Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
Federal Assistance Number – Research and Development Cluster, Multiple Federal Grantors, Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.320, a non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of Sections 200.317 - 200.320. These standards include a micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 and policies for formal procurement and non competitive procurement. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 180.220, when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition – The Institute's micro-purchase threshold of $25,000 included in the policy is in excess of 2 CFR Section 200.320, and the Institute is not eligible for the increase to the micro-purchase threshold. Formal procurement and non competitive procurement policies have been documented; however, formalized documentation supporting the Institute is in compliance with policies did not exist. Additionally, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Questioned Costs – Total questioned costs of $45,000 were identified and represents value of equipment purchased for which the procurement process could not be supported in line with the Institute's policy and Uniform Guidance. Context – One purchase of $45,000 out of a total of three purchases totaling $152,986 subject to procurement requirements in 2023 was selected for testing. The Institute could not provide documentation supporting their purchase adhered to policies for formal procurement or non competitive procurement. Furthermore, a check of the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to the purchase was not completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Cause – The Institute's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the stated finding and has implemented a corrective action plan.
2023-004 – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal agency: U.S. Treasury Federal program title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Agency: City of Champaign, Illinois; Champaign County, Illinois; Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Pass-Through Number(s): 20220246 - 2023; 20220245 - 2023; 822007 - 2023 Award Period: 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/24; 4/1/22-6/30/23 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR § 200.320 indicates the various 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 any of the approved procurement methods used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. § 200.214 Suspension and debarment indicates non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition: The Organization did not have a procurement policy or suspension and debarment policy in place which was consistent with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. As a result, the Organization could not provide supporting documentation showing that engaged vendors had gone through an appropriate procurement process. Questioned costs: N/A Context: 5 of 5 vendors selected for procurement testing, did not have documentation showing that the cost had been procured in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Additionally, 2 of 2 vendors selected for testing suspension and debarment, did not have documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to entering into a contract. Cause: Error by management in understanding Uniform Guidance requirements. Effect: Lack of appropriate procurement, suspension and debarment policies could result in the Organization engaging vendors who are debarred from doing business with the United States Government and/or using federal funds in manner that is not the most efficient or economical. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Organization revised its internal controls related to procurement, suspension and debarment such that they align with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Views of responsible officials: The Organization is in the process of developing a procurement policy and suspension and debarment policies that aligns with Uniform Guidance.
2023-004 – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal agency: U.S. Treasury Federal program title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Agency: City of Champaign, Illinois; Champaign County, Illinois; Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Pass-Through Number(s): 20220246 - 2023; 20220245 - 2023; 822007 - 2023 Award Period: 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/24; 4/1/22-6/30/23 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR § 200.320 indicates the various 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 any of the approved procurement methods used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. § 200.214 Suspension and debarment indicates non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition: The Organization did not have a procurement policy or suspension and debarment policy in place which was consistent with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. As a result, the Organization could not provide supporting documentation showing that engaged vendors had gone through an appropriate procurement process. Questioned costs: N/A Context: 5 of 5 vendors selected for procurement testing, did not have documentation showing that the cost had been procured in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Additionally, 2 of 2 vendors selected for testing suspension and debarment, did not have documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to entering into a contract. Cause: Error by management in understanding Uniform Guidance requirements. Effect: Lack of appropriate procurement, suspension and debarment policies could result in the Organization engaging vendors who are debarred from doing business with the United States Government and/or using federal funds in manner that is not the most efficient or economical. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Organization revised its internal controls related to procurement, suspension and debarment such that they align with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Views of responsible officials: The Organization is in the process of developing a procurement policy and suspension and debarment policies that aligns with Uniform Guidance.
