2023-002 – Equipment Management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Pass-through entities and ID Number: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition The University has a process in place whereby a third-party is engaged to scan all equipment (federal and nonfederal) across their 3 campuses every two years. The third-party does not have a detailed listing when performing their inventory and thus the University must reconcile what was located by the thirdparty to their detailed equipment listing and understand why certain items were not located. If not located, follow-up is performed on an asset-by-asset basis by the University requesting the custodian of the asset confirm the equipment is on-hand. While we University provided evidence of the third-party inventory being performed, including a related manual reconciliation process, we were unable to obtain an aggregated reconciliation between the University equipment records and the third-party inventory results that included all follow-up information as the process is currently manual and disaggregated. Additionally, when scanning through the detailed listing of federal assets, certain equipment was noted to have an inventory date outside of the past 2 years. Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that a physical inventory of equipment acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. Cause The University’s process for reviewing third-party equipment inventory results and conducting follow-up is manual, which can cause delays. Additionally, an aggregated reconciliation is not maintained, which can result in an incomplete or inaccurate inventory listing. Effect The lack of a formal reconciliation may result in incomplete equipment inventory records and/or certain assets not being physically inspected within the required 2-year period. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University update their policies and procedures to require an aggregated reconciliation be maintained between third-party equipment inventory results and University equipment records. Additionally, the University should develop a more automated approach to resolving discrepancies between the third-party equipment inventory results and the federally funded equipment listing, rather than utilizing a manual process, which can cause delays. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings
2023-002 – Equipment Management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Pass-through entities and ID Number: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition The University has a process in place whereby a third-party is engaged to scan all equipment (federal and nonfederal) across their 3 campuses every two years. The third-party does not have a detailed listing when performing their inventory and thus the University must reconcile what was located by the thirdparty to their detailed equipment listing and understand why certain items were not located. If not located, follow-up is performed on an asset-by-asset basis by the University requesting the custodian of the asset confirm the equipment is on-hand. While we University provided evidence of the third-party inventory being performed, including a related manual reconciliation process, we were unable to obtain an aggregated reconciliation between the University equipment records and the third-party inventory results that included all follow-up information as the process is currently manual and disaggregated. Additionally, when scanning through the detailed listing of federal assets, certain equipment was noted to have an inventory date outside of the past 2 years. Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that a physical inventory of equipment acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. Cause The University’s process for reviewing third-party equipment inventory results and conducting follow-up is manual, which can cause delays. Additionally, an aggregated reconciliation is not maintained, which can result in an incomplete or inaccurate inventory listing. Effect The lack of a formal reconciliation may result in incomplete equipment inventory records and/or certain assets not being physically inspected within the required 2-year period. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University update their policies and procedures to require an aggregated reconciliation be maintained between third-party equipment inventory results and University equipment records. Additionally, the University should develop a more automated approach to resolving discrepancies between the third-party equipment inventory results and the federally funded equipment listing, rather than utilizing a manual process, which can cause delays. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings
2023-002 – Equipment Management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Pass-through entities and ID Number: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition The University has a process in place whereby a third-party is engaged to scan all equipment (federal and nonfederal) across their 3 campuses every two years. The third-party does not have a detailed listing when performing their inventory and thus the University must reconcile what was located by the thirdparty to their detailed equipment listing and understand why certain items were not located. If not located, follow-up is performed on an asset-by-asset basis by the University requesting the custodian of the asset confirm the equipment is on-hand. While we University provided evidence of the third-party inventory being performed, including a related manual reconciliation process, we were unable to obtain an aggregated reconciliation between the University equipment records and the third-party inventory results that included all follow-up information as the process is currently manual and disaggregated. Additionally, when scanning through the detailed listing of federal assets, certain equipment was noted to have an inventory date outside of the past 2 years. Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that a physical inventory of equipment acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. Cause The University’s process for reviewing third-party equipment inventory results and conducting follow-up is manual, which can cause delays. Additionally, an aggregated reconciliation is not maintained, which can result in an incomplete or inaccurate inventory listing. Effect The lack of a formal reconciliation may result in incomplete equipment inventory records and/or certain assets not being physically inspected within the required 2-year period. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University update their policies and procedures to require an aggregated reconciliation be maintained between third-party equipment inventory results and University equipment records. Additionally, the University should develop a more automated approach to resolving discrepancies between the third-party equipment inventory results and the federally funded equipment listing, rather than utilizing a manual process, which can cause delays. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings
