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.
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.