2023-004 – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal agency: U.S. Treasury Federal program title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Agency: City of Champaign, Illinois; Champaign County, Illinois; Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Pass-Through Number(s): 20220246 - 2023; 20220245 - 2023; 822007 - 2023 Award Period: 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/24; 4/1/22-6/30/23 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR § 200.320 indicates the various 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 any of the approved procurement methods used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. § 200.214 Suspension and debarment indicates non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition: The Organization did not have a procurement policy or suspension and debarment policy in place which was consistent with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. As a result, the Organization could not provide supporting documentation showing that engaged vendors had gone through an appropriate procurement process. Questioned costs: N/A Context: 5 of 5 vendors selected for procurement testing, did not have documentation showing that the cost had been procured in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Additionally, 2 of 2 vendors selected for testing suspension and debarment, did not have documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to entering into a contract. Cause: Error by management in understanding Uniform Guidance requirements. Effect: Lack of appropriate procurement, suspension and debarment policies could result in the Organization engaging vendors who are debarred from doing business with the United States Government and/or using federal funds in manner that is not the most efficient or economical. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Organization revised its internal controls related to procurement, suspension and debarment such that they align with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Views of responsible officials: The Organization is in the process of developing a procurement policy and suspension and debarment policies that aligns with Uniform Guidance.
2023-004 – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal agency: U.S. Treasury Federal program title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Agency: City of Champaign, Illinois; Champaign County, Illinois; Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Pass-Through Number(s): 20220246 - 2023; 20220245 - 2023; 822007 - 2023 Award Period: 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/23; 3/1/22-12/31/24; 4/1/22-6/30/23 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR § 200.320 indicates the various 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 any of the approved procurement methods used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. § 200.214 Suspension and debarment indicates non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition: The Organization did not have a procurement policy or suspension and debarment policy in place which was consistent with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. As a result, the Organization could not provide supporting documentation showing that engaged vendors had gone through an appropriate procurement process. Questioned costs: N/A Context: 5 of 5 vendors selected for procurement testing, did not have documentation showing that the cost had been procured in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Additionally, 2 of 2 vendors selected for testing suspension and debarment, did not have documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to entering into a contract. Cause: Error by management in understanding Uniform Guidance requirements. Effect: Lack of appropriate procurement, suspension and debarment policies could result in the Organization engaging vendors who are debarred from doing business with the United States Government and/or using federal funds in manner that is not the most efficient or economical. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Organization revised its internal controls related to procurement, suspension and debarment such that they align with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Views of responsible officials: The Organization is in the process of developing a procurement policy and suspension and debarment policies that aligns with Uniform Guidance.
Finding 2023-013: U.S. Department of Transportation ALN #20.509, Formula Grants for Rural Areas (COVID-19) Grant #MT-2022-022-00 and MT-2023-011-00 Criteria: Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.317, requires the Montana Department of Transportation (department) to follow state procurement policy when procuring property and services with federal funds. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.403, indicates costs must meet certain criteria to be allowable, such as being consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally and state financed activities of the department. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.332(d), requires the state to perform monitoring of subrecipients sufficient to ensure subrecipients have complied with federal requirements. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.313(d), requires the department to maintain accurate property records and have adequate internal controls to safeguard equipment purchased with federal funds. State policy in the Montana Operations Manual (MOM) policy requires all procurements either have a purchase order or contract. The purchase order or contract must include all elements negotiated and required for the purchase. Department policy and procedures require an inspection on each received vehicle be documented by a post-delivery certification. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.303, requires non-Federal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: The department’s internal controls did not ensure vehicle procurement, funded by federal funds, followed state policy and procedures. Further, the department did not adequately review and monitor vehicle records to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: We question $37,990 of costs charged to the program related to the vehicle purchase made without a contract. Context: In administering the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program, the department provides capital grants to subrecipients for purchase of equipment. The department utilizes a data processing system to obtain and store information from the subrecipients to assist in monitoring compliance with various requirements of the program. We reviewed the system information regarding equipment records, procurements, and subrecipient monitoring for the subrecipient’s equipment and procurement federal requirements. We sampled five of the department’s 15 vehicle purchases as part of our audit. This sample was not statistically valid. Our review identified: • Three purchases did not contain evidence of post-delivery certifications. • One purchase with inaccurate vehicle information in the system. • One purchase without a contract, totaling $37,990. The information maintained in the system is necessary to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and equipment requirements. We analyzed the population of 127 vehicle records in the system and identified the records did not contain all the elements necessary to track and monitor vehicles purchased with federal funds properly. We conducted a sample of 23 vehicle records. The sample was not statistically valid. Our sample identified: • 11 vehicle records did not contain complete and accurate system information, including inaccurate VIN numbers and the condition of vehicle at time of inspection. • Three vehicles did not contain mileage reported. This information is used during the department’s biennial inspections of subrecipient fleet vehicles to determine reasonableness of mileage reimbursements. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding and was reported as Single Audit finding #2021-003 in the audit for the two fiscal years ended June 30, 2021. Effect: The department is not in compliance with state procurement policies and procedures. Additionally, the vehicle purchased without a contract resulted in questioned costs which the department may be required to repay to the federal government. Failure to complete post-delivery certifications may mean vehicles do not meet program specifications. Cause: The post-delivery certifications were overlooked by staff who completed the vehicle inspections at the time of delivery. Further, staff turnover and lack of necessary training contributed to the internal control deficiencies and noncompliance. Recommendation: We recommend the Montana Department of Transportation: A. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure vehicle procurements follow state policy to comply with federal requirements. B. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure information maintained in the system is complete and accurate. C. Comply with state procurement policy by using a contract agreement for all vehicle purchases. D. Complete and submit the post-delivery certifications, as required by department policy. E. Review and update the system vehicle records to ensure they are complete and accurate. Views of Responsible Officials: The department concurs with this recommendation. For additional information regarding the department’s planned corrective action see the Corrective Action Plan starting on page D-1.
Finding 2023-013: U.S. Department of Transportation ALN #20.509, Formula Grants for Rural Areas (COVID-19) Grant #MT-2022-022-00 and MT-2023-011-00 Criteria: Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.317, requires the Montana Department of Transportation (department) to follow state procurement policy when procuring property and services with federal funds. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.403, indicates costs must meet certain criteria to be allowable, such as being consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally and state financed activities of the department. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.332(d), requires the state to perform monitoring of subrecipients sufficient to ensure subrecipients have complied with federal requirements. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.313(d), requires the department to maintain accurate property records and have adequate internal controls to safeguard equipment purchased with federal funds. State policy in the Montana Operations Manual (MOM) policy requires all procurements either have a purchase order or contract. The purchase order or contract must include all elements negotiated and required for the purchase. Department policy and procedures require an inspection on each received vehicle be documented by a post-delivery certification. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.303, requires non-Federal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: The department’s internal controls did not ensure vehicle procurement, funded by federal funds, followed state policy and procedures. Further, the department did not adequately review and monitor vehicle records to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: We question $37,990 of costs charged to the program related to the vehicle purchase made without a contract. Context: In administering the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program, the department provides capital grants to subrecipients for purchase of equipment. The department utilizes a data processing system to obtain and store information from the subrecipients to assist in monitoring compliance with various requirements of the program. We reviewed the system information regarding equipment records, procurements, and subrecipient monitoring for the subrecipient’s equipment and procurement federal requirements. We sampled five of the department’s 15 vehicle purchases as part of our audit. This sample was not statistically valid. Our review identified: • Three purchases did not contain evidence of post-delivery certifications. • One purchase with inaccurate vehicle information in the system. • One purchase without a contract, totaling $37,990. The information maintained in the system is necessary to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and equipment requirements. We analyzed the population of 127 vehicle records in the system and identified the records did not contain all the elements necessary to track and monitor vehicles purchased with federal funds properly. We conducted a sample of 23 vehicle records. The sample was not statistically valid. Our sample identified: • 11 vehicle records did not contain complete and accurate system information, including inaccurate VIN numbers and the condition of vehicle at time of inspection. • Three vehicles did not contain mileage reported. This information is used during the department’s biennial inspections of subrecipient fleet vehicles to determine reasonableness of mileage reimbursements. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding and was reported as Single Audit finding #2021-003 in the audit for the two fiscal years ended June 30, 2021. Effect: The department is not in compliance with state procurement policies and procedures. Additionally, the vehicle purchased without a contract resulted in questioned costs which the department may be required to repay to the federal government. Failure to complete post-delivery certifications may mean vehicles do not meet program specifications. Cause: The post-delivery certifications were overlooked by staff who completed the vehicle inspections at the time of delivery. Further, staff turnover and lack of necessary training contributed to the internal control deficiencies and noncompliance. Recommendation: We recommend the Montana Department of Transportation: A. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure vehicle procurements follow state policy to comply with federal requirements. B. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure information maintained in the system is complete and accurate. C. Comply with state procurement policy by using a contract agreement for all vehicle purchases. D. Complete and submit the post-delivery certifications, as required by department policy. E. Review and update the system vehicle records to ensure they are complete and accurate. Views of Responsible Officials: The department concurs with this recommendation. For additional information regarding the department’s planned corrective action see the Corrective Action Plan starting on page D-1.
