Finding 2022-002: Material Weakness – Lack of Documentation on Sole Source Contracts and Verification of Vendors Federal grantor: Department of Commerce Condition: The Chamber contract with a vendor on a sole-source basis and did not document justification for the use of a sole source vendor. In addition, the Chamber did not verify that the vendor was not on the list of vendors suspended or debarred from federal contracting before contracting with the vendor. Criteria: Entities are required to follow the procurement standards in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327, including ensuring that the procurement method used for the contracts are appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320 and noncompetitive procurements. Entities also must comply with 2 CFR Part 1326 that prohibits entities that have been debarred, suspended or voluntarily excluded from participating in Federal procurement. Cause: The Chamber’s Procurement Policy allows for a sole source vendor but requires staff to document sole source procurements prior to initial purchase. It appears staff did not follow its policy. The Policy also contains a requirement to verify or receive vendor certification that they are not debarred, suspended, ineligible or voluntarily excluded from Federal procurements, but this procedure was not followed. Effect: The Department of Commerce may impose additional conditions on the receipt of a subsequent tranche of future award funds, if any, or take other available remedies as set forth in 2 C.F.C. section 200.339. Recommendation: We recommend the Chamber review policies with staff to ensure procurement requirements are followed, and that staff are familiar with federal procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Chamber agrees with this finding and is in the process of implementing changes to their procurement process.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1) requires that the non-Federal entity must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts in fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Effect: Failure to have written standards of conduct could result in noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City develop written standards of conduct that include the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1). Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City will develop written standards of conduct in that satisfy the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1).
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.319(d) requires that the non-Federal entity must maintain written procedures for procurement transactions. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures for procurement transactions that include the provisions required by the Procurement Standards 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.327 in fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures for procurement transactions. Effect: Failure to have adequate written procedures for procurement transactions could result in the acquisition of goods or services in violation with administrative requirements, federal regulations, other procurement requirements, and Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop adequate written policies and procedures for procurement transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written policies and procedures which include the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance. Criteria: Internal controls should be in place to provide reasonable assurance that procurement of goods and services are made in compliance with federal regulations and other procurement requirements, as applicable. Condition: The City lacks sufficient controls over procurement to ensure compliance with federal regulations and other procurement requirements, as applicable. Cause: The City did not design and implement controls over compliance with procurement. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to have adequate internal controls over compliance with procurement could result in the acquisition of goods or services in violation with administrative requirements, federal regulations, and other procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City create and adopt an official written policy for procurement and contracts establishing contract files that document significant procurement history; methods of procurement authorized including selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis of contract price; verification that procurements provide full and open competition; requirements for cost or price analysis, including for contract modifications; obtaining and reacting to suspension and debarment certifications; and other applicable requirements for procurements under federal awards are followed. We also recommend that personnel with adequate knowledge and experience of responsibilities for procurements for federal awards review procurement and contracting decisions for compliance with federal procurement policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management concurs with the audit finding. The City will develop written policies and procedures for procurement, including the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions. Management will evaluate the need to contract with local government consultants to perform control procedures where City personnel are not available or qualified to perform.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1) requires that the non-Federal entity must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts in fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Effect: Failure to have written standards of conduct could result in noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City develop written standards of conduct that include the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1). Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City will develop written standards of conduct in that satisfy the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1).
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.319(d) requires that the non-Federal entity must maintain written procedures for procurement transactions. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures for procurement transactions that include the provisions required by the Procurement Standards 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.327 in fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures for procurement transactions. Effect: Failure to have adequate written procedures for procurement transactions could result in the acquisition of goods or services in violation with administrative requirements, federal regulations, other procurement requirements, and Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop adequate written policies and procedures for procurement transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written policies and procedures which include the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance. Criteria: Internal controls should be in place to provide reasonable assurance that procurement of goods and services are made in compliance with federal regulations and other procurement requirements, as applicable. Condition: The City lacks sufficient controls over procurement to ensure compliance with federal regulations and other procurement requirements, as applicable. Cause: The City did not design and implement controls over compliance with procurement. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to have adequate internal controls over compliance with procurement could result in the acquisition of goods or services in violation with administrative requirements, federal regulations, and other procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City create and adopt an official written policy for procurement and contracts establishing contract files that document significant procurement history; methods of procurement authorized including selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis of contract price; verification that procurements provide full and open competition; requirements for cost or price analysis, including for contract modifications; obtaining and reacting to suspension and debarment certifications; and other applicable requirements for procurements under federal awards are followed. We also recommend that personnel with adequate knowledge and experience of responsibilities for procurements for federal awards review procurement and contracting decisions for compliance with federal procurement policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management concurs with the audit finding. The City will develop written policies and procedures for procurement, including the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions. Management will evaluate the need to contract with local government consultants to perform control procedures where City personnel are not available or qualified to perform.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1) requires that the non-Federal entity must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts in fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Effect: Failure to have written standards of conduct could result in noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City develop written standards of conduct that include the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1). Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City will develop written standards of conduct in that satisfy the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1).
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.319(d) requires that the non-Federal entity must maintain written procedures for procurement transactions. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures for procurement transactions that include the provisions required by the Procurement Standards 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.327 in fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures for procurement transactions. Effect: Failure to have adequate written procedures for procurement transactions could result in the acquisition of goods or services in violation with administrative requirements, federal regulations, other procurement requirements, and Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop adequate written policies and procedures for procurement transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written policies and procedures which include the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance. Criteria: Internal controls should be in place to provide reasonable assurance that procurement of goods and services are made in compliance with federal regulations and other procurement requirements, as applicable. Condition: The City lacks sufficient controls over procurement to ensure compliance with federal regulations and other procurement requirements, as applicable. Cause: The City did not design and implement controls over compliance with procurement. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to have adequate internal controls over compliance with procurement could result in the acquisition of goods or services in violation with administrative requirements, federal regulations, and other procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City create and adopt an official written policy for procurement and contracts establishing contract files that document significant procurement history; methods of procurement authorized including selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis of contract price; verification that procurements provide full and open competition; requirements for cost or price analysis, including for contract modifications; obtaining and reacting to suspension and debarment certifications; and other applicable requirements for procurements under federal awards are followed. We also recommend that personnel with adequate knowledge and experience of responsibilities for procurements for federal awards review procurement and contracting decisions for compliance with federal procurement policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management concurs with the audit finding. The City will develop written policies and procedures for procurement, including the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions. Management will evaluate the need to contract with local government consultants to perform control procedures where City personnel are not available or qualified to perform.
Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name 93.224, 93.527; COVID 19: Health Center Program Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year H80CS24134, H8ECS37956, H8FCS40356, and H8GCS48255 2022 Pass through Entity N/A Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 200.326, the Organization must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions that are consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The Organization must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, in accorance with 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209 6, the Organization must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Condition Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarement rules. Questioned Costs $1,121,985 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed Questioned costs resulted from the Organization not maintaining or using the required procurement procedures over non payroll expenditures. Total non payroll expenditures included on the SEFA total $1,121,985. Context For all four contracts selected for testing, there were no records manintained to support procurement method, contract selection, or verification the entity was not suspended or disbared. Upon further procedures, we identified that the Organization did not follow any procurement guidelines in procuring all non payroll transactions. Cause and Effect There are no procurement, suspension, and debarement policies in place. As a result, no procedures are being completed over these compliance categories and thus the Organization did not comply with the related compliance requirements. Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance and follow those policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Organization will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name 93.224, 93.527; COVID 19: Health Center Program Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year H80CS24134, H8ECS37956, H8FCS40356, and H8GCS48255 2022 Pass through Entity N/A Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 200.326, the Organization must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions that are consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The Organization must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, in accorance with 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209 6, the Organization must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Condition Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarement rules. Questioned Costs $1,121,985 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed Questioned costs resulted from the Organization not maintaining or using the required procurement procedures over non payroll expenditures. Total non payroll expenditures included on the SEFA total $1,121,985. Context For all four contracts selected for testing, there were no records manintained to support procurement method, contract selection, or verification the entity was not suspended or disbared. Upon further procedures, we identified that the Organization did not follow any procurement guidelines in procuring all non payroll transactions. Cause and Effect There are no procurement, suspension, and debarement policies in place. As a result, no procedures are being completed over these compliance categories and thus the Organization did not comply with the related compliance requirements. Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance and follow those policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Organization will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name 93.224, 93.527; COVID 19: Health Center Program Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year H80CS24134, H8ECS37956, H8FCS40356, and H8GCS48255 2022 Pass through Entity N/A Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 200.326, the Organization must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions that are consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The Organization must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, in accorance with 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209 6, the Organization must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Condition Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarement rules. Questioned Costs $1,121,985 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed Questioned costs resulted from the Organization not maintaining or using the required procurement procedures over non payroll expenditures. Total non payroll expenditures included on the SEFA total $1,121,985. Context For all four contracts selected for testing, there were no records manintained to support procurement method, contract selection, or verification the entity was not suspended or disbared. Upon further procedures, we identified that the Organization did not follow any procurement guidelines in procuring all non payroll transactions. Cause and Effect There are no procurement, suspension, and debarement policies in place. As a result, no procedures are being completed over these compliance categories and thus the Organization did not comply with the related compliance requirements. Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance and follow those policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Organization will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name 93.224, 93.527; COVID 19: Health Center Program Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year H80CS24134, H8ECS37956, H8FCS40356, and H8GCS48255 2022 Pass through Entity N/A Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 200.326, the Organization must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions that are consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The Organization must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, in accorance with 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209 6, the Organization must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Condition Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarement rules. Questioned Costs $1,121,985 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed Questioned costs resulted from the Organization not maintaining or using the required procurement procedures over non payroll expenditures. Total non payroll expenditures included on the SEFA total $1,121,985. Context For all four contracts selected for testing, there were no records manintained to support procurement method, contract selection, or verification the entity was not suspended or disbared. Upon further procedures, we identified that the Organization did not follow any procurement guidelines in procuring all non payroll transactions. Cause and Effect There are no procurement, suspension, and debarement policies in place. As a result, no procedures are being completed over these compliance categories and thus the Organization did not comply with the related compliance requirements. Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance and follow those policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Organization will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance.
CONDITION: The City of McKeesport contracted four (4) vendors for the purchase of seven separate purchases of equipment for the City. These contracts individually exceeded the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000, but did not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. All of these purchases were procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The City was unable to 1) provide records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for these contracts and 2) provide documentation to verify that price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. This is a repeat finding (2021-005) for the prior year. CRITERIA: Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted periodically. In instances where the cost incurred exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, as specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the City must maintain sufficient records to detail the history of procurement. CAUSE: City personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these procurements were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The City of McKeesport did not comply with the requirements of Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. QUESTIONED COST: A&H Equipment (Park Truck) $166,869, Del-Val International (Dump Truck) $175,629, Stephenson Equipment (Asphalt Roller, Backhoe, Leeboy Paver)) $424,240, Laurel Ford (Police Vehicle) $38,625. Total - $805,363 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that City management implement, review and update annually as necessary, City federal financial policies and procedures, similar to those developed for use in the City’s Community Development Program to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, that 1) price or rate quotations are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources, and 2) sufficient records are maintained to detail the history of procurement. These measures will enable the City to comply with the procurement requirements as prescribed Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The City concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: The City of McKeesport contracted with a third-party vendor (A&H Equipment for the purchase of a street sweeper. The contract with the third-party vendor, which was procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS), exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The City was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. In addition, the City did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. The cost of the street sweeper exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the City must maintain sufficient records 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. In addition, Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance requires the performance of a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. CAUSE: City personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these procurements were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The City of McKeesport did not comply with the requirements of Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement for the construction project and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. QUESTIONED COST: $268,975 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that City management implement, review and update annually as necessary, City federal financial policies and procedures, similar to those developed for use in the City’s Community Development Program to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance Simplified Acquisition, including such instances whereby the City is using a contract vehicle from a cooperative purchase network, that the City is in compliance with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specific, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I recommend that the City conduct a cost or price analysis for all procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids or proposals in accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The City concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
