Condition: The Organization’s written policies and procedures related to financial management and procurement do not meet the requirements of 2 CFR 200, Subpart D and Subpart E. Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.302.b and 2 CFR Section 200.305 of the Uniform Guidance, the Organization is required to have a written financial management policy. Additionally, according to 2 CFR Section 200.317 – 200.326, the Organization is required to have a written procurement policy. Cause: The Organization was unaware of requirements regarding policies and procedures outlined in the Uniform Guidance. Effect: Written policies necessary for non-Federal entities receiving federal funds were not in place. Repeat Finding: No Questioned Costs: None reported Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their written policies and procedures that meet the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: We concur with the auditor’s finding and will update the Organization’s written policies and procedures for the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Finding: Procurement Assistance Listing No. 21.027 COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds U.S. Department of The Treasury pass through from Jefferson County and Signal Behavioral Health Network Award Year: 2023 Award Number: Not Provided Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.318, non-Federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. The Organizations procurement policy requires for Small purchases between $10,000 and $250,000. Competitive price quotes must be obtained to allow for full and open competition. a. A written solicitation including specs will be prepared and prices (might also include quality, delivery, geographical preference) obtained from multiple sources (preferably three or more) either by providing specs to the vendors or researching vendor prices (ex. internet search, vendor pricing list, verbal quotes). b. The price quotes will remain confidential before the award. c. Quotes will be evaluated by the business office and awarded based on price and the factors identified in the original request for quotes. d. Ensure all vendors receive the same information about the products or services and any special need that could affect the price. e. Check vendors for federal disbarment or suspension. Condition: During our procurement testing, we identified that the Organization did not obtain price quotes related to the purchase of $193,378 which fell within the small purchases threshold. Questioned Costs: $193,378 Context: We tested the Organizations one small purchase procurement which occurred during fiscal year 2023 in the amount of $193,978 and noted the above issue. A nonstatistical sampling methodology was used to select the sample. Effect: The Organization was not in compliance with its procurement policies and the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization did not have adequate documentation to support the Organizations procurement decisions. Identification as a repeat finding: Not a repeat finding Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization follow its procurement procedures for the acquisition of property or services as required under a Federal award or sub-award. Views of responsible officials: The Organization agrees with the finding. See separate report for planned corrective actions.
Finding: Procurement Assistance Listing No. 21.027 COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds U.S. Department of The Treasury pass through from Jefferson County and Signal Behavioral Health Network Award Year: 2023 Award Number: Not Provided Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.318, non-Federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. The Organizations procurement policy requires for Small purchases between $10,000 and $250,000. Competitive price quotes must be obtained to allow for full and open competition. a. A written solicitation including specs will be prepared and prices (might also include quality, delivery, geographical preference) obtained from multiple sources (preferably three or more) either by providing specs to the vendors or researching vendor prices (ex. internet search, vendor pricing list, verbal quotes). b. The price quotes will remain confidential before the award. c. Quotes will be evaluated by the business office and awarded based on price and the factors identified in the original request for quotes. d. Ensure all vendors receive the same information about the products or services and any special need that could affect the price. e. Check vendors for federal disbarment or suspension. Condition: During our procurement testing, we identified that the Organization did not obtain price quotes related to the purchase of $193,378 which fell within the small purchases threshold. Questioned Costs: $193,378 Context: We tested the Organizations one small purchase procurement which occurred during fiscal year 2023 in the amount of $193,978 and noted the above issue. A nonstatistical sampling methodology was used to select the sample. Effect: The Organization was not in compliance with its procurement policies and the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization did not have adequate documentation to support the Organizations procurement decisions. Identification as a repeat finding: Not a repeat finding Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization follow its procurement procedures for the acquisition of property or services as required under a Federal award or sub-award. Views of responsible officials: The Organization agrees with the finding. See separate report for planned corrective actions.
Assistance Listings number and name: 14.267 Continuum of Care Program Award number and year: AZ9999U9T002101, February 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance requirement: Procurement Questioned costs: Unknown Condition—Contrary to federal regulations, the Department’s policies and procedures did not include provisions required by the federal regulations, and the Department did not retain documentation to support procurement actions for 2 vendors we tested. Specifically, the Department’s policies and procedures did not require procurement transactions to be documented or conducted in a manner providing full and open competition. Further, the Department did not include items required by federal regulations such as contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms; domestic preferences for procurements; procurement of recovered materials; and required federal contract provisions. Further, the Department paid the 2 vendors we tested $257,165 for administrative support services during fiscal year 2023 without retaining procurement action documentation such as requests for proposals, contracts, or other documents demonstrating the Department’s compliance with federal procurement requirements. Effect—The Department’s policies and procedures not complying with federal regulations and not maintaining documentation of its procurement actions increased the Department’s risk of not: • Receiving the most advantageous prices for the goods and services purchased with federal monies. • Considering eligible small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms as potential vendors. • Giving preference to procure goods, products, and materials produced in the United States. • Considering purchasing products or services that can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Finally, the Department is at risk that this finding applies to other federal programs it administers. Cause—The Department did not establish and maintain effective internal control over the program’s procurement requirements that provided reasonable assurance that it was managing the program’s awards in compliance with federal regulations. Department management reported that because the Department does not have to comply with State procurement requirements, they did not think about and consider federal regulations when developing written procurement policies and procedures and procuring program services for federal awards.1 Further, Department management reported they have no record of when the Department awarded the administrative service contracts because the contracts are at least 15 years old, and the records are either not accessible in storage or were destroyed. Criteria—Federal regulations require the Department to follow the same policies and procedures it uses for nonfederal procurements and to retain all records related to a federal program, including procurement action documentation, for a period of 3 years from the date the program’s final report was submitted to the federal awarding agency or pass-through grantor (2 CFR §§ 200.317 and 200.334). Federal regulations also require the Department to comply with procurement standards for contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms; domestic preferences for procurements; and procurement of recovered materials; and ensure that every purchase order or contract includes required federal contract provisions (2 CFR §§200.321, 200.322, 200.323, and 200.327). Further, federal regulation requires establishing and maintaining effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that federal program is being managed in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and award terms (2 CFR §200.303). Recommendations—The Department should: 1. Establish and maintain effective internal control over the program’s procurement requirements by updating its written policies and procedures to: a. Retain procurement action documentation for a period of 3 years from the date the program’s final report was submitted to the federal awarding agency. b. Require full and open competition using requests for competitively bid proposals. Alternatively, document each sole source procurement only after conducting a good-faith search for available sources and concluding there is only a single source and include it in the contract file. c. Document compliance with procurement standards for contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms; domestic preferences for procurements; and procurement of recovered materials. d. Ensure that every purchase order or contract includes required federal contract provisions. 2. Retain procurement action documentation when procuring property and services using federal funds in accordance with federal records retention requirements, ensuring compliance with federal procurement requirements. The State’s corrective action plan at the end of this report includes the views and planned corrective action of its responsible officials. We are not required to audit and have not audited these responses and planned corrective actions and therefore provide no assurances as to their accuracy. 1 The Department is exempt from following the State’s procurement code (Arizona Revised Statutes §41-3953[D]).