Finding 2023-013: U.S. Department of Transportation ALN #20.509, Formula Grants for Rural Areas (COVID-19) Grant #MT-2022-022-00 and MT-2023-011-00 Criteria: Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.317, requires the Montana Department of Transportation (department) to follow state procurement policy when procuring property and services with federal funds. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.403, indicates costs must meet certain criteria to be allowable, such as being consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally and state financed activities of the department. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.332(d), requires the state to perform monitoring of subrecipients sufficient to ensure subrecipients have complied with federal requirements. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.313(d), requires the department to maintain accurate property records and have adequate internal controls to safeguard equipment purchased with federal funds. State policy in the Montana Operations Manual (MOM) policy requires all procurements either have a purchase order or contract. The purchase order or contract must include all elements negotiated and required for the purchase. Department policy and procedures require an inspection on each received vehicle be documented by a post-delivery certification. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.303, requires non-Federal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: The department’s internal controls did not ensure vehicle procurement, funded by federal funds, followed state policy and procedures. Further, the department did not adequately review and monitor vehicle records to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: We question $37,990 of costs charged to the program related to the vehicle purchase made without a contract. Context: In administering the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program, the department provides capital grants to subrecipients for purchase of equipment. The department utilizes a data processing system to obtain and store information from the subrecipients to assist in monitoring compliance with various requirements of the program. We reviewed the system information regarding equipment records, procurements, and subrecipient monitoring for the subrecipient’s equipment and procurement federal requirements. We sampled five of the department’s 15 vehicle purchases as part of our audit. This sample was not statistically valid. Our review identified: • Three purchases did not contain evidence of post-delivery certifications. • One purchase with inaccurate vehicle information in the system. • One purchase without a contract, totaling $37,990. The information maintained in the system is necessary to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and equipment requirements. We analyzed the population of 127 vehicle records in the system and identified the records did not contain all the elements necessary to track and monitor vehicles purchased with federal funds properly. We conducted a sample of 23 vehicle records. The sample was not statistically valid. Our sample identified: • 11 vehicle records did not contain complete and accurate system information, including inaccurate VIN numbers and the condition of vehicle at time of inspection. • Three vehicles did not contain mileage reported. This information is used during the department’s biennial inspections of subrecipient fleet vehicles to determine reasonableness of mileage reimbursements. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding and was reported as Single Audit finding #2021-003 in the audit for the two fiscal years ended June 30, 2021. Effect: The department is not in compliance with state procurement policies and procedures. Additionally, the vehicle purchased without a contract resulted in questioned costs which the department may be required to repay to the federal government. Failure to complete post-delivery certifications may mean vehicles do not meet program specifications. Cause: The post-delivery certifications were overlooked by staff who completed the vehicle inspections at the time of delivery. Further, staff turnover and lack of necessary training contributed to the internal control deficiencies and noncompliance. Recommendation: We recommend the Montana Department of Transportation: A. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure vehicle procurements follow state policy to comply with federal requirements. B. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure information maintained in the system is complete and accurate. C. Comply with state procurement policy by using a contract agreement for all vehicle purchases. D. Complete and submit the post-delivery certifications, as required by department policy. E. Review and update the system vehicle records to ensure they are complete and accurate. Views of Responsible Officials: The department concurs with this recommendation. For additional information regarding the department’s planned corrective action see the Corrective Action Plan starting on page D-1.