2022-004 Missing documentation for procurement, suspension and debarment 93.341 Analyses, Research and Studies to Address the Impact of CMS Programs on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Beneficiaries and the Health Care System Serving these Beneficiaries Audit Results: Criteria: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.318, any contracts procured with federal funds for over $10,000 should be obtained via a bidding process or documentation is required to show that the contractor is the sole source for the services. In addition, the Organization should keep documentation to show that they have verified that contractors are not suspended or debarred. Condition: Bid or sole source documentation was missing for all five contracts that we selected for testing and there was no documentation of the verification that the contractor was not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None Context: It is important to determine that contractors used are eligible for work and that they have not been suspended or debarred from performing work on projects supported by federal funds It is also important to have full and open competition on contract work that is federally funded. Effect:As a result, the Organization was missing documentation relating to the requirements for procurement, suspension and debarment. Cause:This is due to ineffective controls over the procurement process resulting from staff turnover. Recommendation: Auditors recommend that the Organization maintain all federal award documentation in a location where all authorized personnel have access in order to ensure that it can always be located. We also recommend that management create a process for procurement, including how bids are obtained and maintained for proof of compliance with Uniform Guidance. Management should also establish procedures for verifying that contractors are not suspended or debarred and a system for maintaining this verification should be established. It is critical to maintain detailed documentation to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with this Single Audit Finding and response is included in the Corrective Action Plan
2022-004 Improve Controls and Documentation Over Procurement Federal Program Information Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Award Name(s): Injury Prevention and Control Research and State and Community Based Programs; Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Health or Healthcare Crises Assistance Listing Number(s): 93.136, 93.391 Award Year: 2022 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement OMB’s Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires that grant recipients follow procurement procedures for the acquisition of property or services under a federal award. Grantees are required to comply with certain procurement standards as defined in 2 CFR 200.318. These standards include the requirement that the grantee must use its own documented procurement procedures provided that they conform to applicable federal law. In addition, the grantee must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. Condition and Context During our audit, we tested a sample of two procurement transactions under assistance listing number 93.136 and one transaction under assistance listing number 93.391 for vendors with expenditures between $10,000 and $49,999 during fiscal year 2022. Of the transactions tested, all were missing supporting documentation to validate justification of why it was sole source as approvals were done verbally between the requestor and the Executive Director. In addition, one transaction under assistance listing number 93.136 did not qualify as meeting the requirements of sole source based on the Organization’s procurement policy. Cause The Organization did not have adequate controls or policies in place to maintain formal evidence of sole source justification and to ensure procurement policy was adhered to. Effect or Potential Effect Due to the weakness in internal controls and compliance finding noted above, there is a risk that contracts may be awarded to vendors in a manner that is not consistent with Federal procurement requirements and the Organization’s procurement policy. No questioned costs are reported as it is not quantifiable. Recommendation The Organization should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that federal procurements are conducted in accordance with federal requirements and supporting documentation is maintained to support such conclusion. The Organization should ensure that prior to entering into transactions, a review is performed over vendor selection and all required documentation is retained. Views of Responsible Official Management agrees with the finding. Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
2022-004 Improve Controls and Documentation Over Procurement Federal Program Information Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Award Name(s): Injury Prevention and Control Research and State and Community Based Programs; Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Health or Healthcare Crises Assistance Listing Number(s): 93.136, 93.391 Award Year: 2022 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement OMB’s Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires that grant recipients follow procurement procedures for the acquisition of property or services under a federal award. Grantees are required to comply with certain procurement standards as defined in 2 CFR 200.318. These standards include the requirement that the grantee must use its own documented procurement procedures provided that they conform to applicable federal law. In addition, the grantee must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. Condition and Context During our audit, we tested a sample of two procurement transactions under assistance listing number 93.136 and one transaction under assistance listing number 93.391 for vendors with expenditures between $10,000 and $49,999 during fiscal year 2022. Of the transactions tested, all were missing supporting documentation to validate justification of why it was sole source as approvals were done verbally between the requestor and the Executive Director. In addition, one transaction under assistance listing number 93.136 did not qualify as meeting the requirements of sole source based on the Organization’s procurement policy. Cause The Organization did not have adequate controls or policies in place to maintain formal evidence of sole source justification and to ensure procurement policy was adhered to. Effect or Potential Effect Due to the weakness in internal controls and compliance finding noted above, there is a risk that contracts may be awarded to vendors in a manner that is not consistent with Federal procurement requirements and the Organization’s procurement policy. No questioned costs are reported as it is not quantifiable. Recommendation The Organization should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that federal procurements are conducted in accordance with federal requirements and supporting documentation is maintained to support such conclusion. The Organization should ensure that prior to entering into transactions, a review is performed over vendor selection and all required documentation is retained. Views of Responsible Official Management agrees with the finding. Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
2022-003 Implement Controls and Documentation Over Procurement Federal Program Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Award Name: Natural Resource Stewardship Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.944 Award Year: 2022 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Material Weakness Criteria or Specific Requirement OMB’s Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires that grant recipients follow procurement procedures for the acquisition of property or services under a federal award. Grantees are required to comply with certain procurement standards as defined in 2 CFR 200.318. These standards include the requirement that the grantee must use its own documented procurement procedures provided that they conform to applicable federal law. In addition, the grantee must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. Condition and Context During our audit, we tested a sample of one procurement transaction for a vendor with expenditures between $10,000 and $249,999 during 2022. Of the transaction tested, there was no supporting documentation to validate justification of why the vendor was selected, as approvals were not formally documented. In addition, no evidence was provided to prove a suspension and debarment check was performed. Cause The Organization did not have adequate policies or controls in place to maintain formal evidence of vendor approval. Effect or Potential Effect Due to the weakness in internal controls and compliance finding noted above, there is a risk that contracts may be awarded to vendors in a manner that is not consistent with Federal procurement requirements. Questioned Costs Due to the condition noted above, Federal procurement requirements were not followed and resulted in the following questioned costs. AL Number(s) Name of Federal Program Questioned Costs 15.944 Natural Resource Stewardship $50,672 Recommendation The Organization should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that federal procurements are conducted in accordance with federal requirements and supporting documentation is maintained to support such conclusion. The Organization should ensure that prior to entering into transactions, a review is performed over vendor selection and all required documentation is retained. Views of Responsible Official Management agrees with the finding. Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, 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). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a passthrough entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR Section 180.300). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Non-Federal entities other than States, including those operating Federal programs as subrecipients of States, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.327. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. A non-Federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR 200.320(a)(1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR 200.320(b)). 4. For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the non-Federal entity must use one of the following procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR 200.320(b)(2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one source) but only when one or more of four circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320(c). 5. Perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications (2 CFR 200.323(a)). The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting must not be used (2 CFR 200.323(b)). 6. Ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes applicable provisions required by 2 CFR 200.326. These provisions are described in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200, “Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards.” Although the Village contracted with a consultant to assist the Village with compliance with various procurement compliance requirements, the Village does not have any formal policies in place regarding procurement requirements. We recommend that the Village adopt formal policies and procedures that address procurement requirements.
Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR §200.318(a) of the Uniform Guidance states recipients of federal awards must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a federal award, including for acquisition of property or services. These procedures must align with Uniform Guidance Standards. 2 CFR §200.318(c) of the Uniform Guidance states organizations must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. Condition: No formal policy for procurement or conflict of interest exists. Context: During procurement purchase testing, it was noted no formal policy over procurement or conflict of interest existed that met the requirements of 2 CFR §200.318(a) & 2 CFR §200.318(c). Cause: Serenity House was not aware of the requirements in the Uniform Guidance. Effect: If there were procurement purchased over the micro purchase threshold of $10,000, Serenity House could be out of compliance with federal grants. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: Recommend adopting a procurement and conflict of interest policy that aligns with Uniform Guidance. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2022-008 Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance – Controls over Transfers and Procurement Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Federal Program: 21.027 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Compliance Requirement: A/B – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles I – Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.303, non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the award terms. • For Allowable Costs: Transfers of CSLFRF funds to support general government services must be supported by documentation demonstrating allowability, compliance, and proper review. • For Procurement and Suspension & Debarment: Per 2 CFR §§200.318–200.326 and 2 CFR §200.213, entities must follow applicable procurement procedures, including state and local bid laws, and must verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred from federal programs. Condition: Transfers made to cover general government services were not supported by documentation of a formal review or approval process. The City did not maintain evidence of procedures to verify the appropriateness or compliance of these transfers prior to execution. In addition, for procurements related to expenditures charged to CSLFRF, the City did not maintain documentation evidencing a review to ensure compliance with state bid law or verification that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to award. Cause: The City has not implemented formal internal control procedures to document the review and approval of CSLFRF transfers used for general government services and procurement compliance checks, including bid law requirements and vendor suspension/debarment status. These gaps appear to result from limited staffing and/or a lack of awareness of specific federal documentation requirements. Effect: Without documented review and approval, there is an increased risk that CSLFRF transfers may not comply with federal requirements, leading to potential unallowable costs or questioned expenditures, and procurements may not comply with federal or state requirements, increasing the risk of awarding contracts to ineligible vendors or violating competitive procurement rules. The lack of documentation also impairs auditability and transparency in the use of federal funds. Perspective: These issues were identified during audit procedures and are considered systemic, as they affect multiple transactions and compliance requirements. These conditions reflect a lack of formal internal controls over key compliance areas. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement formal written procedures to strengthen internal controls in the following areas: • Transfers: Require documented review and approval of all transfers, including evidence of management review, verification of eligibility, and compliance with federal guidelines. • Procurement: Require and maintain documentation of procurement reviews, including verification that proper bid laws were followed and confirmation that vendors are not suspended or debarred prior to contract award. View of Responsible Official: See corrective action plan.
Finding 2022-003: Procurement - Significant Deficiency Program name: Office for Coastal Management Assistance Listing: 11.473 Federal award Identification number: 20 NFWF 339630 Federal award year: 9/1/2020 - 8/31/2023 Federal awarding agency: U.S. Department of Commerce Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.318 (i), recipients and subrecipients must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement. These records must include: rationale for the method of procurement; selection of contract type; contractor selection or rejection, and; basis for the contract price. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.318(a) requires entities to maintain and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with applicable laws and regulations. Condition - The Organization has a written procurement policy in place; however, it was unable to provide documentation demonstrating that procurement transactions during the audit period were conducted in accordance with that policy. Specifically, the auditee did not retain records detailing the procurement method used, contractor selection rationale, or price justification for sampled transactions. Cause - The Organization did not maintain or consistently apply documentation protocols for internal control reviews. Formal documentation practices were not in place during the audit period. Effect - Without sufficient documentation, the auditee cannot demonstrate compliance with Federal procurement standards. This increases the risk of noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements and may result in unallowable costs or questioned costs. Questioned costs - None identified. Perspective - The deficiency was pervasive across multiple procurement transactions. Identification of Repeat Findings - This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation - We recommend that the Organization strengthen its internal controls over procurement by: Ensuring all procurement transactions are documented in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319(i). Training staff on documentation requirements. Periodically reviewing procurement files for completeness and compliance. Management response - See corrective action plan.
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment ALN 21.027: ARPA Water & Sewer State Recovery Funds Criteria: Recipients of these funds are expected to have procurement policies and procedures in place that comply with the procurement standards outlined in the Uniform Guidance. These standards are outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327, and include ensuring that the procurement method used for the contracts are appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified in 2 CFR section 320. Condition: The District did not provide any written policies on procurement and suspension and debarment. Context: The District has not previously had policies discussion procurement and suspension and debarment. Effect: Non-compliance with Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District uses professional engineering services and grant administrators to help with bidding and related requirements. Auditor Recommendation: We recommend the District establish written policies covering procurement and suspension and debarment to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements. District Response: The District did not provide a response to this finding.
AL number: 14.231 and 21.027, AL title: Emergency Solutions Grant Program and Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal award identification number and year:LAHSA agreements: GT-BH-ABH-021, GT-BH-RTV-001, GT-BH-RTV-002, GT-BH-RTV-003, GT-BH-RTV-004, GT-BH-RTV-009, GT-TLS-N-013, GTRRH- RR-02, GT-CH-WS-001, GT-1878-2102-001. California Department of Housing and Community Development 21-HK-17231, 21-HK-17171, 21-HK- 17192, County of Los Angeles ARPA funds awarded in 2022. Name of federal agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of the Treasury Name of pass-through entity: County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, California Department of Housing and Community Development Repeat finding: No Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.318-326, non-federal entities must adhere to procurement standards for purchases made with federal funds. Key requirements include: - Full and Open Competition: Procurement transactions must be conducted to ensure open competition and prevent practices that may unduly restrict competition (2 CFR §200.319(a)). - Documentation of Procurement History: Entities must maintain records that detail the procurement history, including the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price (2 CFR §200.318(i)). - Use of Non-Competitive Procurement: Non-competitive procurement is only allowed under limited circumstances, such as when the item is available from a single source, there is a public emergency, or after solicitation of multiple sources, competition is deemed inadequate (2 CFR §200.320(c)). Condition: The organization incurred expenditures of approximately $52 million for the acquisition and renovation of motels into permanent housing using federal funds under the SLFRF program. However: - No documentation was available to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement standards, including the contractor solicitation process, selection method, or the basis for the contract price. - It is unclear whether the contractor was selected through a competitive process, or if justification for non-competitive procurement was appropriately documented as required by 2 CFR §200.320(c). - Contractor costs totaled approximately $7.8 million of the $52 million expended during the year. - The buyer and seller used the same real estate agent for the acquisition transactions. The organization also did not maintain documentation for vendors used in its Emergency Solutions Grant Program sites. These vendors consisted primarily of food providers and security services. Cause: The organization did not establish or follow sufficient internal controls to ensure compliance with federal procurement requirements, including maintaining the required documentation for procurement activities. Effect or potential effect: The lack of procurement documentation creates a significant risk that noncompliant practices occurred, such as non-competitive procurement or payments exceeding fair market value. Questioned cost: N/A Recommendation: Implement comprehensive procurement policies and procedures that comply with federal regulations under 2 CFR §200.318-326. Ensure all procurement transactions are documented, including evidence of competitive bidding or justification for non-competitive procurement under 2 CFR §200.320(c). Conduct staff training on procurement standards for federal awards, focusing on documentation, competition, and conflict of interest requirements. Perform periodic internal reviews to confirm compliance with procurement policies. Consult with California’s HCD regarding their expectations of contractor selection policies for the HomeKey program. Views of responsible officials: Management acknowledges this finding, which occurred during a period of rapid program expansion when procurement infrastructure had not yet been fully developed. Since the audit period, we have completely overhauled our procurement process to ensure full compliance with the Federal procurement standards. We have implemented a formal procurement policy, created a dedicated Procurement sub-department within Finance, hired a Procurement Supervisor and support team, and launched a new procurement software platform to ensure proper solicitation, documentation, approval routing, and record retention for all Federally funded programs. These upgrades establish consistent competitive bidding, justification procedures, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and transparent procurement. In addition, we have strengthened oversight, provided staff training on Federal procurement standards, and embedded monitoring practices to ensure ongoing compliance. Management is confident these substantial structural improvements have significantly reduced the risk of noncompliance and positioned the organization for full alignment with federal procurement standards going forward.
