Cause: Administrative delays and miscommunication with the donor. Effect or Potential Effect: As a result of initially recording an expense incurred prior to the commencement of the period of performance before it had specific authorization to do so, the Global Center inadvertently drew down funds for this unapproved cost. Questioned Costs: None noted Context: By recording the expense before receiving donor confirmation, the Global Center risks incurring and claiming costs outside of the allowable period for reimbursement. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not applicable Recommendation: The Global Center should refrain from recording any expenses outside the period of performance until written approval is received from the donor, ensuring compliance with award guidelines.
Finding 2023-002 Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance related to period of performance. Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Program Title: Unaccompanied Alien Children Program Assistance Listing Number: 93.676 Award Numbers: 90ZU0339/03 and 90ZU0587/01 Project Period: February 1, 2022 - October 31, 2023 and November 1, 2023 - October 31, 2024 Criteria A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. Any costs incurred before the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity made the federal award, must be authorized by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Condition/Context for Evaluation During the audit for the year ending December 31, 2023, we noted four instances out of 40 where the Organization charged costs to the grant that were outside of the period of performance for the related award. Questioned Costs 90ZU0339/03 - $995 90ZU0587/01 - $408 Cause The Organization’s internal controls were not sufficient to ensure proper cutoff of grant expenditures and the allocation to the related award. Effect or Potential Effect Unallowable costs were charged to the grant. Repeat Finding Not Applicable. Recommendation We recommend that management develop internal controls for appropriate cutoff of grant expenditures and review to ensure the appropriate costs were charged to the budgeted period to the grant. Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee Management concurs with the finding and has provided the accompanying management corrective action.
Finding 2023-002 Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance related to period of performance. Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Program Title: Unaccompanied Alien Children Program Assistance Listing Number: 93.676 Award Numbers: 90ZU0339/03 and 90ZU0587/01 Project Period: February 1, 2022 - October 31, 2023 and November 1, 2023 - October 31, 2024 Criteria A non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. Any costs incurred before the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity made the federal award, must be authorized by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Condition/Context for Evaluation During the audit for the year ending December 31, 2023, we noted four instances out of 40 where the Organization charged costs to the grant that were outside of the period of performance for the related award. Questioned Costs 90ZU0339/03 - $995 90ZU0587/01 - $408 Cause The Organization’s internal controls were not sufficient to ensure proper cutoff of grant expenditures and the allocation to the related award. Effect or Potential Effect Unallowable costs were charged to the grant. Repeat Finding Not Applicable. Recommendation We recommend that management develop internal controls for appropriate cutoff of grant expenditures and review to ensure the appropriate costs were charged to the budgeted period to the grant. Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee Management concurs with the finding and has provided the accompanying management corrective action.
2 CFR § 2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR § 200.303(a) which requires that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2 CFR § 2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR § 200.403 which states except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity. (d) Be accorded consistent treatment. A cost may not be assigned to a Federal award as a direct cost if any other cost incurred for the same purpose in like circumstances has been allocated to the Federal award as an indirect cost. (e) Be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), except, for state and local governments and Indian tribes only, as otherwise provided for in this part. (f) Not be included as a cost or used to meet cost sharing or matching requirements of any other federally-financed program in either the current or a prior period. See also § 200.306(b). (g) Be adequately documented. See also §§ 200.300 through 200.309 of this part. (h) Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3). State ex rel. McClure v. Hagerman, 155 Ohio St. 320 (1951) provides that expenditures made by a governmental unit should serve a public purpose. Typically, the determination of what constitutes a “proper public purpose” rests with the judgment of the governmental entity, unless such determination is arbitrary or unreasonable. Even if a purchase is reasonable, Ohio Attorney General Opinion 82-006 indicates that it must be memorialized by a duly enacted ordinance or resolution and may have a prospective effect only. Auditor of State Bulletin 2003-005 Expenditure of Public Funds/Proper “Public Purpose” states, in part, the Auditor of State’s Office will only question expenditures where the legislative determination of a public purpose is manifestly arbitrary and incorrect. The Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission, administrator of the Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program - CHIP (#B-C-21-1AB-1) for Allen County, incurred a charge of $4,386 for Admin January 2023 charges on invoice #106558 dated February 7, 2023 from the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership. On July 6, 2023, check number 7330652 was issued by Allen County which included payment of $4,386 on invoice number 106558. On August 3, 2023, check number 7332670 was issued by Allen County which included payment of $4,386 on invoice number 106558 which was approved by Tara Bales, Executive Director of the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission. As a result, possibly due to the failure of an existing control or procedure, invoice number 106558 was paid twice resulting an overpayment of $4,386. On October 2, 2024, the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership refunded the overpayment with check number 20765 in the amount of $4,386. This refund was recorded in the Community Development Grant Fund (2414). The Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission should implement an additional control(s) and/or procedure(s) to prevent the duplicate payment of invoices.