Assistance Listings number and name: 14.267 Continuum of Care Program Award number and year: AZ9999U9T002101, February 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance requirement: Procurement Questioned costs: Unknown Condition—Contrary to federal regulations, the Department’s policies and procedures did not include provisions required by the federal regulations, and the Department did not retain documentation to support procurement actions for 2 vendors we tested. Specifically, the Department’s policies and procedures did not require procurement transactions to be documented or conducted in a manner providing full and open competition. Further, the Department did not include items required by federal regulations such as contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms; domestic preferences for procurements; procurement of recovered materials; and required federal contract provisions. Further, the Department paid the 2 vendors we tested $257,165 for administrative support services during fiscal year 2023 without retaining procurement action documentation such as requests for proposals, contracts, or other documents demonstrating the Department’s compliance with federal procurement requirements. Effect—The Department’s policies and procedures not complying with federal regulations and not maintaining documentation of its procurement actions increased the Department’s risk of not: • Receiving the most advantageous prices for the goods and services purchased with federal monies. • Considering eligible small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms as potential vendors. • Giving preference to procure goods, products, and materials produced in the United States. • Considering purchasing products or services that can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Finally, the Department is at risk that this finding applies to other federal programs it administers. Cause—The Department did not establish and maintain effective internal control over the program’s procurement requirements that provided reasonable assurance that it was managing the program’s awards in compliance with federal regulations. Department management reported that because the Department does not have to comply with State procurement requirements, they did not think about and consider federal regulations when developing written procurement policies and procedures and procuring program services for federal awards.1 Further, Department management reported they have no record of when the Department awarded the administrative service contracts because the contracts are at least 15 years old, and the records are either not accessible in storage or were destroyed. Criteria—Federal regulations require the Department to follow the same policies and procedures it uses for nonfederal procurements and to retain all records related to a federal program, including procurement action documentation, for a period of 3 years from the date the program’s final report was submitted to the federal awarding agency or pass-through grantor (2 CFR §§ 200.317 and 200.334). Federal regulations also require the Department to comply with procurement standards for contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms; domestic preferences for procurements; and procurement of recovered materials; and ensure that every purchase order or contract includes required federal contract provisions (2 CFR §§200.321, 200.322, 200.323, and 200.327). Further, federal regulation requires establishing and maintaining effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that federal program is being managed in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and award terms (2 CFR §200.303). Recommendations—The Department should: 1. Establish and maintain effective internal control over the program’s procurement requirements by updating its written policies and procedures to: a. Retain procurement action documentation for a period of 3 years from the date the program’s final report was submitted to the federal awarding agency. b. Require full and open competition using requests for competitively bid proposals. Alternatively, document each sole source procurement only after conducting a good-faith search for available sources and concluding there is only a single source and include it in the contract file. c. Document compliance with procurement standards for contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms; domestic preferences for procurements; and procurement of recovered materials. d. Ensure that every purchase order or contract includes required federal contract provisions. 2. Retain procurement action documentation when procuring property and services using federal funds in accordance with federal records retention requirements, ensuring compliance with federal procurement requirements. The State’s corrective action plan at the end of this report includes the views and planned corrective action of its responsible officials. We are not required to audit and have not audited these responses and planned corrective actions and therefore provide no assurances as to their accuracy. 1 The Department is exempt from following the State’s procurement code (Arizona Revised Statutes §41-3953[D]).
U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria – The Uniform Guidance, Section 200.303 Internal Controls, requires the non-federal entity establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that awards are being managed in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. As described in the 2023 compliance supplement, Part 3 includes the requirements of uniform guidance and 2 CFR sections 200.317 through 200.326. We consider factors such as the County’s internal controls and the internal controls over compliance requirements and tests as prescribed in 2 CFR section 200.317 through 200.326. Condition – We selected 4 procurements during our review of overall grant activity for the year ended June 30, 2023. We noted the following in our testing: 1 of the 4 procurements tested was not purchased prior to publishing bids within the local newspaper as required by the County’s Procurement Policy. Cause – Due to insufficient controls over the procurement review process (documentation) the controls are not operating as designed (or not properly implemented to prevent, detect and correct errors timely). Effect – Failure to document the required procurement procedures of the grant may result in noncompliance with the County’s policy. Questioned Costs – None reported. Context/Sampling – A nonstatistical sample of 4 out of 18 expenditures subject to procurement requirements were selected for testing, which accounted for $320,725 of $1,131,449 total expenditures subject to procurement requirements. Repeat Finding from Prior Years – No. Recommendation – We recommend that the County review the procurement approval process to determine why the controls failed and to design and implement controls that will prevent, detect and correct this from occurring in the future. View of Responsible Officials – The County will be more diligent in following their procurement policy. The Finance Department and Grants Team will provide training and guidance to ensure all the other County Departments/Offices are aware of the requirements. Additionally, the upcoming move to a new financial system will lend itself to policy updates and business process updates to ensure this will be less likely to happen.