Criteria: Under 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.320, non-Federal entities must maintain effective oversight and internal controls over the procurement process, use appropriate methods of procurement, provide for full and open competition, perform cost or price analysis when required, and maintain sufficient documentation to support procurement decisions and contract pricing. Condition/Context: The District charged certain expenditures to federal funds; however, because management was not aware, at the time the purchases were made, that the expenditures would be federally funded, the District did not apply the Uniform Guidance procurement standards under 2 CFR 200 to those purchases. As a result, procurement activities were not performed in accordance with applicable federal requirements, and the related procurement files did not consistently contain documentation supporting the procurement method used, full and open competition or justification for limiting competition, required cost or price analysis, and complete procurement history. Therefore, the control activities designed to ensure compliance with federal procurement requirements did not operate effectively. Effect: Major federal programs tested required procurement policies and specific competitive bidding procedures to comply with the use of awarded federal funds to the District. However, the District did use multiple vendors for each project, spreading the cost amongst competing companies, and used vendors that are widely engaged by all irrigation and drainage districts in the State or Arizona. Cause: Management was not aware, at the time the purchases were made, that the related expenditures would be charged to federal funds; therefore, management did not identify the need to apply the Uniform Guidance procurement standards under 2 CFR 200. Consequently, internal controls did not operate effectively to ensure procurements charged to federal awards complied with applicable federal procurement requirements and were supported by complete documentation, including the procurement method used, competition requirements, cost or price analysis, and procurement history. Recommendation: We recommend that management formally adopt amendments to their existing procurement policies to conform with U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 2, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Guidance CFR Section 318(a). Additionally, we recommend management perform competitive procurement on all purchases made with federal funds. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management concurs with the finding, see corrective action plan.
Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.303, non-Federal entities are required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over Federal awards to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. In addition, 2 CFR §200.318–200.320 require entities to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions, including the rationale for contractor selection and the basis for contract price, and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Further, 2 CFR §200.302 requires recipients to maintain accurate and complete financial records that properly support and record federal expenditures. Condition: During our testing of expenditures charged to the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we identified several instances where the City did not maintain adequate documentation and supporting records for program expenditures. Specifically: a. The City did not consistently maintain documentation supporting procurement decisions. Documentation for competitive bidding, vendor selection rationale, and price reasonableness was not consistently available. The City also did not provide evidence that vendors were verified against SAM.gov for suspension and debarment. Management indicated certain procurements were made under COVID-19 emergency conditions; however, written justification and required approvals were not consistently maintained. b. Expenditures totaling $1,070,694.56, out of $6,305,879.54 tested, were recorded in fiscal year 2022 instead of 2023. c. One disbursement had an invoice dated October 1, 2021, but was not paid until April 26, 2022, resulting in a delay of approximately seven months. d. For certain expenditures, purchase orders totaling $1,018,000 did not agree with related invoices totaling $1,410,483.81, indicating discrepancies between approved purchase amounts and billed amounts. Cause: These issues appear to be due to inadequate internal controls over procurement documentation, expenditure processing, and financial recordkeeping. The City did not consistently maintain documentation supporting procurement decisions, review supporting documentation for completeness, or ensure that expenditures were recorded in the appropriate accounting period. In addition, review procedures were not consistently performed to verify that supporting documents, purchase orders, and invoices were complete and consistent prior to processing payments. Effect: These deficiencies indicate significant weaknesses in the City’s internal controls over procurement documentation, expenditure review, and financial recordkeeping. As a result, the City cannot ensure that expenditures were properly authorized, supported by adequate documentation, recorded in the appropriate accounting period, or consistent with approved purchase amounts. These conditions increase the risk of unsupported or improperly recorded expenditures and limit the City’s ability to demonstrate compliance with federal requirements. Recommendation: The City should strengthen internal controls over procurement and expenditure processing by maintaining complete procurement documentation, including evidence of competitive bidding, vendor selection rationale, price reasonableness, and suspension and debarment verification. Management should also implement procedures to ensure expenditures are recorded in the correct fiscal period and that purchase orders, invoices, and supporting documentation are reviewed for completeness and consistency prior to payment. Questioned Cost: -0- View of Responsible Official: The City agrees with this finding. ARPA rules again were still developing during this time frame and some items were not a requirement during reporting. However, the City did require vendors to start registering with Sams.gov as well perform checking vendors for suspension and debarment after the rules changed.
