2023-012 Equipment and Real Property Management (Material Noncompliance, Material Weakness in Internal Controls over Compliance) Federal Program Information Federal Award Title and ALN: Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program, 20.509 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of the Transportation Pass-Through Entity: New Mexico Department of Transportation Federal Award ID Number: N/A Federal Award Year: 2023 Condition - The County was not able to provide a complete and accurate equipment listing tracking items purchased with federal funding nor did the County conduct a physical inventory. Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2), a physical inventory of program property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every 2 years. Cause - The County is not following policy and procedures to ensure that equipment purchased with federal funds is maintained and tracked and the County performing a physical inventory at a minimum of every two years. Effect - The County could dispose of or lose federally funded equipment without following federal guidelines. Auditor’s Recommendation - The auditor recommends the County enhance the design of its control activities and policies and procedures should be developed to ensure physical inventories are taken at least once every two years and that they create a tool to assist in tracking and maintaining equipment purchased with federal funds. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action - The County will enhance the control activities and procedures to ensure physical inventories are taken at least every two years and will track and maintain equipment purchased with federal funds. Responsible Official – Andrea Montoya, Deputy County Manager and Robert Placencio, Finance Director Timeline and Estimated Completion Date –This will be a documented procedure by August 31, 2024. The County will have a physical inventory completed by December 31, 2024.
2023-012 Equipment and Real Property Management (Material Noncompliance, Material Weakness in Internal Controls over Compliance) Federal Program Information Federal Award Title and ALN: Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program, 20.509 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of the Transportation Pass-Through Entity: New Mexico Department of Transportation Federal Award ID Number: N/A Federal Award Year: 2023 Condition - The County was not able to provide a complete and accurate equipment listing tracking items purchased with federal funding nor did the County conduct a physical inventory. Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2), a physical inventory of program property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every 2 years. Cause - The County is not following policy and procedures to ensure that equipment purchased with federal funds is maintained and tracked and the County performing a physical inventory at a minimum of every two years. Effect - The County could dispose of or lose federally funded equipment without following federal guidelines. Auditor’s Recommendation - The auditor recommends the County enhance the design of its control activities and policies and procedures should be developed to ensure physical inventories are taken at least once every two years and that they create a tool to assist in tracking and maintaining equipment purchased with federal funds. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action - The County will enhance the control activities and procedures to ensure physical inventories are taken at least every two years and will track and maintain equipment purchased with federal funds. Responsible Official – Andrea Montoya, Deputy County Manager and Robert Placencio, Finance Director Timeline and Estimated Completion Date –This will be a documented procedure by August 31, 2024. The County will have a physical inventory completed by December 31, 2024.
Equipment/Real Property Management Federal Award Identification Assistance Listing Program Title: Formula Grants for Rural Areas Assistance Listing Program Number: 20.509 Federal Award ID Number and Year: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Pass-Through Entity: Nebraska Department of Transportation Criteria Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property (2 CFR 200.313(d)(1)). A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years (2 CFR 200.313(d)(2)). A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property (2 CFR 200.313(d)(3)). Condition The Organization lacked certain required elements on its vehicle listing. The Organization failed to adequately document the performance of the required physical inventory. The Organization’s vehicles were taken for personal, non-business usage. Repeat Finding Yes: 2022-006. Cause Procedures within the Organization were inadequate to ensure that required elements are regularly updated on its vehicle listing; that the physical inventory count and reconciliation is documented; and that vehicles are only used for allowable activities. Effect or Potential Effect Federal interests in property are lost or inadequately tracked. Questioned Costs No. Statistical Sample No. Context Nebraska Department of Transportation provides its subrecipients with an online portal through which, among other things, a vehicle listing is kept. The auditor obtained this vehicle listing, noting that most of the elements required by 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) were present, however, out of the seven federally-funded vehicles on the listing: - Two were missing the FAIN (VINs *8494 and *2891). - One had a total purchase price of $63,670, whereas source documentation suggested a total purchase price of $103,475 (VIN *2891). - One was missing a purchase price. Source documentation suggested a total purchase price of $36,231 (VIN *2472). - One had an acquisition date of 9/30/2019, whereas source documentation suggested an acquisition date of 2/25/2020 (VIN *2891). Management indicates that a physical inventory is performed nightly with all vehicles, however, no documentation exists to prove that this was performed during the audit period. As is reported in a letter from the APA to the Organization and grantors dated August 7, 2023 (previously discussed above in Finding 2023-002), the former Executive Director of the Organization is known to have taken Organizational vehicles for non-business usage. Recommendation We recommend the Organization establish a system of internal control consisting of policies and procedures whereby the individual maintaining vehicle listings is different from the individual updating the Nebraska Department of Transportation online portal. Additionally, we recommend the Organization track all Federally-required elements along with its own internal data points (such as bus number and depreciation system number) in one consolidated listing. Further, we recommend that a policy be instituted whereby a physical inventory and related reconciliation is performed annually on June 30, with the results being documented, reviewed, and approved by appropriate personnel. Views of Responsible Officials See Corrective Action Plan, below.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context A property record or capital asset listing which would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property is to be maintained for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The School Corporation maintained a detailed listing of capital assets; however, the asset records provided for audit did not include three of the six assets paid for with federal funds. The School Corporation utilized COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund awards, totaling $153,484, to purchase an air handler unit, a generator, planter equipment, auto pilot software, a carpet cleaner, and a floor cleaner. The software, carpet cleaner, and floor cleaner were not included in the capital asset records. Additionally, the capital asset listing provided did not identify which assets were purchased with federal dollars, a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sales price of the property. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars were not properly added to the School Corporation's asset listing. In addition, assets on the listing did not denote whether federal funds were used to acquire the asset and did not include a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information and new assets are added. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context A property record or capital asset listing which would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property is to be maintained for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The School Corporation maintained a detailed listing of capital assets; however, the asset records provided for audit did not include three of the six assets paid for with federal funds. The School Corporation utilized COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund awards, totaling $153,484, to purchase an air handler unit, a generator, planter equipment, auto pilot software, a carpet cleaner, and a floor cleaner. The software, carpet cleaner, and floor cleaner were not included in the capital asset records. Additionally, the capital asset listing provided did not identify which assets were purchased with federal dollars, a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sales price of the property. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars were not properly added to the School Corporation's asset listing. In addition, assets on the listing did not denote whether federal funds were used to acquire the asset and did not include a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information and new assets are added. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context A property record or capital asset listing which would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property is to be maintained for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The School Corporation maintained a detailed listing of capital assets; however, the asset records provided for audit did not include three of the six assets paid for with federal funds. The School Corporation utilized COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund awards, totaling $153,484, to purchase an air handler unit, a generator, planter equipment, auto pilot software, a carpet cleaner, and a floor cleaner. The software, carpet cleaner, and floor cleaner were not included in the capital asset records. Additionally, the capital asset listing provided did not identify which assets were purchased with federal dollars, a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sales price of the property. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars were not properly added to the School Corporation's asset listing. In addition, assets on the listing did not denote whether federal funds were used to acquire the asset and did not include a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information and new assets are added. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context A property record or capital asset listing which would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property is to be maintained for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The School Corporation maintained a detailed listing of capital assets; however, the asset records provided for audit did not include three of the six assets paid for with federal funds. The School Corporation utilized COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund awards, totaling $153,484, to purchase an air handler unit, a generator, planter equipment, auto pilot software, a carpet cleaner, and a floor cleaner. The software, carpet cleaner, and floor cleaner were not included in the capital asset records. Additionally, the capital asset listing provided did not identify which assets were purchased with federal dollars, a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sales price of the property. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars were not properly added to the School Corporation's asset listing. In addition, assets on the listing did not denote whether federal funds were used to acquire the asset and did not include a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information and new assets are added. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context A property record or capital asset listing which would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property is to be maintained for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The School Corporation maintained a detailed listing of capital assets; however, the asset records provided for audit did not include three of the six assets paid for with federal funds. The School Corporation utilized COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund awards, totaling $153,484, to purchase an air handler unit, a generator, planter equipment, auto pilot software, a carpet cleaner, and a floor cleaner. The software, carpet cleaner, and floor cleaner were not included in the capital asset records. Additionally, the capital asset listing provided did not identify which assets were purchased with federal dollars, a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sales price of the property. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars were not properly added to the School Corporation's asset listing. In addition, assets on the listing did not denote whether federal funds were used to acquire the asset and did not include a serial number or other identification number, who holds title, the location of the asset, nor the use and condition of the property. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information and new assets are added. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide to them a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold through June 30, 2023. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to ensure the listing was complete, nor was there any documentation that differences between the compiled asset report and the School Corporation's equipment records were reviewed and resolved. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Additionally, a property record or capital asset listing would include the following for each asset: a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property is to be maintained for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. During the audit period, the School Corporation completed an improvement project totaling $1,738,356 with ESSER funds. This improvement project was not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide the capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards were properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, assets purchased with federal dollars, ESSER funds, were not properly added to the School Corporation's asset listing. In addition, assets on the listing did not denote whether federal funds were used to acquire or dispose the asset, nor were any discrepancies in the records reconciled. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide to them a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold through June 30, 2023. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to ensure the listing was complete, nor was there any documentation that differences between the compiled asset report and the School Corporation's equipment records were reviewed and resolved. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Additionally, a property record or capital asset listing would include the following for each asset: a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property is to be maintained for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. During the audit period, the School Corporation completed an improvement project totaling $1,738,356 with ESSER funds. This improvement project was not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide the capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards were properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, assets purchased with federal dollars, ESSER funds, were not properly added to the School Corporation's asset listing. In addition, assets on the listing did not denote whether federal funds were used to acquire or dispose the asset, nor were any discrepancies in the records reconciled. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FA 2023-001 Improve Controls over Equipment Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Number and Title: COVID – 19 - 84.425D –Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Number: S425D210012 (Year: 2021) Questioned Costs: None Identified Description: The policies and procedures of the School District were insufficient to provide adequate internal controls over equipment and real property management as it relates to the Education Stabilization Fund. Background Information: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including providing additional funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Provisions included in Title VIII of the CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund to provide financial resources to educational entities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The CARES Act allocated $30.75 billion, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act allocated an additional $81.9 billion, and the American Rescue Plan Act added $165.1 billion in funding to the Education Stabilization Fund. Multiple Education Stabilization Fund subprograms were created and allotted funding through the various COVID-19-related legislation. Of these programs, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was created to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. ESSER funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. ESSER funds totaling $1,767,384.12 were expended and reported on the Lamar County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2023. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.313(d)(1) state, “Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.” In addition, the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.313(d)(2) states, “A physical inventory of the property must be taken, and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years.” Condition: The following deficiencies were noted when reviewing the Education Stabilization Fund program equipment listing and physically locating equipment items: • The School District did not adequately maintain a listing of equipment purchased. • There was no evidence that a physical inventory had been performed in either the current year or the previous year. • Though the School District compiled an equipment listing after requested by auditors, the School District did not tag equipment purchased with an identifying number. Cause: In discussing this deficiency with the School District, they stated that the cause was a direct result of the lack of time and resources to conduct an inventory and maintain a listing. Effect or Potential Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment listing and reconcile results of a physical inventory performed to the property records exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of equipment and/or federal funds. Recommendation: The School District should develop and maintain an equipment listing that reflects all required information, including a description, an identifying number, the source of funding, the title holder, the acquisition date, the cost, the percentage of federal participation in the project costs, the location, the use and condition, and any ultimate disposal data for each piece of equipment. In addition, management should implement controls to ensure that a complete physical inventory of equipment is performed, and the results are reconciled back to the equipment listing at least once every two years. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.
Finding 2023-002 – Inaccurate Property Management Records Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) U.S. Department of Education (USDE) U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD) U.S. Department of Interior (USDOI) U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) U.S. Department of State (USDOS) U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) U.S. Director of National Intelligence (USDNI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) National Science Foundation (NSF) U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) All Pass-Through Entities Program Name: Research and Development Cluster ALN # and Program Expenditures: Various ($508,850,558) Federal Award Numbers: Various – See schedule of award numbers Federal Award Year: Various – See schedule of award numbers Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Equipment Type of Finding: Noncompliance and material weakness Condition Found The University did not consistently follow its property management policies and procedures related to maintaining accurate property management records for equipment purchased with federal R&D Cluster program awards. The University conducts research at multiple locations throughout its campus where equipment purchased with federal awards is utilized and maintained. The University identifies all equipment in its property management records with individually assigned asset numbers and each individual asset record includes the specific location of the asset, the federal award general ledger account number which funded the purchase of the asset, and other required information. An asset tag with the assigned asset number is affixed to each asset in accordance with University policy. The University is required to safeguard equipment purchased with federal awards, maintain current property records, and to perform a physical inventory of equipment purchased with federal awards on a biennial basis. During our physical observation of 60 pieces of equipment (with a net book value (NBV) of $224,269) purchased with federal R&D Cluster awards, we noted eight items (with a NBV totaling $0) selected for physical observation were not able to be located for our testing. In response to the exceptions identified in our audit procedures, the University performed a physical inventory of all of its federally funded equipment in January 2024, which identified an additional 1,006 equipment items (with a NBV of $1,726,897) that could not be located, of which 839 were fully depreciated. University management believes these items were disposed of but not appropriately removed from the property records and federal equipment listing. As of June 30, 2023, the University’s federal equipment listing included 6,270 assets (with a NBV of $61,390,724) purchased with R&D Cluster program awards. We also noted the University’s controls for equipment dispositions are not operating at an appropriate level of precision to ensure equipment dispositions are properly authorized and property management records are updated on a timely basis. Criteria According to 2 CFR 200.313(d)(1), property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Per 2 CFR 200.313(d)(3) and (4), a control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property and adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that accurate property records are maintained and equipment items are properly tagged. Cause In discussing these conditions with University officials, they stated the decentralized nature of the equipment recordkeeping process can result in delayed reporting of asset disposals. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to maintain accurate property records may prohibit the University from properly safeguarding and maintaining equipment and may result in federal programs not receiving the appropriate share of proceeds from the disposals of equipment purchased with federal funds. Repeat Finding A similar finding was reported in the prior year audit as finding number 2022-002. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University review its procedures for updating property records to ensure they accurately reflect equipment information. Views of University Officials The University concurs with the finding and has begun to address these concerns. As noted in the finding, the University conducted a full federal equipment inventory in January 2024 and updated property records to ensure accuracy of federally funded equipment.