U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria – The Uniform Guidance, Section 200.303 Internal Controls, requires the non-federal entity establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that awards are being managed in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. As described in the 2023 compliance supplement, Part 3 includes the requirements of uniform guidance and 2 CFR sections 200.317 through 200.326. We consider factors such as the County’s internal controls and the internal controls over compliance requirements and tests as prescribed in 2 CFR section 200.317 through 200.326. Condition – We selected 4 procurements during our review of overall grant activity for the year ended June 30, 2023. We noted the following in our testing: 1 of the 4 procurements tested was not purchased prior to publishing bids within the local newspaper as required by the County’s Procurement Policy. Cause – Due to insufficient controls over the procurement review process (documentation) the controls are not operating as designed (or not properly implemented to prevent, detect and correct errors timely). Effect – Failure to document the required procurement procedures of the grant may result in noncompliance with the County’s policy. Questioned Costs – None reported. Context/Sampling – A nonstatistical sample of 4 out of 18 expenditures subject to procurement requirements were selected for testing, which accounted for $320,725 of $1,131,449 total expenditures subject to procurement requirements. Repeat Finding from Prior Years – No. Recommendation – We recommend that the County review the procurement approval process to determine why the controls failed and to design and implement controls that will prevent, detect and correct this from occurring in the future. View of Responsible Officials – The County will be more diligent in following their procurement policy. The Finance Department and Grants Team will provide training and guidance to ensure all the other County Departments/Offices are aware of the requirements. Additionally, the upcoming move to a new financial system will lend itself to policy updates and business process updates to ensure this will be less likely to happen.
U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria – The Uniform Guidance, Section 200.303 Internal Controls, requires the non-federal entity establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that awards are being managed in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. As described in the 2023 compliance supplement, Part 3 includes the requirements of uniform guidance and 2 CFR sections 200.317 through 200.326. We consider factors such as the County’s internal controls and the internal controls over compliance requirements and tests as prescribed in 2 CFR section 200.317 through 200.326. Condition – We selected 4 procurements during our review of overall grant activity for the year ended June 30, 2023. We noted the following in our testing: 1 of the 4 procurements tested was not purchased prior to publishing bids within the local newspaper as required by the County’s Procurement Policy. Cause – Due to insufficient controls over the procurement review process (documentation) the controls are not operating as designed (or not properly implemented to prevent, detect and correct errors timely). Effect – Failure to document the required procurement procedures of the grant may result in noncompliance with the County’s policy. Questioned Costs – None reported. Context/Sampling – A nonstatistical sample of 4 out of 18 expenditures subject to procurement requirements were selected for testing, which accounted for $320,725 of $1,131,449 total expenditures subject to procurement requirements. Repeat Finding from Prior Years – No. Recommendation – We recommend that the County review the procurement approval process to determine why the controls failed and to design and implement controls that will prevent, detect and correct this from occurring in the future. View of Responsible Officials – The County will be more diligent in following their procurement policy. The Finance Department and Grants Team will provide training and guidance to ensure all the other County Departments/Offices are aware of the requirements. Additionally, the upcoming move to a new financial system will lend itself to policy updates and business process updates to ensure this will be less likely to happen.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
2023-003 Documented Procurement Policy Federal Program - U.S. Department of the Treasury – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ALN 21.027) Federal Award Number - SLFRP0136 Compliance Requirement - Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Criteria - Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.318(a), non-federal entities must use documented procurement procedures that reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations and conform to applicable federal laws and the procurement standards identified in the Uniform Guidance, including those set forth in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - During our audit, we noted that the Organization did not have a documented procurement policy in place that complies with the Uniform Guidance. Cause - The Organization has historically had a low volume of procurement activity and has not formalized written procurement procedures. Effect - Without a documented procurement policy, there is an increased risk that future procurements may not comply with applicable federal requirements, which could result in unallowable costs or other compliance issues. Questioned Costs - None noted. Context - This condition was identified during our testing of internal controls over compliance for the Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment requirement. Although the Organization did not enter into any contracts or purchases during the audit period that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold, the absence of a required policy represents a significant deficiency in internal control over compliance. Recommendation - We recommend that the Organization develop and implement a written procurement policy that complies with 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.318–.327 and ensure that staff are trained on its provisions. View of Responsible Officials - We agree with the finding. The organization lacked a formal procurement policy.