THIS FINDING CONTAINS BOTH A MATERIAL WEAKNESS AND A SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY - DUE TO LIMITATIONS in SF-SAC Section 3 this is only listed as a material weakness in that form. 2022-002 The District did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal procurement and suspension and debarment requirements, and it did not comply with federal suspension and debarment requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Washington State Department of Commerce Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 22-96720-205 Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effect on public health and the economy, provide government services to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected, make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure, provide emergency relief from natural disasters or their negative economic impacts, fund projects eligible under certain programs administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through three pathways and fund projects eligible under the programs stablished in Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. In 2022, the District spent $947,806 on program funds for water/sewer broadband infrastructure. Federal regulations require recipients to establish, document and maintain effective internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. Suspension and debarment Federal requirements prohibit recipients from contracting with or purchasing from parties suspended or debarred from doing business with the federal government. Whenever the District enters into contracts or purchases goods and services that it expects to equal or exceed $25,000, paid all or in part with federal funds, it must verify the contractors are not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. The District may verify this by obtaining a written certification from the contractor, adding a clause or condition into the contract that states the contractor is not suspended or debarred, or checking for exclusion records in the U.S. General Services Administration’s System for Award Management at SAM.gov. The District must verify this before entering into the contract, and must maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with this federal requirement. Procurement Federal regulations require recipients to follow their own documented procurement procedures, which must conform to the Uniform Guidance procurement standards found in 2 CFR § 200.318-327. The procedures must reflect the most restrictive of federal, state or local procurement thresholds and methods. Federal regulations also require recipients to maintain written standards of conduct that cover conflicts of interest and govern the actions of employees involved in selecting, awarding or administrating contracts procured with federal funds. Description of Condition Suspension and debarment Although the District has a process to verify the suspension and debarment for contractors it pays more than $25,000, our audit found the District did not follow this process and did not document its verification that the contractor we tested was not suspended or debarred before purchasing from them. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Procurement In addition, our audit found the District did not have internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal procurement requirements. Specifically, the District does not have written procurement procedures as federal regulations require and does not have a standards of conduct policy covering conflicts of interest for employees or agents who award contracts, as federal regulations require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a significant deficiency. Cause of Condition Suspension and debarment Although District staff said they were aware of the requirements, they could not locate documentation to show they verified the contractor suspension and debarment status. Procurement Because the District does not regularly manage federal programs, staff were unaware of federal procurement requirements and did not know they needed written procurement procedures and standards of conduct. Effect of Condition Suspension and debarment The District did not obtain written certifications, insert clauses into the contracts, or check SAM.gov to verify the contractor it paid $871,320 with federal funds was not suspended or debarred before contracting. Without adequate internal controls, the District increases its risk of awarding federal funds to contractors that are excluded from participating in federal programs. Any payments the District made to an ineligible party would be unallowable, and the awarding agency could potentially recover them. We subsequently verified the contractor was not suspended and debarred. Therefore, we are not questioning costs. Procurement Without written policies and procedures that conform to federal procurement standards, the District is at an increased risk of not complying with the most restrictive of federal, state or local procurement methods and standards of conduct requirements when using federal funds. Although the District did not have written policies or procedures for procurement in place, it received guidance from the federal grantor and complied with procurement requirements for the competitive solicitation and selection of the public works contract we tested. Recommendation Suspension and debarment We recommend the District strengthen its internal controls to verify all contractors it pays $25,000 or more, all or in part with federal funds, are not suspended or debarred from participating in federal programs and maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with this requirement. Procurement We also recommend the District establish internal controls to comply with federal procurement requirements, including establishing written procurement and standards of conduct procedures that conform to federal procurement standards in Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200.318-327). District’s Response The District plans to follow the Washinton State Auditors Office recommendation to formally adopt a procurement and debarment polices by July 2026. The District recognizes it is in the best interests of the public to have documented policies and procedures, and those policies shall be adhered to. The District is grateful that $947,806 in grant assistance was provided, as passthrough funds that assisted an affordable housing development, and wants to ensure the public that processes and procedures were in place that minimized the risk of disbursing funds to a debarred contractor. The District’s bid documents, signed contracts, signed certifications, filings with WA State L&I, and outsourced bidder qualification review ensured qualifying bidder requirements were met prior to this projects commencement. These actions, which the SAO acknowledges did occur, address the concerns the SAO has identified. Still, the District agrees improvements can occur, and this will be addressed in a timely manner. Policies will be adopted that strengthen controls, which includes increased documentation that meets recommended State and Federal guidelines. Auditor’s Remarks We appreciate the steps the District is taking to resolve this issue. We will review the condition during our next audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement), establishes nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 318, General procurement standards, establishes requirements for written procedures.
Finding 2022-009 Lack of Internal Controls and Noncompliance with Procurement Requirements Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of the Treasury, respectively Federal Programs: Tribal Self-Governance and Determination Cluster (TSGDC) and Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF), respectively CFDA Numbers: 93.441 (TSGDC) and 21.027 (CSLFRF), respectively Award Number: 0243-12-0006 (TSGDC) and SLFRP2520/4754 (CSLFRF), respectively Award Year: 2020, 2021, 2022 (TSGDC) and 2021 (CSLFRF), respectively Type of Finding: Material weakness in internal control over compliance and material noncompliance. Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 to 200.325, procurement policies must be in place to ensure the Tribe is promoting full and open competition consistent with the standards of these sections. In order to ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements. Condition and Context: During our testing of allowable costs charged to the TSGDC program, management could not provide adequate procurement documentation related to the clinic construction project. During our testing of allowable costs charged to the CSLFRF program, management could not provide adequate procurement documentation related to a construction project and supplies related to the water treatment system. Cause: Lack of internal controls over procurement requirements. Effect: Failure to follow compliance requirements could result in loss of federal funding or questioned costs being incurred. Questioned costs: Undetermined. Due to the lack of procurement documentation, we were unable to determine if the Community received the lowest price possible. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that management establish a procurement policy and ensure that the policy is followed. Management Response: Management agrees with this finding, see Corrective Action Plan.
2022-005 – WRITTEN PROCUREMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE PROCUREMENT STANDARDS Federal Program: Assistance Listing Number 17.258 and 17.278 – WIOA Adult & Dislocated Worker Grant Cluster. Federal awarding agency: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Pass-through entity: Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc.. Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance; Procurement, Suspension and Debarment. Repeat finding – reported in the prior year as finding 2021-003. Criteria: Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.318 requires non-Federal entities to maintain and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with applicable state and local laws and regulations and conform to Federal procurement standards. Written policies should address matters including conflicts of interest, methods of procurement, contractor oversight, and full and open competition. Condition: During our review of procurement policies and procedures, we noted that the Institute had not adopted written procurement policies and procedures that conform to the procurement requirements of Uniform Guidance. Specifically, the Institute's policies did not adequately address the Federal procurement standards contained in 2 CFR Part 200. Cause: The Institute has not completed the revision of its written procurement policies and procedures to conform to the Uniform Guidance, and personnel responsible for grant administration have not been trained on the Uniform Guidance procurement standards. Effect: Without conforming written procurement policies, the Institute may not consistently apply Federal procurement requirements when expending Federal funds. This increases the risk of noncompliance and the use of procurement methods that do not meet Federal requirements. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that management adopt and implement written procurement policies and procedures that comply with 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. The policies should address procurement methods, conflicts of interest, contractor selection, suspension and debarment, required cost or price analyses, contractor oversight, full and open competition, and documentation of procurement decisions. Management's Views and Response: The Institute will adopt written procurement policies and procedures that conform to the Uniform Guidance procurement standards, present them to the Board of Directors for approval, and train the personnel responsible for procurement on their use.