Finding 2023-013: U.S. Department of Transportation ALN #20.509, Formula Grants for Rural Areas (COVID-19) Grant #MT-2022-022-00 and MT-2023-011-00 Criteria: Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.317, requires the Montana Department of Transportation (department) to follow state procurement policy when procuring property and services with federal funds. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.403, indicates costs must meet certain criteria to be allowable, such as being consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally and state financed activities of the department. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.332(d), requires the state to perform monitoring of subrecipients sufficient to ensure subrecipients have complied with federal requirements. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.313(d), requires the department to maintain accurate property records and have adequate internal controls to safeguard equipment purchased with federal funds. State policy in the Montana Operations Manual (MOM) policy requires all procurements either have a purchase order or contract. The purchase order or contract must include all elements negotiated and required for the purchase. Department policy and procedures require an inspection on each received vehicle be documented by a post-delivery certification. Federal regulation, 2 CFR 200.303, requires non-Federal entities to, among other things, establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: The department’s internal controls did not ensure vehicle procurement, funded by federal funds, followed state policy and procedures. Further, the department did not adequately review and monitor vehicle records to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: We question $37,990 of costs charged to the program related to the vehicle purchase made without a contract. Context: In administering the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program, the department provides capital grants to subrecipients for purchase of equipment. The department utilizes a data processing system to obtain and store information from the subrecipients to assist in monitoring compliance with various requirements of the program. We reviewed the system information regarding equipment records, procurements, and subrecipient monitoring for the subrecipient’s equipment and procurement federal requirements. We sampled five of the department’s 15 vehicle purchases as part of our audit. This sample was not statistically valid. Our review identified: • Three purchases did not contain evidence of post-delivery certifications. • One purchase with inaccurate vehicle information in the system. • One purchase without a contract, totaling $37,990. The information maintained in the system is necessary to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and equipment requirements. We analyzed the population of 127 vehicle records in the system and identified the records did not contain all the elements necessary to track and monitor vehicles purchased with federal funds properly. We conducted a sample of 23 vehicle records. The sample was not statistically valid. Our sample identified: • 11 vehicle records did not contain complete and accurate system information, including inaccurate VIN numbers and the condition of vehicle at time of inspection. • Three vehicles did not contain mileage reported. This information is used during the department’s biennial inspections of subrecipient fleet vehicles to determine reasonableness of mileage reimbursements. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding and was reported as Single Audit finding #2021-003 in the audit for the two fiscal years ended June 30, 2021. Effect: The department is not in compliance with state procurement policies and procedures. Additionally, the vehicle purchased without a contract resulted in questioned costs which the department may be required to repay to the federal government. Failure to complete post-delivery certifications may mean vehicles do not meet program specifications. Cause: The post-delivery certifications were overlooked by staff who completed the vehicle inspections at the time of delivery. Further, staff turnover and lack of necessary training contributed to the internal control deficiencies and noncompliance. Recommendation: We recommend the Montana Department of Transportation: A. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure vehicle procurements follow state policy to comply with federal requirements. B. Enhance internal controls and provide training to staff to ensure information maintained in the system is complete and accurate. C. Comply with state procurement policy by using a contract agreement for all vehicle purchases. D. Complete and submit the post-delivery certifications, as required by department policy. E. Review and update the system vehicle records to ensure they are complete and accurate. Views of Responsible Officials: The department concurs with this recommendation. For additional information regarding the department’s planned corrective action see the Corrective Action Plan starting on page D-1.