2023-014 Period of Performance Assistance Listing No.: 14.267 Continuum of Care Program Condition: The Organization was unable to demonstrate consistent controls over the period of performance requirement. Criteria: The requirements for the period of performance are contained in 2 CFR section 200.1 Definitions for “budget period,” “financial obligations,” “period of performance,” 2 CFR section 200.308 (revision of budget and program plans), 2 CFR section 200.309 (modifications to period of performance), 2 CFR section 200.344 (closeout), program legislation, federal awarding agency regulations; and the terms and conditions of the award. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs. Cause: The Organization did not have good controls on ensuring the period of performance requirement was met due to staff turn over. Effect: The Organization could have grant expenditures outside the grant period. Perspective: Thirty-one of forty items selected for testing did not have documentation of the control over compliance with the period of performance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding. See finding 2022-017. Recommendation: In order to prevent future occurences of this deficiency, we recommend that management expand controls to ensure that they are able to demonstrate that all expenses meet their procurement policy. Auditee's Response: The Organization agrees with the finding. See attached corrective action plan.
2023-014 Period of Performance Assistance Listing No.: 14.267 Continuum of Care Program Condition: The Organization was unable to demonstrate consistent controls over the period of performance requirement. Criteria: The requirements for the period of performance are contained in 2 CFR section 200.1 Definitions for “budget period,” “financial obligations,” “period of performance,” 2 CFR section 200.308 (revision of budget and program plans), 2 CFR section 200.309 (modifications to period of performance), 2 CFR section 200.344 (closeout), program legislation, federal awarding agency regulations; and the terms and conditions of the award. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs. Cause: The Organization did not have good controls on ensuring the period of performance requirement was met due to staff turn over. Effect: The Organization could have grant expenditures outside the grant period. Perspective: Thirty-one of forty items selected for testing did not have documentation of the control over compliance with the period of performance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding. See finding 2022-017. Recommendation: In order to prevent future occurences of this deficiency, we recommend that management expand controls to ensure that they are able to demonstrate that all expenses meet their procurement policy. Auditee's Response: The Organization agrees with the finding. See attached corrective action plan.
2023-014 Period of Performance Assistance Listing No.: 14.267 Continuum of Care Program Condition: The Organization was unable to demonstrate consistent controls over the period of performance requirement. Criteria: The requirements for the period of performance are contained in 2 CFR section 200.1 Definitions for “budget period,” “financial obligations,” “period of performance,” 2 CFR section 200.308 (revision of budget and program plans), 2 CFR section 200.309 (modifications to period of performance), 2 CFR section 200.344 (closeout), program legislation, federal awarding agency regulations; and the terms and conditions of the award. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs. Cause: The Organization did not have good controls on ensuring the period of performance requirement was met due to staff turn over. Effect: The Organization could have grant expenditures outside the grant period. Perspective: Thirty-one of forty items selected for testing did not have documentation of the control over compliance with the period of performance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding. See finding 2022-017. Recommendation: In order to prevent future occurences of this deficiency, we recommend that management expand controls to ensure that they are able to demonstrate that all expenses meet their procurement policy. Auditee's Response: The Organization agrees with the finding. See attached corrective action plan.