2022 – 003 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP3738 11/30/2021 Award Period: March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or specific requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.318, 2 CFR 200.319, 2 CFR 200.324, 2 CFR 180.220, and 2 CFR 200.320,) requires a non-federal entity to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, the providing of full and open competition, the performing of cost or price analysis, and prohibits the non-federal entity to contract or make subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred (covered transactions over $25,000). These records will include the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, the basis for the contract price, how full and open competition was provided, the cost or price analysis performed, and verification the vendor is not suspended or debarred through the SAMs exclusion list, collecting of certification from the entity, or by adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity. Procurement methods used must be appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified. Condition: Procurement methods for certain federal award purchases were not adequately documented or appropriately selected in accordance with the County’s procurement policy. In addition, the County did not maintain records the vendor was not suspended or debarred prior to entering into the transactions. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: 3 of 6 tested for procurement documentation and 5 of 5 tested for suspension and debarment documentation. Cause: With new federal funding opportunities due to the pandemic, and new guidance related to those grants, proper documentation was not retained. Effect: May result in a disallowed cost if grant requirements are not followed. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding. Prior year finding numbers were 2021-004 and 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend the County carefully review federal procurement requirements for proper documentation needed. The County should consider use of a Federal procurement checklist. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1505-0271; 2021 Award Period: March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.318, 2 CFR 200.319, 2 CFR 200.324 and 2 CFR 180.220) requires a non-federal entity to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, the providing of full and open competition, the performing of cost or price analysis, and prohibits the non-federal entity to contract or make subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. These records will include the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, the basis for the contract price, how full and open competition was provided, the cost or price analysis performed, and verification the vendor is not suspended or debarred through the SAMs exclusion list, collecting of certification from the entity, or by adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: Procurement methods for certain federal award purchases were not adequately documented and the County did not verify the vendor was not suspended or debarred prior to entering into the transactions. Questioned costs: None Context: 3 of 5 tested for procurement documentation and 6 of 6 tested for suspension and debarment documentation. Cause: Lack of documentation retained over procurement rationale or cost analysis and lack of knowledge on suspension and debarment policy. Effect: Purchases are not properly documented to meet the Federal procurement requirements. CLA was able to determine the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Repeat Finding: This finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year on a different program. Prior year finding number was 2021-003. Recommendation: We recommend the County carefully review federal procurement requirements for proper documentation needed. The County should consider use of a Federal procurement checklist. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: N/A Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: March 3, 2021 ? December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: ? Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.318) requires the non-federal entity to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. In the case of an emergency or sole source purchase, proper documentation of this must be maintained. Additionally, federal guidelines require the entity to have procedures documented to verify the vendor of a covered transaction (over $25,000) is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction, prior to entering into a covered transaction. Condition: Purchases deemed ?sole source? purchases were not adequately documented supporting the lack of traditional procurement processes being required. Additionally, the County did not complete suspension and debarment procedures for covered transactions. Questioned costs: None. Context: In the testing of 5 of 6 procurement transactions, the County did not maintain appropriate documentation to support why they were noncompetitive purchases. Additionally, in the testing of 5 of 6 suspension and debarment eligible transactions, the County did not complete the required suspension and debarment procedures required for covered transactions. Cause: With new federal funding opportunities arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and new guidance related to those grants, grant personnel were not aware of these requirements. Effect: Lack of internal control procedures can lead to noncompliance with grant requirements. Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend ensuring procurement procedures are complete and in accordance with Uniform Grant Guidance for any federal purchases, and available for all departments. This procedure should include verifying vendors or contractors are not suspended or debarred from doing business, prior to contracting them, and maintaining documentation of this. The County should consider adding a Federal Procurement Checklist that covers the applicable Uniform Guidance requirements that should be completed when making purchases, and retained with other procurement documents. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022 – 003 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP3738 11/30/2021 Award Period: March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or specific requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.318, 2 CFR 200.319, 2 CFR 200.324, 2 CFR 180.220, and 2 CFR 200.320,) requires a non-federal entity to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, the providing of full and open competition, the performing of cost or price analysis, and prohibits the non-federal entity to contract or make subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred (covered transactions over $25,000). These records will include the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, the basis for the contract price, how full and open competition was provided, the cost or price analysis performed, and verification the vendor is not suspended or debarred through the SAMs exclusion list, collecting of certification from the entity, or by adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity. Procurement methods used must be appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified. Condition: Procurement methods for certain federal award purchases were not adequately documented or appropriately selected in accordance with the County’s procurement policy. In addition, the County did not maintain records the vendor was not suspended or debarred prior to entering into the transactions. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: 3 of 6 tested for procurement documentation and 5 of 5 tested for suspension and debarment documentation. Cause: With new federal funding opportunities due to the pandemic, and new guidance related to those grants, proper documentation was not retained. Effect: May result in a disallowed cost if grant requirements are not followed. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding. Prior year finding numbers were 2021-004 and 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend the County carefully review federal procurement requirements for proper documentation needed. The County should consider use of a Federal procurement checklist. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1505-0271; 2021 Award Period: March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.318, 2 CFR 200.319, 2 CFR 200.324 and 2 CFR 180.220) requires a non-federal entity to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, the providing of full and open competition, the performing of cost or price analysis, and prohibits the non-federal entity to contract or make subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. These records will include the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, the basis for the contract price, how full and open competition was provided, the cost or price analysis performed, and verification the vendor is not suspended or debarred through the SAMs exclusion list, collecting of certification from the entity, or by adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: Procurement methods for certain federal award purchases were not adequately documented and the County did not verify the vendor was not suspended or debarred prior to entering into the transactions. Questioned costs: None Context: 3 of 5 tested for procurement documentation and 6 of 6 tested for suspension and debarment documentation. Cause: Lack of documentation retained over procurement rationale or cost analysis and lack of knowledge on suspension and debarment policy. Effect: Purchases are not properly documented to meet the Federal procurement requirements. CLA was able to determine the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Repeat Finding: This finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year on a different program. Prior year finding number was 2021-003. Recommendation: We recommend the County carefully review federal procurement requirements for proper documentation needed. The County should consider use of a Federal procurement checklist. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: N/A Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: March 3, 2021 ? December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: ? Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.318) requires the non-federal entity to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. In the case of an emergency or sole source purchase, proper documentation of this must be maintained. Additionally, federal guidelines require the entity to have procedures documented to verify the vendor of a covered transaction (over $25,000) is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction, prior to entering into a covered transaction. Condition: Purchases deemed ?sole source? purchases were not adequately documented supporting the lack of traditional procurement processes being required. Additionally, the County did not complete suspension and debarment procedures for covered transactions. Questioned costs: None. Context: In the testing of 5 of 6 procurement transactions, the County did not maintain appropriate documentation to support why they were noncompetitive purchases. Additionally, in the testing of 5 of 6 suspension and debarment eligible transactions, the County did not complete the required suspension and debarment procedures required for covered transactions. Cause: With new federal funding opportunities arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and new guidance related to those grants, grant personnel were not aware of these requirements. Effect: Lack of internal control procedures can lead to noncompliance with grant requirements. Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend ensuring procurement procedures are complete and in accordance with Uniform Grant Guidance for any federal purchases, and available for all departments. This procedure should include verifying vendors or contractors are not suspended or debarred from doing business, prior to contracting them, and maintaining documentation of this. The County should consider adding a Federal Procurement Checklist that covers the applicable Uniform Guidance requirements that should be completed when making purchases, and retained with other procurement documents. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Health Centers Cluster and Health Center Infrastructure Support Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 and 93.527; 93.526 Federal Award Identification Number: H8FCS40647-01; C8ECS44753-01 Award Periods: April 1, 2021 ? March 31, 2023; September 15, 2021 ? September 14, 2024, respectively Type of Finding: Compliance and significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: ? 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed: The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for 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. 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 maintain proper documentation for 1) determining the rationale of the sole-source procurement methodology that it applied and 2) that suspension and debarment was checked quarterly per the Organization's policy for vendors reimbursed by the federal grant. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Two (2) of two (2) procurement transactions; Two (2) of two (2) suspension and debarment transactions Cause: The organization did not document its rationale for choosing the noncompetitive procurement method or its quarterly review of suspension and debarment of vendors. Effect: The Organization may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis or vendors that may be federally suspended and disbarred. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: Management should adhere to or revise the Organization?s existing procurement policy and implement a system of processes and internal controls to ensure that the appropriate level of documentation is maintained based on the procurement methodology selected for a transaction of contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Health Centers Cluster and Health Center Infrastructure Support Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 and 93.527; 93.526 Federal Award Identification Number: H8FCS40647-01; C8ECS44753-01 Award Periods: April 1, 2021 ? March 31, 2023; September 15, 2021 ? September 14, 2024, respectively Type of Finding: Compliance and significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: ? 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed: The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for 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. 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 maintain proper documentation for 1) determining the rationale of the sole-source procurement methodology that it applied and 2) that suspension and debarment was checked quarterly per the Organization's policy for vendors reimbursed by the federal grant. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Two (2) of two (2) procurement transactions; Two (2) of two (2) suspension and debarment transactions Cause: The organization did not document its rationale for choosing the noncompetitive procurement method or its quarterly review of suspension and debarment of vendors. Effect: The Organization may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis or vendors that may be federally suspended and disbarred. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: Management should adhere to or revise the Organization?s existing procurement policy and implement a system of processes and internal controls to ensure that the appropriate level of documentation is maintained based on the procurement methodology selected for a transaction of contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Health Centers Cluster and Health Center Infrastructure Support Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 and 93.527; 93.526 Federal Award Identification Number: H8FCS40647-01; C8ECS44753-01 Award Periods: April 1, 2021 ? March 31, 2023; September 15, 2021 ? September 14, 2024, respectively Type of Finding: Compliance and significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: ? 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed: The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for 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. 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 maintain proper documentation for 1) determining the rationale of the sole-source procurement methodology that it applied and 2) that suspension and debarment was checked quarterly per the Organization's policy for vendors reimbursed by the federal grant. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Two (2) of two (2) procurement transactions; Two (2) of two (2) suspension and debarment transactions Cause: The organization did not document its rationale for choosing the noncompetitive procurement method or its quarterly review of suspension and debarment of vendors. Effect: The Organization may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis or vendors that may be federally suspended and disbarred. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: Management should adhere to or revise the Organization?s existing procurement policy and implement a system of processes and internal controls to ensure that the appropriate level of documentation is maintained based on the procurement methodology selected for a transaction of contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Health Centers Cluster and Health Center Infrastructure Support Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 and 93.527; 93.526 Federal Award Identification Number: H8FCS40647-01; C8ECS44753-01 Award Periods: April 1, 2021 ? March 31, 2023; September 15, 2021 ? September 14, 2024, respectively Type of Finding: Compliance and significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: ? 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed: The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for 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. 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 maintain proper documentation for 1) determining the rationale of the sole-source procurement methodology that it applied and 2) that suspension and debarment was checked quarterly per the Organization's policy for vendors reimbursed by the federal grant. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Two (2) of two (2) procurement transactions; Two (2) of two (2) suspension and debarment transactions Cause: The organization did not document its rationale for choosing the noncompetitive procurement method or its quarterly review of suspension and debarment of vendors. Effect: The Organization may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis or vendors that may be federally suspended and disbarred. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: Management should adhere to or revise the Organization?s existing procurement policy and implement a system of processes and internal controls to ensure that the appropriate level of documentation is maintained based on the procurement methodology selected for a transaction of contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Health Centers Cluster and Health Center Infrastructure Support Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 and 93.527; 93.526 Federal Award Identification Number: H8FCS40647-01; C8ECS44753-01 Award Periods: April 1, 2021 ? March 31, 2023; September 15, 2021 ? September 14, 2024, respectively Type of Finding: Compliance and significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: ? 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed: The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for 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. 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 maintain proper documentation for 1) determining the rationale of the sole-source procurement methodology that it applied and 2) that suspension and debarment was checked quarterly per the Organization's policy for vendors reimbursed by the federal grant. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Two (2) of two (2) procurement transactions; Two (2) of two (2) suspension and debarment transactions Cause: The organization did not document its rationale for choosing the noncompetitive procurement method or its quarterly review of suspension and debarment of vendors. Effect: The Organization may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis or vendors that may be federally suspended and disbarred. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: Management should adhere to or revise the Organization?s existing procurement policy and implement a system of processes and internal controls to ensure that the appropriate level of documentation is maintained based on the procurement methodology selected for a transaction of contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.