2023-003 Procurement; Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services; Program: Social Services Research and Demonstration (ALN 93.647); Pass-through Entity: N/A; Federal Assistance Identification Number or Pass-Through Numbers: N/A; Federal Award Years: Year ended June 30, 2023; Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance; Other Matter Compliance Finding; Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that each non-Federal entity must "Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award." 2 CFR 200.320 requires that each non-Federal entity must "have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award." Condition: While testing the procurement requirement, we were able to test compensating controls, but noted that internal controls were not properly designed over the procurement requirement. Prior to receiving federal funding beginning in August 2022, the program conducted a request for proposal (RFP) process and began contracting with a vendor. When federal funding was obtained, the vendor was not reevaluated in accordance with the Uniform Guidance to ensure the procurement requirements were being met. In addition, we noted UW Health – Madison’s procurement policy documents do not include all of the information that is required by the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Because the vendor was already in place for the program prior to receiving federal funds, management did not recognize the need to reevaluate the vendor under the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, management also did not recognize the need to include additional information in its procurement policy documents related to the Uniform Guidance. Effect: Without appropriate internal controls, there is an increased risk of noncompliance related to federal funding. Context: We identified and tested one vendor that was direct and material to the program and related to the procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. The sample size was based on guidance from chapter 11 of the AICPA Audit Guide, Government Auditing Standards and Single Audits.Questioned Costs: None. Repeat Finding?: No; Recommendation: While it was determined that the requirements of the Uniform Guidance were met related to the vendor tested, we suggest that management reevaluate all vendors that were previously used prior to receiving federal funding. In addition, we recommend that management update its procurement policies to incorporate the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. View of responsible officials of the auditee: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
Department of Education COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) – Assistance Listing #84.425E, #84.425F #2023-002 – Major Federal Award Finding – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness in Internal Controls over Compliance This is a repeat of prior year finding #2022-002. Conditions: We noted during testing of procurement for the HEERF program (Institutional Aid) that the University’s procurement policy was not being followed. Competitive bids were not obtained for projects over the simplified acquisition threshold. Criteria: Federal regulations 2 CFR Section 200.317- 200.326 provide that the University must have and use documented procurement procedures and follow written standards that promote full and open vendor competition. Methods included in written standards covering the acquisition of property or services under a Federal award or sub-award must be consistent with specific thresholds as set forth in CFR 200.320. There are five allowable procurement methods described in §200.320, depending upon the dollar value of the purchase or contract. Cause/Context: We tested two transactions over the micro purchase threshold. These transactions were subject to the procurement processes required by the Uniform Guidance as it relates to price quotations. We tested two transactions for a vendor over the simplified acquisition threshold. These transactions were not subject to the procurement processes required by the Uniform Guidance as it relates to price quotations and/or competitive bids. Recommendation: Management should review the University’s procurement policy and update appropriately to reference Uniform Guidance and specific purchasing thresholds. The University should ensure that it follows the requirements outlined in its procurement policy in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The University agrees with the recommendations put forth by the auditors. The University will review its current procurement policy to include federal regulations 2 CFR Section 200.317-200.326. Proper oversight will be provided over the procurement process. See also attached Corrective Action Plan.
Department of Education COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) – Assistance Listing #84.425E, #84.425F #2023-002 – Major Federal Award Finding – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness in Internal Controls over Compliance This is a repeat of prior year finding #2022-002. Conditions: We noted during testing of procurement for the HEERF program (Institutional Aid) that the University’s procurement policy was not being followed. Competitive bids were not obtained for projects over the simplified acquisition threshold. Criteria: Federal regulations 2 CFR Section 200.317- 200.326 provide that the University must have and use documented procurement procedures and follow written standards that promote full and open vendor competition. Methods included in written standards covering the acquisition of property or services under a Federal award or sub-award must be consistent with specific thresholds as set forth in CFR 200.320. There are five allowable procurement methods described in §200.320, depending upon the dollar value of the purchase or contract. Cause/Context: We tested two transactions over the micro purchase threshold. These transactions were subject to the procurement processes required by the Uniform Guidance as it relates to price quotations. We tested two transactions for a vendor over the simplified acquisition threshold. These transactions were not subject to the procurement processes required by the Uniform Guidance as it relates to price quotations and/or competitive bids. Recommendation: Management should review the University’s procurement policy and update appropriately to reference Uniform Guidance and specific purchasing thresholds. The University should ensure that it follows the requirements outlined in its procurement policy in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The University agrees with the recommendations put forth by the auditors. The University will review its current procurement policy to include federal regulations 2 CFR Section 200.317-200.326. Proper oversight will be provided over the procurement process. See also attached Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2023-001 PROCUREMENT SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Federal Program: Charter Schools Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.282A Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.318, “The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through 200.327.” Condition The School’s procurement policies do not include wording or procedures to ensure the School is complying with the above standard. Cause A responsible individual is not monitoring Federal regulations to ensure the School’s procurement procedures are properly documented and in line with the regulations. Effect Not documenting these procedures could result in the School completing procurement transactions that are not in compliance with Federal regulations. Recommendation We recommend the School develop a written procurement policy that incorporates the Federal regulations identified above. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The School’s Corrective Action Plan is included on page 22
Identification of Federal Program 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Criteria 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for formal methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. 2 CFR 200.320(b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition thresholf, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require either sealed bids to be publicly solicited or requests for proposal publicized. Non-competitive procurement are only allowed if the purchase is under the micro-purchase threshold, if the item is only available from a single source, if public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation, if the Federal awarding agency or pass through agency expressly authorizes a non-competitive procurement, or if after solicitiation of a number of sources, competition is deemed inadequate. Condition The County did not follow formal procurement procedures related to the purchase of jail camera system. Cause The County followed its internal procurement policies which are less restrictive than formal procurement processes as required under 2 CFR 200.320. Potential Effect Open competition was not insured. Questioned Costs None Context The County followed their modified procurement procedure (PPCO 15.140(1) which allows for direct solicitation of bids from vendors that work with existing technology infrastructure already in place in the County in an effort to reduce cost and waste. As a result, formal procurement processes as required were not followed. Identification of a repeat finding, if applicable This is a new finding for the County Recommendations Formal procurement processes should be followed for all Federal award purchases that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Views of Responsible Officials The County agrees with the finding and will develop a corrective action plan.
Identification of Federal Program 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Criteria 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for formal methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. 2 CFR 200.320(b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition thresholf, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require either sealed bids to be publicly solicited or requests for proposal publicized. Non-competitive procurement are only allowed if the purchase is under the micro-purchase threshold, if the item is only available from a single source, if public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation, if the Federal awarding agency or pass through agency expressly authorizes a non-competitive procurement, or if after solicitiation of a number of sources, competition is deemed inadequate. Condition The County did not follow formal procurement procedures related to the purchase of jail camera system. Cause The County followed its internal procurement policies which are less restrictive than formal procurement processes as required under 2 CFR 200.320. Potential Effect Open competition was not insured. Questioned Costs None Context The County followed their modified procurement procedure (PPCO 15.140(1) which allows for direct solicitation of bids from vendors that work with existing technology infrastructure already in place in the County in an effort to reduce cost and waste. As a result, formal procurement processes as required were not followed. Identification of a repeat finding, if applicable This is a new finding for the County Recommendations Formal procurement processes should be followed for all Federal award purchases that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Views of Responsible Officials The County agrees with the finding and will develop a corrective action plan.