2023-002 – Equipment Management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Pass-through entities and ID Number: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition The University has a process in place whereby a third-party is engaged to scan all equipment (federal and nonfederal) across their 3 campuses every two years. The third-party does not have a detailed listing when performing their inventory and thus the University must reconcile what was located by the thirdparty to their detailed equipment listing and understand why certain items were not located. If not located, follow-up is performed on an asset-by-asset basis by the University requesting the custodian of the asset confirm the equipment is on-hand. While we University provided evidence of the third-party inventory being performed, including a related manual reconciliation process, we were unable to obtain an aggregated reconciliation between the University equipment records and the third-party inventory results that included all follow-up information as the process is currently manual and disaggregated. Additionally, when scanning through the detailed listing of federal assets, certain equipment was noted to have an inventory date outside of the past 2 years. Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that a physical inventory of equipment acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. Cause The University’s process for reviewing third-party equipment inventory results and conducting follow-up is manual, which can cause delays. Additionally, an aggregated reconciliation is not maintained, which can result in an incomplete or inaccurate inventory listing. Effect The lack of a formal reconciliation may result in incomplete equipment inventory records and/or certain assets not being physically inspected within the required 2-year period. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University update their policies and procedures to require an aggregated reconciliation be maintained between third-party equipment inventory results and University equipment records. Additionally, the University should develop a more automated approach to resolving discrepancies between the third-party equipment inventory results and the federally funded equipment listing, rather than utilizing a manual process, which can cause delays. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings
2023-002 – Equipment Management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Pass-through entities and ID Number: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition The University has a process in place whereby a third-party is engaged to scan all equipment (federal and nonfederal) across their 3 campuses every two years. The third-party does not have a detailed listing when performing their inventory and thus the University must reconcile what was located by the thirdparty to their detailed equipment listing and understand why certain items were not located. If not located, follow-up is performed on an asset-by-asset basis by the University requesting the custodian of the asset confirm the equipment is on-hand. While we University provided evidence of the third-party inventory being performed, including a related manual reconciliation process, we were unable to obtain an aggregated reconciliation between the University equipment records and the third-party inventory results that included all follow-up information as the process is currently manual and disaggregated. Additionally, when scanning through the detailed listing of federal assets, certain equipment was noted to have an inventory date outside of the past 2 years. Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that a physical inventory of equipment acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. Cause The University’s process for reviewing third-party equipment inventory results and conducting follow-up is manual, which can cause delays. Additionally, an aggregated reconciliation is not maintained, which can result in an incomplete or inaccurate inventory listing. Effect The lack of a formal reconciliation may result in incomplete equipment inventory records and/or certain assets not being physically inspected within the required 2-year period. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University update their policies and procedures to require an aggregated reconciliation be maintained between third-party equipment inventory results and University equipment records. Additionally, the University should develop a more automated approach to resolving discrepancies between the third-party equipment inventory results and the federally funded equipment listing, rather than utilizing a manual process, which can cause delays. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023-001 – Equipment management Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”) Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Award Year: FY2023 Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment Condition University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost, asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted, however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of federal equipment each year. We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect identification information as follows: • 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits • 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system • 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing Criteria 2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things, a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. Cause Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded equipment only. Effect The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in incomplete equipment inventory records. Questioned Costs There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Recommendation We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be provided when necessary. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.