FINDING 2023-001 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; Special Education Preschool Grants; COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-034-PN01, 23611-034-PN01, 22611-034-ARP, 21619-034-PN01; 22619-034-PN01, 23619-034-PN01, 22619-034-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-002. Condition and Context Procurement - 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 nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, the informal procurement method is 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. A total of 23 vendor claims were determined to require small purchase procedures. Of the vendor claims, totaling $113,815, 4 were selected for testing. For the 4 vendor claims tested, the School Corporation did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations nor was its 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 nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that the School Corporation ensures all service contracts include a provision regarding suspension and debarment. The contracts are reviewed and signed by a knowledgeable member of the School Corporation. A population of eight covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from SPED funds during the audit period was identified. A sample of two transactions, totaling $178,915, was selected for testing. For both transactions, the School Corporation did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of effective 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 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. . . . (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: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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 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 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, 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, and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. 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 management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and 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 2023-001 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; Special Education Preschool Grants; COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-034-PN01, 23611-034-PN01, 22611-034-ARP, 21619-034-PN01; 22619-034-PN01, 23619-034-PN01, 22619-034-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-002. Condition and Context Procurement - 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 nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, the informal procurement method is 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. A total of 23 vendor claims were determined to require small purchase procedures. Of the vendor claims, totaling $113,815, 4 were selected for testing. For the 4 vendor claims tested, the School Corporation did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations nor was its 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 nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that the School Corporation ensures all service contracts include a provision regarding suspension and debarment. The contracts are reviewed and signed by a knowledgeable member of the School Corporation. A population of eight covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from SPED funds during the audit period was identified. A sample of two transactions, totaling $178,915, was selected for testing. For both transactions, the School Corporation did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of effective 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 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. . . . (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: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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 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 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, 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, and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. 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 management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and 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 2023-001 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; Special Education Preschool Grants; COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-034-PN01, 23611-034-PN01, 22611-034-ARP, 21619-034-PN01; 22619-034-PN01, 23619-034-PN01, 22619-034-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-002. Condition and Context Procurement - 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 nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, the informal procurement method is 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. A total of 23 vendor claims were determined to require small purchase procedures. Of the vendor claims, totaling $113,815, 4 were selected for testing. For the 4 vendor claims tested, the School Corporation did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations nor was its 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 nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that the School Corporation ensures all service contracts include a provision regarding suspension and debarment. The contracts are reviewed and signed by a knowledgeable member of the School Corporation. A population of eight covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from SPED funds during the audit period was identified. A sample of two transactions, totaling $178,915, was selected for testing. For both transactions, the School Corporation did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of effective 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 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. . . . (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: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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 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 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, 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, and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. 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 management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and 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 2023-001 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; Special Education Preschool Grants; COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-034-PN01, 23611-034-PN01, 22611-034-ARP, 21619-034-PN01; 22619-034-PN01, 23619-034-PN01, 22619-034-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-002. Condition and Context Procurement - 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 nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, the informal procurement method is 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. A total of 23 vendor claims were determined to require small purchase procedures. Of the vendor claims, totaling $113,815, 4 were selected for testing. For the 4 vendor claims tested, the School Corporation did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations nor was its 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 nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that the School Corporation ensures all service contracts include a provision regarding suspension and debarment. The contracts are reviewed and signed by a knowledgeable member of the School Corporation. A population of eight covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from SPED funds during the audit period was identified. A sample of two transactions, totaling $178,915, was selected for testing. For both transactions, the School Corporation did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of effective 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 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. . . . (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: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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 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 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, 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, and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. 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 management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and 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 2023-004 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 Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the purchase of goods and services that fell within the small purchase threshold or were considered covered transactions. Procurement 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 had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. A population of eight small purchase vendors was identified. All eight were selected for testing. For all eight small purchases, totaling $180,015, the School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. 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 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 vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. One covered transaction that equaled or exceeded $25,000 was identified and selected for testing. Payments to the vendor, totaling $81,295, were made without verifying if the vendor was suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from participation in federal awards. 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 200.320 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. . . ." 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 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 and 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, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, price or rate quotes were not obtained for small purchases and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 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 system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure rate or price quotes are obtained for small purchases and 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 2023-004 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 Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the purchase of goods and services that fell within the small purchase threshold or were considered covered transactions. Procurement 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 had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. A population of eight small purchase vendors was identified. All eight were selected for testing. For all eight small purchases, totaling $180,015, the School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. 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 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 vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. One covered transaction that equaled or exceeded $25,000 was identified and selected for testing. Payments to the vendor, totaling $81,295, were made without verifying if the vendor was suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from participation in federal awards. 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 200.320 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. . . ." 