2023-001 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Information on Federal Program Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Grantor: Pennsylvania Department of Education Program: Early Intervention (Philadelphia), Early Intervention (Chester) Assistance Listing #: 84.027, 84.173 Title: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Audit Period: 07/01/2022 – 06/30/2023 Passthrough Numbers: 232-210026, 231-210026, 232-210035, 231-210035 Criteria or Specific Requirement - Procurement guidance is located in sections 2 CFR 200.317-200.326 of Uniform Guidance focusing on increased competition and transparency in the procurement process. There are five general procurement standards covering the purchase of property, supplies and services under the Uniform Guidance as follows: (a) Costs must be reasonable and necessary, (b) must provide for full and open competition, (c) an organization must maintain written standards of conduct covering internal and external conflicts of interest, and (d) the organization must maintain documentation addressing cost and price analysis and vendor selections where applicable based on the method of procurement used. The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement: (a) micro-purchases, (b) small purchases, (c) sealed bids, (d) competitive proposals or (e) sole source. Condition - We noted for all of the eight procurements sampled, Elwyn did not provide a contemporaneously documented written conclusion on the method of each procurement that either demonstrated the procurements were conducted in a manner that provided full and open competition, or documented why noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Elwyn provided their rationale for each of the procurements as part of the audit sample and testing process. Cause - Policies and procedures were not appropriately adhered to sufficiently document rationale and to ensure that procurement method selected was supported. Effect or Potential Effect - Written documentation insufficiently detailing the method and conclusions involved in procurement decisions, impacts the ability to demonstrate that full and open competition occurred, or that noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Questioned Costs - None Context - We tested a sample of eight procurement transactions and noted that the Organization did not maintain contemporaneously written documentation and conclusions as required by its procurement policy for the selected items. Repeat Finding - No Recommendation - We recommend Elwyn enforce its existing policy and procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements. Elwyn should provide targeted training to members of the Organization involved in procurement processes on its existing policy and procedures to ensure understanding of the Organization’s requirements for documentation of procurement methods. Additionally, Elwyn should ensure all procurement decisions are contemporaneously documented with the information necessary to conclude on appropriateness of the procurement with respect to the procurement policy and requirements. Views of Responsible Officials - Management agrees with the finding and recommendation set forth within and has developed a corrective action plan to address the lapses in internal control.
2023-001 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Information on Federal Program Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Grantor: Pennsylvania Department of Education Program: Early Intervention (Philadelphia), Early Intervention (Chester) Assistance Listing #: 84.027, 84.173 Title: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Audit Period: 07/01/2022 – 06/30/2023 Passthrough Numbers: 232-210026, 231-210026, 232-210035, 231-210035 Criteria or Specific Requirement - Procurement guidance is located in sections 2 CFR 200.317-200.326 of Uniform Guidance focusing on increased competition and transparency in the procurement process. There are five general procurement standards covering the purchase of property, supplies and services under the Uniform Guidance as follows: (a) Costs must be reasonable and necessary, (b) must provide for full and open competition, (c) an organization must maintain written standards of conduct covering internal and external conflicts of interest, and (d) the organization must maintain documentation addressing cost and price analysis and vendor selections where applicable based on the method of procurement used. The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement: (a) micro-purchases, (b) small purchases, (c) sealed bids, (d) competitive proposals or (e) sole source. Condition - We noted for all of the eight procurements sampled, Elwyn did not provide a contemporaneously documented written conclusion on the method of each procurement that either demonstrated the procurements were conducted in a manner that provided full and open competition, or documented why noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Elwyn provided their rationale for each of the procurements as part of the audit sample and testing process. Cause - Policies and procedures were not appropriately adhered to sufficiently document rationale and to ensure that procurement method selected was supported. Effect or Potential Effect - Written documentation insufficiently detailing the method and conclusions involved in procurement decisions, impacts the ability to demonstrate that full and open competition occurred, or that noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Questioned Costs - None Context - We tested a sample of eight procurement transactions and noted that the Organization did not maintain contemporaneously written documentation and conclusions as required by its procurement policy for the selected items. Repeat Finding - No Recommendation - We recommend Elwyn enforce its existing policy and procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements. Elwyn should provide targeted training to members of the Organization involved in procurement processes on its existing policy and procedures to ensure understanding of the Organization’s requirements for documentation of procurement methods. Additionally, Elwyn should ensure all procurement decisions are contemporaneously documented with the information necessary to conclude on appropriateness of the procurement with respect to the procurement policy and requirements. Views of Responsible Officials - Management agrees with the finding and recommendation set forth within and has developed a corrective action plan to address the lapses in internal control.
2023-001 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Information on Federal Program Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Grantor: Pennsylvania Department of Education Program: Early Intervention (Philadelphia), Early Intervention (Chester) Assistance Listing #: 84.027, 84.173 Title: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Audit Period: 07/01/2022 – 06/30/2023 Passthrough Numbers: 232-210026, 231-210026, 232-210035, 231-210035 Criteria or Specific Requirement - Procurement guidance is located in sections 2 CFR 200.317-200.326 of Uniform Guidance focusing on increased competition and transparency in the procurement process. There are five general procurement standards covering the purchase of property, supplies and services under the Uniform Guidance as follows: (a) Costs must be reasonable and necessary, (b) must provide for full and open competition, (c) an organization must maintain written standards of conduct covering internal and external conflicts of interest, and (d) the organization must maintain documentation addressing cost and price analysis and vendor selections where applicable based on the method of procurement used. The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement: (a) micro-purchases, (b) small purchases, (c) sealed bids, (d) competitive proposals or (e) sole source. Condition - We noted for all of the eight procurements sampled, Elwyn did not provide a contemporaneously documented written conclusion on the method of each procurement that either demonstrated the procurements were conducted in a manner that provided full and open competition, or documented why noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Elwyn provided their rationale for each of the procurements as part of the audit sample and testing process. Cause - Policies and procedures were not appropriately adhered to sufficiently document rationale and to ensure that procurement method selected was supported. Effect or Potential Effect - Written documentation insufficiently detailing the method and conclusions involved in procurement decisions, impacts the ability to demonstrate that full and open competition occurred, or that noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Questioned Costs - None Context - We tested a sample of eight procurement transactions and noted that the Organization did not maintain contemporaneously written documentation and conclusions as required by its procurement policy for the selected items. Repeat Finding - No Recommendation - We recommend Elwyn enforce its existing policy and procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements. Elwyn should provide targeted training to members of the Organization involved in procurement processes on its existing policy and procedures to ensure understanding of the Organization’s requirements for documentation of procurement methods. Additionally, Elwyn should ensure all procurement decisions are contemporaneously documented with the information necessary to conclude on appropriateness of the procurement with respect to the procurement policy and requirements. Views of Responsible Officials - Management agrees with the finding and recommendation set forth within and has developed a corrective action plan to address the lapses in internal control.