Federal agency: All agencies in the SEFA Assistance Listing Number: See SEFA Award Period: 01/01/2023 to 12/31/2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: The compliance requirements for Federal Assistance Number 93.558 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Programs includes a Period of Performance element. The compliance requirement related to period of performance is that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period (also identified as the grant 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Condition: Allocations of indirect costs are performed once during the year-end closing process based on time study data for the entire year, and when program attendance data for programs that are ran for various increments throughout the year is available. The TANF grant period that was tested as a major program was December 2022 – August 2023. As the grant period ended in September, no costs incurred after that date should be considered major program expenditures. Questioned Costs: Indeterminable. The questioned costs could be considered those indirect costs considered TANF expenditures that were incurred after August 2023. In addition, because the program attendance is used to allocate costs between programs, program attendance after August 2023 may be inappropriate to be considered when allocating those indirect costs to specific programs. Context: Indirect cost allocations are performed once during the year-end closing process by the auditee. Time studies are performed to allocate indirect costs between supporting and program functions. The indirect costs allocated to the program functions are then allocated between individual programs, including federally funded programs, based on the number of participant hours in each program. The time study and program hours used to allocate indirect costs are based on the entire year and not just the major program grant period. In addition, indirect costs that are allocated are incurred during the entire year and not just the major program grant period. Cause: Time and program participation data used to allocate costs are not consistent with the grant period. In addition, the costs that are allocated are not consistent with the grant period. Effect: The single annual allocation of costs means that costs incurred outside the major program grant/budget period are being allocated to the major program. In addition, allocation base data from outside the grant/budget period is being used as a base for the indirect cost allocation. Repeat Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend the auditee perform indirect cost allocations so that the costs and allocation base align with the grant/budget period. Performing the allocation of indirect costs annually may not create an equitable allocation at the individual program level. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We agree that the allocation being performed once annually does not create the most equitable allocation of costs between our individual programs. We will perform our indirect cost allocations more periodically during the course of the fiscal year to ensure that more appropriate times studies and applicable participant hours are being utilized to limit the potential of allocating unrelated indirect costs from the year to individual programs, including the federally funded programs.
Federal agency: All agencies in the SEFA Assistance Listing Number: See SEFA Award Period: 01/01/2023 to 12/31/2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: The compliance requirements for Federal Assistance Number 93.558 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Programs includes a Period of Performance element. The compliance requirement related to period of performance is that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period (also identified as the grant 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 (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). Condition: Allocations of indirect costs are performed once during the year-end closing process based on time study data for the entire year, and when program attendance data for programs that are ran for various increments throughout the year is available. The TANF grant period that was tested as a major program was December 2022 – August 2023. As the grant period ended in September, no costs incurred after that date should be considered major program expenditures. Questioned Costs: Indeterminable. The questioned costs could be considered those indirect costs considered TANF expenditures that were incurred after August 2023. In addition, because the program attendance is used to allocate costs between programs, program attendance after August 2023 may be inappropriate to be considered when allocating those indirect costs to specific programs. Context: Indirect cost allocations are performed once during the year-end closing process by the auditee. Time studies are performed to allocate indirect costs between supporting and program functions. The indirect costs allocated to the program functions are then allocated between individual programs, including federally funded programs, based on the number of participant hours in each program. The time study and program hours used to allocate indirect costs are based on the entire year and not just the major program grant period. In addition, indirect costs that are allocated are incurred during the entire year and not just the major program grant period. Cause: Time and program participation data used to allocate costs are not consistent with the grant period. In addition, the costs that are allocated are not consistent with the grant period. Effect: The single annual allocation of costs means that costs incurred outside the major program grant/budget period are being allocated to the major program. In addition, allocation base data from outside the grant/budget period is being used as a base for the indirect cost allocation. Repeat Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend the auditee perform indirect cost allocations so that the costs and allocation base align with the grant/budget period. Performing the allocation of indirect costs annually may not create an equitable allocation at the individual program level. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We agree that the allocation being performed once annually does not create the most equitable allocation of costs between our individual programs. We will perform our indirect cost allocations more periodically during the course of the fiscal year to ensure that more appropriate times studies and applicable participant hours are being utilized to limit the potential of allocating unrelated indirect costs from the year to individual programs, including the federally funded programs.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: H49MC00119‐19‐00 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2018‐2020 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, under 2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)), the Organization may charge 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. Condition: The Organization lacked supporting documentation for non‐payroll expenses. Due to lack of supporting documentation, period of performance could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) nonpayroll transactions examined, ten (10) lacked supporting documentation for review, and 1 expense was for services performed in a prior period. Effect: Management possibly did not expend funds in accordance with the approved detailed lineitem budget and grant agreement and possibly expended funds in the incorrect period of performance. Cause: Expenses including approved invoices and/or supporting documentation were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $7,674 and likely questioned costs of $34,117 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend that internal controls be strengthened and processes implemented to ensure all expenses include supporting documentation/invoice indicating period of performance.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: H49MC00119‐19‐00 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2018‐2020 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, under 2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)), the Organization may charge 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. Condition: The Organization lacked supporting documentation for non‐payroll expenses. Due to lack of supporting documentation, period of performance could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) nonpayroll transactions examined, ten (10) lacked supporting documentation for review, and 1 expense was for services performed in a prior period. Effect: Management possibly did not expend funds in accordance with the approved detailed lineitem budget and grant agreement and possibly expended funds in the incorrect period of performance. Cause: Expenses including approved invoices and/or supporting documentation were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned costs: Known questioned costs of $7,674 and likely questioned costs of $34,117 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend that internal controls be strengthened and processes implemented to ensure all expenses include supporting documentation/invoice indicating period of performance.
Federal Agency: Department of Justice Federal Assistance Listing Number: 16.756 Program: Court Appointed Special Advocates Award Number: 15JDP-21-GK-02762-CASA Criteria: The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR §200.403 states that for costs to be allowable under federal awards, they must be adequately documented and there must be sufficient documentation. “Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under federal awards: a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the federal award as to types or amount of cost items. c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally financed and other activities of the non-federal entity. d) Be accorded consistent treatment. A cost may not be assigned to a federal award as a direct cost if any other cost incurred for the same purpose in like circumstances has been allocated to the federal award as an indirect cost. e) Be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), except, for state and local governments and Indian tribes only, as otherwise provided for in this part. f) Not be included as a cost or used to meet cost sharing or matching requirements of any other federally financed program in either the current or a prior period. See also §200.306(b). g) Be adequately documented. See also §200.300 through §200.309. h) Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to §200.308(e)(3).” Condition: National CASA/GAL allocated expenditures to programs during 2023 based on a direct allocation methodology. This allocation is done manually, and the support was inconsistently maintained. During our testing of costs (excluding salaries), we noted in accordance with §200.403(g) that: • 4 of 60 transactions was partially charged in the incorrect fiscal period, though within the period of performance. The cost of these 4 transactions were $5,246. • 2 of 60 transactions had an error in the allocation rate utilized. The cost of these 8 transactions were $33. • 4 of 60 transactions lacked documentation of review and approval of the allocation of costs made through journal entries. Cause: National CASA/GAL did not have procedures in place to document, and maintain the documentation of, the review and approval of the allocation methodology and the allocation of costs (journal entries). Effect or Potential Effect: Without adequate controls in place to ensure costs are allowable and reimbursable, including controls over review of allocation methodologies, National CASA/GAL could incorrectly charge expenditures to the federal programs. Known Questioned Costs: $5,279 Likely Questioned Costs: $131,271 Context: This is a condition identified per review of National CASA/GAL’s compliance with specified requirements not using a statistically valid sample. Nonpayroll costs in 2023 were $3,612,154. The sample tested consisted of 60 transactions totaling $145,247. Questioned costs consist of amounts lacking underlying support or amounts in excess of supported allocations. Identification as a Repeat Finding: 2022-004 and 2022-008. Recommendation: We recommend that policies and procedures be updated to ensure underlying support, as well as support for allocations, is appropriately maintained as required by §200.403. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding that documentation of support and allocation of costs should be maintained. Policies and procedures were enhanced in 2023 and through 2024 to ensure compliance.