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 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 and 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, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, price or rate quotes were not obtained for small purchases and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 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 system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure rate or price quotes are obtained for small purchases and 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 2023-004 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 Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the purchase of goods and services that fell within the small purchase threshold or were considered covered transactions. Procurement 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 had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. A population of eight small purchase vendors was identified. All eight were selected for testing. For all eight small purchases, totaling $180,015, the School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. 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 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 vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. One covered transaction that equaled or exceeded $25,000 was identified and selected for testing. Payments to the vendor, totaling $81,295, were made without verifying if the vendor was suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from participation in federal awards. 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 200.320 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. . . ." 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 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 and 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, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, price or rate quotes were not obtained for small purchases and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 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 system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure rate or price quotes are obtained for small purchases and 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 2023-004 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 Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the purchase of goods and services that fell within the small purchase threshold or were considered covered transactions. Procurement 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 had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. A population of eight small purchase vendors was identified. All eight were selected for testing. For all eight small purchases, totaling $180,015, the School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. 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 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 vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. One covered transaction that equaled or exceeded $25,000 was identified and selected for testing. Payments to the vendor, totaling $81,295, were made without verifying if the vendor was suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from participation in federal awards. 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 200.320 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. . . ." 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 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 and 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, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, price or rate quotes were not obtained for small purchases and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 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 system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure rate or price quotes are obtained for small purchases and 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 2023-004 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 Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the purchase of goods and services that fell within the small purchase threshold or were considered covered transactions. Procurement 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 had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. A population of eight small purchase vendors was identified. All eight were selected for testing. For all eight small purchases, totaling $180,015, the School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. 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 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 vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented internal controls, which would consist of policies and procedures, to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. One covered transaction that equaled or exceeded $25,000 was identified and selected for testing. Payments to the vendor, totaling $81,295, were made without verifying if the vendor was suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from participation in federal awards. 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 200.320 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. . . ." 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 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 and 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, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, price or rate quotes were not obtained for small purchases and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 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 system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure rate or price quotes are obtained for small purchases and 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 2023-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): H027A190084 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context 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 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. There were 27 vendors exceeding the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Of those, 5 vendors were selected for testing. For all 5 vendors tested, totaling $299,889, the School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes. 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. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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. . . . (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 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. 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 for vendors that fell within the small purchase threshold. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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 management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are adequate and appropriate procurement procedures for 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.
2023-004 - Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Federal Program Information: ALN - 10.760 - Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR 200.317-200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Town did not have a procurement policy in place. Cause: The Town needs to adopt a procurement policy to comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal laws. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The entire population. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding of 2022-004. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town adopt a procurement policy that follows the Uniform Guidance and that the Town implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that the adopted policy is followed. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding and a version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town of Livermore Falls.
2023-007- Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Federal Program Information: ALN - 66.458 - Clean Water State Revolving Funds Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Town did not have a procurement policy in place. Cause: The Town needs to adopt a procurement policy to comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal laws. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The entire population Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town adopt a procurement policy that follows the Uniform Guidance and that the Town implements internal control processes and procedures to ensure that the adopted policy is followed. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding and a version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town of Livermore Falls.
2023-007- Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Federal Program Information: ALN - 66.458 - Clean Water State Revolving Funds Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Town did not have a procurement policy in place. Cause: The Town needs to adopt a procurement policy to comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal laws. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The entire population Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town adopt a procurement policy that follows the Uniform Guidance and that the Town implements internal control processes and procedures to ensure that the adopted policy is followed. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding and a version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town of Livermore Falls.
2023-007- Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Federal Program Information: ALN - 66.458 - Clean Water State Revolving Funds Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Town did not have a procurement policy in place. Cause: The Town needs to adopt a procurement policy to comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal laws. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The entire population Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town adopt a procurement policy that follows the Uniform Guidance and that the Town implements internal control processes and procedures to ensure that the adopted policy is followed. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding and a version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town of Livermore Falls.
2023-007- Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Federal Program Information: ALN - 66.458 - Clean Water State Revolving Funds Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Town did not have a procurement policy in place. Cause: The Town needs to adopt a procurement policy to comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal laws. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The entire population Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town adopt a procurement policy that follows the Uniform Guidance and that the Town implements internal control processes and procedures to ensure that the adopted policy is followed. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding and a version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town of Livermore Falls.
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.
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.
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.