2023-001 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Information on Federal Program Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Grantor: Pennsylvania Department of Education Program: Early Intervention (Philadelphia), Early Intervention (Chester) Assistance Listing #: 84.027, 84.173 Title: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Audit Period: 07/01/2022 – 06/30/2023 Passthrough Numbers: 232-210026, 231-210026, 232-210035, 231-210035 Criteria or Specific Requirement - Procurement guidance is located in sections 2 CFR 200.317-200.326 of Uniform Guidance focusing on increased competition and transparency in the procurement process. There are five general procurement standards covering the purchase of property, supplies and services under the Uniform Guidance as follows: (a) Costs must be reasonable and necessary, (b) must provide for full and open competition, (c) an organization must maintain written standards of conduct covering internal and external conflicts of interest, and (d) the organization must maintain documentation addressing cost and price analysis and vendor selections where applicable based on the method of procurement used. The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement: (a) micro-purchases, (b) small purchases, (c) sealed bids, (d) competitive proposals or (e) sole source. Condition - We noted for all of the eight procurements sampled, Elwyn did not provide a contemporaneously documented written conclusion on the method of each procurement that either demonstrated the procurements were conducted in a manner that provided full and open competition, or documented why noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Elwyn provided their rationale for each of the procurements as part of the audit sample and testing process. Cause - Policies and procedures were not appropriately adhered to sufficiently document rationale and to ensure that procurement method selected was supported. Effect or Potential Effect - Written documentation insufficiently detailing the method and conclusions involved in procurement decisions, impacts the ability to demonstrate that full and open competition occurred, or that noncompetitive procurement was appropriate. Questioned Costs - None Context - We tested a sample of eight procurement transactions and noted that the Organization did not maintain contemporaneously written documentation and conclusions as required by its procurement policy for the selected items. Repeat Finding - No Recommendation - We recommend Elwyn enforce its existing policy and procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements. Elwyn should provide targeted training to members of the Organization involved in procurement processes on its existing policy and procedures to ensure understanding of the Organization’s requirements for documentation of procurement methods. Additionally, Elwyn should ensure all procurement decisions are contemporaneously documented with the information necessary to conclude on appropriateness of the procurement with respect to the procurement policy and requirements. Views of Responsible Officials - Management agrees with the finding and recommendation set forth within and has developed a corrective action plan to address the lapses in internal control.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: 2 CFR Sections 200.317 – 200.327 of the Uniform Guidance details procurement requirements for non-federal entities. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not document procurement methods, rationales, and decisions in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Internal controls over procurement requirements have not been implemented effectively by One City Schools, Inc. Questioned Costs: $344,674 Effect or Potential Effect: This could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Context: This appears to be a systemic issue, as no procurement actions appeared to be documented for the federal program. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization establish and maintain effective internal controls over procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing internal controls over procurement.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: 2 CFR Sections 200.317 – 200.327 of the Uniform Guidance details procurement requirements for non-federal entities. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not document procurement methods, rationales, and decisions in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Internal controls over procurement requirements have not been implemented effectively by One City Schools, Inc. Questioned Costs: $344,674 Effect or Potential Effect: This could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Context: This appears to be a systemic issue, as no procurement actions appeared to be documented for the federal program. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization establish and maintain effective internal controls over procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing internal controls over procurement.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: 2 CFR Sections 200.317 – 200.327 of the Uniform Guidance details procurement requirements for non-federal entities. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not document procurement methods, rationales, and decisions in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Internal controls over procurement requirements have not been implemented effectively by One City Schools, Inc. Questioned Costs: $344,674 Effect or Potential Effect: This could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Context: This appears to be a systemic issue, as no procurement actions appeared to be documented for the federal program. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization establish and maintain effective internal controls over procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing internal controls over procurement.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: 2 CFR Sections 200.317 – 200.327 of the Uniform Guidance details procurement requirements for non-federal entities. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not document procurement methods, rationales, and decisions in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Internal controls over procurement requirements have not been implemented effectively by One City Schools, Inc. Questioned Costs: $344,674 Effect or Potential Effect: This could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Context: This appears to be a systemic issue, as no procurement actions appeared to be documented for the federal program. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization establish and maintain effective internal controls over procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing internal controls over procurement.
FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters. Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-002. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for small purchases. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for five of the five vendors tested. A total of $82,230 was spent with the five vendors. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria Indiana Code 4-13.6-5-2 states: "(a) Except as provided by this chapter and IC 16-33-4-10, if the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall award a contract for the project based on competitive bids. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) If the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall develop contract documents for a public works contract and keep the contract documents on file in its offices so that they may be inspected by contractors and members of the public. . . ." 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and adhere to procurement procedures for all purchases of goods and services. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters. Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-002. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for small purchases. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for five of the five vendors tested. A total of $82,230 was spent with the five vendors. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria Indiana Code 4-13.6-5-2 states: "(a) Except as provided by this chapter and IC 16-33-4-10, if the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall award a contract for the project based on competitive bids. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) If the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall develop contract documents for a public works contract and keep the contract documents on file in its offices so that they may be inspected by contractors and members of the public. . . ." 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and adhere to procurement procedures for all purchases of goods and services. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters. Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-002. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for small purchases. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for five of the five vendors tested. A total of $82,230 was spent with the five vendors. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria Indiana Code 4-13.6-5-2 states: "(a) Except as provided by this chapter and IC 16-33-4-10, if the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall award a contract for the project based on competitive bids. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) If the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall develop contract documents for a public works contract and keep the contract documents on file in its offices so that they may be inspected by contractors and members of the public. . . ." 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and adhere to procurement procedures for all purchases of goods and services. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters. Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-002. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for small purchases. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for five of the five vendors tested. A total of $82,230 was spent with the five vendors. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria Indiana Code 4-13.6-5-2 states: "(a) Except as provided by this chapter and IC 16-33-4-10, if the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall award a contract for the project based on competitive bids. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) If the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall develop contract documents for a public works contract and keep the contract documents on file in its offices so that they may be inspected by contractors and members of the public. . . ." 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and adhere to procurement procedures for all purchases of goods and services. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters. Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-002. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for small purchases. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for five of the five vendors tested. A total of $82,230 was spent with the five vendors. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria Indiana Code 4-13.6-5-2 states: "(a) Except as provided by this chapter and IC 16-33-4-10, if the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall award a contract for the project based on competitive bids. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) If the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall develop contract documents for a public works contract and keep the contract documents on file in its offices so that they may be inspected by contractors and members of the public. . . ." 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and adhere to procurement procedures for all purchases of goods and services. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters. Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-002. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for small purchases. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for five of the five vendors tested. A total of $82,230 was spent with the five vendors. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria Indiana Code 4-13.6-5-2 states: "(a) Except as provided by this chapter and IC 16-33-4-10, if the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall award a contract for the project based on competitive bids. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) If the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall develop contract documents for a public works contract and keep the contract documents on file in its offices so that they may be inspected by contractors and members of the public. . . ." 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and adhere to procurement procedures for all purchases of goods and services. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters. Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-002. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for small purchases. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for five of the five vendors tested. A total of $82,230 was spent with the five vendors. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria Indiana Code 4-13.6-5-2 states: "(a) Except as provided by this chapter and IC 16-33-4-10, if the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall award a contract for the project based on competitive bids. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) If the estimated cost of a public works project is at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division shall develop contract documents for a public works contract and keep the contract documents on file in its offices so that they may be inspected by contractors and members of the public. . . ." 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 GREENCASTLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and adhere to procurement procedures for all purchases of goods and services. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
FINDING 2023-001 PROCUREMENT SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Federal Program: Charter School Facilities Incentive Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.282 Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.318, “The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through 200.327.” Per 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) Small Purchase Procedures, “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition The School was unable to provide documentation to support that price comparisons were obtained from vendors for costs falling in the category of small purchases (between $10,000 and $249,999). Cause Documentation was not maintained to support that this step in the procurement process was completed. Effect Not documenting these procedures could result in the School completing procurement transactions not in compliance with Federal regulations. Recommendation We recommend the School develop procedures to ensure price comparisons are obtained and documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The School’s Corrective Action Plan is included on page 23.
FINDING 2023-001 PROCUREMENT SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Federal Program: Charter School Facilities Incentive Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.282 Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.318, “The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through 200.327.” Per 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) Small Purchase Procedures, “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition The School was unable to provide documentation to support that price comparisons were obtained from vendors for costs falling in the category of small purchases (between $10,000 and $249,999). Cause Documentation was not maintained to support that this step in the procurement process was completed. Effect Not documenting these procedures could result in the School completing procurement transactions not in compliance with Federal regulations. Recommendation We recommend the School develop procedures to ensure price comparisons are obtained and documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The School’s Corrective Action Plan is included on page 23.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Procurement The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the three vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. For the three vendors tested, totaling $149,061, an adequate number of quotes were not obtained from qualified sources nor was there any documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed procedures had not been performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transaction. Four covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. All four transactions, totaling $320,121, were selected for testing. For the four vendors, the School Corporation had not performed procedures to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities for suspension or debarment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non- Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed or implemented, which includes segregation of key functions, by management of the School Corporation to ensure that policies and procedures were in place related to procurement and suspension and debarment. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, and for small purchases an adequate number of quotes were not obtained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are followed and that contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Procurement The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the three vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. For the three vendors tested, totaling $149,061, an adequate number of quotes were not obtained from qualified sources nor was there any documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed procedures had not been performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transaction. Four covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. All four transactions, totaling $320,121, were selected for testing. For the four vendors, the School Corporation had not performed procedures to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities for suspension or debarment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non- Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed or implemented, which includes segregation of key functions, by management of the School Corporation to ensure that policies and procedures were in place related to procurement and suspension and debarment. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, and for small purchases an adequate number of quotes were not obtained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are followed and that contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Procurement The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the three vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. For the three vendors tested, totaling $149,061, an adequate number of quotes were not obtained from qualified sources nor was there any documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed procedures had not been performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transaction. Four covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. All four transactions, totaling $320,121, were selected for testing. For the four vendors, the School Corporation had not performed procedures to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities for suspension or debarment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non- Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed or implemented, which includes segregation of key functions, by management of the School Corporation to ensure that policies and procedures were in place related to procurement and suspension and debarment. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, and for small purchases an adequate number of quotes were not obtained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are followed and that contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Procurement The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the three vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. For the three vendors tested, totaling $149,061, an adequate number of quotes were not obtained from qualified sources nor was there any documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed procedures had not been performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transaction. Four covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. All four transactions, totaling $320,121, were selected for testing. For the four vendors, the School Corporation had not performed procedures to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities for suspension or debarment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non- Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed or implemented, which includes segregation of key functions, by management of the School Corporation to ensure that policies and procedures were in place related to procurement and suspension and debarment. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, and for small purchases an adequate number of quotes were not obtained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are followed and that contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Procurement The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the three vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. For the three vendors tested, totaling $149,061, an adequate number of quotes were not obtained from qualified sources nor was there any documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed procedures had not been performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transaction. Four covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. All four transactions, totaling $320,121, were selected for testing. For the four vendors, the School Corporation had not performed procedures to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities for suspension or debarment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non- Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed or implemented, which includes segregation of key functions, by management of the School Corporation to ensure that policies and procedures were in place related to procurement and suspension and debarment. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, and for small purchases an adequate number of quotes were not obtained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are followed and that contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Procurement The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained for small purchases. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the three vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. For the three vendors tested, totaling $149,061, an adequate number of quotes were not obtained from qualified sources nor was there any documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed procedures had not been performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transaction. Four covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. All four transactions, totaling $320,121, were selected for testing. For the four vendors, the School Corporation had not performed procedures to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities for suspension or debarment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non- Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed or implemented, which includes segregation of key functions, by management of the School Corporation to ensure that policies and procedures were in place related to procurement and suspension and debarment. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, and for small purchases an adequate number of quotes were not obtained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are followed and that contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Title: USDA School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program FAL Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Passthrough: New Mexico Public Education Department Award Year: 2023 Criteria: §200.213 Suspension and debarment. Non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, sub awards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. §200.317 Procurements by states. When procuring property and services under a Federal award, a state must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The state will comply with §200.322 Procurement of recovered materials and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by section §200.326 Contract provisions. All other non-Federal entities, including sub recipients of a state, will follow §§200.318 General procurement standards through 200.326 Contract provisions. §200.318 General procurement standards. (a) The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part. (b) Non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders. APPENDIX II TO PART 200—CONTRACT PROVISIONS FOR NON-FEDERAL ENTITY CONTRACTS UNDER FEDERAL AWARDS In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity, all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. (H) Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)—A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549. Condition: During our testing of single audit disbursements, we identified a vendor which would meet the requirement of verifying that the vendor was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from receiving the contract which was funded through Federal dollars. The vendor received more than $25,000 in payments from the District from Federal grant sources. The vendor is not currently suspended or debarred from receiving Federal contracts; however, the District did not have proper internal controls in place to verify this prior to the purchase. The District did make improvement in this area for all new work during the year. However, these projects were completed in the year under audit before the District became aware of the requirements above and could not retroactively cure the errors. Cause: District personnel did not verify that vendors which meet the $25,000 thresholds are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in contracts funded through Federal awards due to a misunderstanding of staff personnel regarding this requirement. Effect: The District is not in compliance with Federal regulations related to the grant and could put funding in jeopardy or require the District to reimburse the program for improper grant distributions. Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend the District establish a policy and implement procedures regarding large purchases related to Federal grants to insure that no vendors who are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in transactions funded through Federal grants are used. As identified above, there are several methods in which the District can verify vendors are not suspended or debarred. The District may have the vendor provide an annual certification that it is not currently suspended, debarred, or otherwise prevented from receiving Federal dollars. In other occasions in which a single purchase is going to be made, the purchasing procedures should include looking up the vendor on the GSA website, printing a copy of the verification, and placing it in the file with the purchase order. The District has options, and it should establish what method is the least intrusive but also effective in complying with the requirements of the Uniform Grant Guidance. Responsible Official’s Plan: Specific corrective action plan for finding: The Grants Finance Department, Federal Grants Department, Operations Department along with the Purchasing Department will review Vendors that are issued requisitions at each approval level to assist in catching $25K or more for Suspension and Debarment. A printed document from SAM.GOV verifying eligibility for Requisitions over $25K will be attached. Infinite Visions is set up to alert originators entering requisitions over $25,000 to contact Purchasing or Grants Department to check the vendor in SAM.GOV to confirm the vendor is vetted to comply with federal regulations. At the initial setup of new vendors, the Purchasing Department will review vendors in SAM.GOV. A printed document from SAM.GOV verifying eligibility of vendor will be attached to the vendor file. Timeline for completion of corrective action plan: The process was implemented immediately upon awareness of the finding and we are hopeful that all issues have been resolved by FY24. Employee position(s) responsible for meeting the timeline: Grants Specialists, CPO, Finance Specialists, Purchasing Specialist, Federal Grants Coordinator, Federal Grants Specialist
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 23611-048-PN01, 22611-048-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors exceeded the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Both vendors were selected for testing. In both cases, the Cooperative had determined the curriculum and materials that were purchased, totaling $109,322, were to be provided by a single source provider; however, they did not have a documented rationale or support for the decision. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, selection of the vendor, and the basis for the price, was not available for audit for either purchase. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with Special Education Cluster (IDEA) award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Two covered transactions were identified that equaled or exceeded $25,000. Both transactions, totaling $109,322, were selected for testing. For the noted transactions, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to payment due to the Cooperative not having any policies or procedures in place to verify that contractors were neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified, from participating in federal assistance programs or activities. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023 and the 23611-048-PN01 and 22611-048-ARP grants. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not implemented by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, adequate documentation was not retained for procurements that fell within the small purchase threshold and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were made, were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all required documentation is retained and provided for small purchases and to ensure contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 23611-048-PN01, 22611-048-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors exceeded the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Both vendors were selected for testing. In both cases, the Cooperative had determined the curriculum and materials that were purchased, totaling $109,322, were to be provided by a single source provider; however, they did not have a documented rationale or support for the decision. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, selection of the vendor, and the basis for the price, was not available for audit for either purchase. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with Special Education Cluster (IDEA) award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Two covered transactions were identified that equaled or exceeded $25,000. Both transactions, totaling $109,322, were selected for testing. For the noted transactions, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to payment due to the Cooperative not having any policies or procedures in place to verify that contractors were neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified, from participating in federal assistance programs or activities. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023 and the 23611-048-PN01 and 22611-048-ARP grants. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 LAWRENCEBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not implemented by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, adequate documentation was not retained for procurements that fell within the small purchase threshold and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were made, were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all required documentation is retained and provided for small purchases and to ensure contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.