Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
Cluster: Research and Development Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense Award Names: First-in-human clinical translation of a near-infrared, nerve-specific fluorophore to facilitate tissue-specific fluorescence-guided surgery; Self-Administered, Motor-Free, Cognitive Screening Battery for MS: Development and Initial Validation; Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery (TMGRS) Award Numbers: 1R01NS116994-01A1; W81XWH2010330; R21DK124733 Assistance Listing Title: Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders; Military Medical Research and Development; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.853; 12.420; 93.847 Award Year: 2021 - 2022 Pass-through entity: Not applicable Criteria The Health System has a policy whereby purchases shall comply with Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative agreements, as established in 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be followed and they have adopted $10,000 as their micro-purchase threshold. 2 CFR 200.318 requires that documentation of the history of the procurement, the procurement method and rationale for the method selected, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and basis for the contract price to be included in the procurement file. Additionally, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures and is prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. 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 System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration, (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). The Health System?s suspension and debarment policy requires suspension and debarment verifications to be completed for all vendors utilized on federal awards, regardless of expenditure amount. Condition As part of the Research and Development cluster procurement testing of new purchases greater than $10,000 there were 4 transactions selected for testing out of a population of 21 transactions totaling $481,000. We noted two transactions of $69,500 and $12,000 where there was no documentation of the vendor justification, but were determined to be sole source. Management was able to provide us with an understanding of why the vendor was selected; however, this sole source justification was not documented in the procurement files. Additionally, as part of the testing over compliance with the Health System?s suspension and debarment verification policy, we noted one vendor with expenditures of $1,400 where the suspension and debarment verification was not performed in advance of paying the related invoice. We received evidence of the suspension and debarment verification completed after invoice payment, where no exclusions were identified. Cause While the procurement policy outlines the procedures to be followed for federal purchases, there is no formal review to ensure all federal documentation requirements related to purchases above the micropurchase threshold have been included in the procurement files. Additionally, there is no formal review to ensure that suspension and debarment verifications have been completed for all vendors prior to invoice payment. Effect The lack of adherence to established policies for bidding documentation and sole source justification and a formal process for review could result in competition being inappropriately limited. The lack adherence to the suspension and debarment verification policy could result in the Health System conducting business with a vendor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation We recommend the Health System formalize the documentation and review required for procurements over the micro-purchase threshold, including review of multiple vendor quotations or sole source justification documentation prior to the purchase being made. Additionally, the Health System should ensure that timely suspension and debarment verifications are completed in line with policy. Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan Management?s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report after the summary of status of prior audit findings
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 20-21, FY 21-22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded with?out soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There were no documented internal controls over procurements made under the small and micro-purchase thresholds. For 3 of 6 purchases tested totaling $95,000, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that price quotations had been requested for purchases exceeding $10,000, but less than $150,000. Additionally, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that the one vendor paid $25,000 was verified to not be excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own docu-mented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acqui?sition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procure?ment methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal con-trols to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurements and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 20-21, FY 21-22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded with?out soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There were no documented internal controls over procurements made under the small and micro-purchase thresholds. For 3 of 6 purchases tested totaling $95,000, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that price quotations had been requested for purchases exceeding $10,000, but less than $150,000. Additionally, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that the one vendor paid $25,000 was verified to not be excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own docu-mented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acqui?sition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procure?ment methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal con-trols to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurements and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 20-21, FY 21-22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded with?out soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There were no documented internal controls over procurements made under the small and micro-purchase thresholds. For 3 of 6 purchases tested totaling $95,000, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that price quotations had been requested for purchases exceeding $10,000, but less than $150,000. Additionally, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that the one vendor paid $25,000 was verified to not be excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own docu-mented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acqui?sition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procure?ment methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal con-trols to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurements and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 20-21, FY 21-22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded with?out soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There were no documented internal controls over procurements made under the small and micro-purchase thresholds. For 3 of 6 purchases tested totaling $95,000, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that price quotations had been requested for purchases exceeding $10,000, but less than $150,000. Additionally, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that the one vendor paid $25,000 was verified to not be excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own docu-mented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acqui?sition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procure?ment methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal con-trols to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurements and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 20-21, FY 21-22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded with?out soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There were no documented internal controls over procurements made under the small and micro-purchase thresholds. For 3 of 6 purchases tested totaling $95,000, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that price quotations had been requested for purchases exceeding $10,000, but less than $150,000. Additionally, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that the one vendor paid $25,000 was verified to not be excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own docu-mented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acqui?sition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procure?ment methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal con-trols to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurements and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 20-21, FY 21-22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded with?out soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There were no documented internal controls over procurements made under the small and micro-purchase thresholds. For 3 of 6 purchases tested totaling $95,000, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that price quotations had been requested for purchases exceeding $10,000, but less than $150,000. Additionally, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that the one vendor paid $25,000 was verified to not be excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own docu-mented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acqui?sition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procure?ment methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal con-trols to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurements and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 20-21, FY 21-22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded with?out soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. There were no documented internal controls over procurements made under the small and micro-purchase thresholds. For 3 of 6 purchases tested totaling $95,000, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that price quotations had been requested for purchases exceeding $10,000, but less than $150,000. Additionally, the School Corporation did not provide audit evidence that the one vendor paid $25,000 was verified to not be excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own docu-mented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acqui?sition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procure?ment methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal con-trols to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurements and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. LIBERTY-PERRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2022-005 Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury and Federal Communications Commission Federal Program Name: American Rescue Plan Act and Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 and 32.009 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 12060-OPM20600-29669 and ECF202108044 Pass-Through Agency: Office of Policy and Management Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters (Noncompliance) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of procurement standards. Condition: The Town?s procurement standards do not include the essential elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted. Context: Although the Town did not have a policy in place in conformity with the federal uniform guidance criteria, the Town did follow Uniform Guidance and was in compliance with the major program. Cause: The policy has not been updated to be in compliance with uniform guidance requirements. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Town is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: N/A - First year audited as a major program. Recommendation: We recommend that the City review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the criteria as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding and is in process of developing a formal policy
2022-006 Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury and Federal Communications Commission Federal Program Name: American Rescue Plan Act and Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 and 32.009 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 12060-OPM20600-29669 and ECF202108044 Pass-Through Agency: Office of Policy and Management Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters (Noncompliance) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of suspension, and debarment. Condition: The Town must update their policies to indicate they will verify that an entity with which they plan to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Questioned costs: None noted. Context: Although the Town did not have a policy in place in conformity with the federal uniform guidance criteria, the Town did follow Uniform Guidance and was in compliance with the major program. Cause: The policy has not been updated to be in compliance with uniform guidance requirements. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Town is at risk for noncompliance as it related to suspension & debarment. Repeat Finding: N/A - First year audited as a major program. Recommendation: We recommend that the City review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the criteria as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding and is in process of developing a formal policy.
2022-005 Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury and Federal Communications Commission Federal Program Name: American Rescue Plan Act and Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 and 32.009 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 12060-OPM20600-29669 and ECF202108044 Pass-Through Agency: Office of Policy and Management Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters (Noncompliance) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of procurement standards. Condition: The Town?s procurement standards do not include the essential elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted. Context: Although the Town did not have a policy in place in conformity with the federal uniform guidance criteria, the Town did follow Uniform Guidance and was in compliance with the major program. Cause: The policy has not been updated to be in compliance with uniform guidance requirements. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Town is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: N/A - First year audited as a major program. Recommendation: We recommend that the City review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the criteria as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding and is in process of developing a formal policy
2022-006 Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury and Federal Communications Commission Federal Program Name: American Rescue Plan Act and Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 and 32.009 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 12060-OPM20600-29669 and ECF202108044 Pass-Through Agency: Office of Policy and Management Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matters (Noncompliance) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of suspension, and debarment. Condition: The Town must update their policies to indicate they will verify that an entity with which they plan to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Questioned costs: None noted. Context: Although the Town did not have a policy in place in conformity with the federal uniform guidance criteria, the Town did follow Uniform Guidance and was in compliance with the major program. Cause: The policy has not been updated to be in compliance with uniform guidance requirements. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Town is at risk for noncompliance as it related to suspension & debarment. Repeat Finding: N/A - First year audited as a major program. Recommendation: We recommend that the City review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the criteria as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding and is in process of developing a formal policy.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: COVID-19 ? 84.425D ? Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund COVID-19 ? 84.425U ? American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Numbers: S425D200012 (Year: 2020), S425D210012 (Year: 2021), S425U210012 (Year: 2021) Questioned Costs: $358,390 Description: The policies and procedures of the School District were insufficient to provide adequate internal controls over expenditures as it relates to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program. Background: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including providing additional funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Provisions included in Title VIII of the CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund to provide financial resources to educational entities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The CARES Act allocated $30.75 billion, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act allocated an additional $81.9 billion, and the American Rescue Plan Act added $165.1 billion in funding to the Education Stabilization Fund. Multiple Education Stabilization Fund subprograms were created and allotted funding through the various COVID-19-related legislation. Of these programs, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was created to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. ESSER funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. ESSER funds totaling $14,705,523 were expended and reported on the Barrow County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.403 ? Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs state that ?costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles, (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items, (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity? (g) Be adequately documented?? In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.404 ? Reasonable Costs state that ?a cost is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the cost. The question of reasonableness is particularly important when the non-Federal entity is predominantly federally-funded. In determining reasonableness of a given cost, consideration must be given to: (a) Whether the cost is of a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the operation of the non-Federal entity or the proper and efficient performance of the Federal award. (b) The restraints or requirements imposed by such factors as: sound business practices; arm?s-length bargaining; Federal, state, local, tribal, and other laws and regulations; and terms and conditions of the Federal award? (d) Whether the individuals concerned acted with prudence in the circumstances considering their responsibilities to the non-Federal entity, its employees, where applicable its students or membership, the public at large, and the Federal Government. (e) Whether the non-Federal entity significantly deviates from its established practices and policies regarding the incurrence of costs, which may unjustifiably increase the Federal award?s cost.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state that ?the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations? for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward?? Condition: Auditors performed a review of expenditure activity associated with the ESSER program to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. This testing revealed that ?retention? bonuses were paid to individuals who were not employees of the School District. These individuals were hired to perform specific functions as detailed within the associated contracts and were paid amounts in excess of the stated rate noted within these contracts. Additionally, the School District does not have the authority or ability to retain these individuals as they were not employees of the School District and contract provisions requiring the individuals to remain in the service of the School District for a stated period of time was not reflected within the associated contract. Furthermore, auditors contacted ED?s ESSER program management to discuss the allowability of these bonus payments as ED is the grantor of the funds and the cognizant agency charged with administering the ESSER program. Officials at ED advised auditors that bonuses may be allowable if such bonuses are reflected within the contract; however, as noted previously, no such contract provisions were present. Moreover, ED emphasized that published guidance associated with the issuance of bonuses or premium pay from ESSER funds pertained to school personnel, not contractors. Therefore, based upon this information, auditors determined that expenditures totaling $358,390 were not reasonable and necessary for the performance of the ESSER program and deemed these expenditures to be unallowable. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $358,390 were identified for expenditures that were not incurred for a necessary and reasonable purpose and did not follow the School District?s policies and procedures. These known questioned costs related to expenditures that were not tested as part of a sample, and therefore, should not be projected to a population to determine likely questioned costs. Cause: Per discussion with management, the School District believed that the expenditures were allowable as the expenditures were approved by GaDOE through the Consolidated Application process; however, they were not aware that contract amendments should be initiated prior to the expenditure of funds in this manner. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance, ED, or GaDOE guidance related to the ESSER program. Failure to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are followed when expending federal funds may expose the School District to unnecessary financial strains and shortages as GaDOE may require the School District to return funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should review current internal control procedures related to ESSER program expenditures. Where vulnerable, the School District should develop and/or modify its policies and procedures to ensure that expenditures are in line with provisions reflected within the associated contract and/or contract amendments. In addition, the School District should implement a monitoring process to ensure that all expenditures are compliant with the School District?s purchasing policies and procedures. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: COVID-19 ? 84.425D ? Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund COVID-19 ? 84.425U ? American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Numbers: S425D200012 (Year: 2020), S425D210012 (Year: 2021), S425U210012 (Year: 2021) Questioned Costs: $358,390 Description: The policies and procedures of the School District were insufficient to provide adequate internal controls over expenditures as it relates to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program. Background: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including providing additional funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Provisions included in Title VIII of the CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund to provide financial resources to educational entities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The CARES Act allocated $30.75 billion, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act allocated an additional $81.9 billion, and the American Rescue Plan Act added $165.1 billion in funding to the Education Stabilization Fund. Multiple Education Stabilization Fund subprograms were created and allotted funding through the various COVID-19-related legislation. Of these programs, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was created to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. ESSER funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. ESSER funds totaling $14,705,523 were expended and reported on the Barrow County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.403 ? Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs state that ?costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles, (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items, (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity? (g) Be adequately documented?? In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.404 ? Reasonable Costs state that ?a cost is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the cost. The question of reasonableness is particularly important when the non-Federal entity is predominantly federally-funded. In determining reasonableness of a given cost, consideration must be given to: (a) Whether the cost is of a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the operation of the non-Federal entity or the proper and efficient performance of the Federal award. (b) The restraints or requirements imposed by such factors as: sound business practices; arm?s-length bargaining; Federal, state, local, tribal, and other laws and regulations; and terms and conditions of the Federal award? (d) Whether the individuals concerned acted with prudence in the circumstances considering their responsibilities to the non-Federal entity, its employees, where applicable its students or membership, the public at large, and the Federal Government. (e) Whether the non-Federal entity significantly deviates from its established practices and policies regarding the incurrence of costs, which may unjustifiably increase the Federal award?s cost.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state that ?the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations? for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward?? Condition: Auditors performed a review of expenditure activity associated with the ESSER program to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. This testing revealed that ?retention? bonuses were paid to individuals who were not employees of the School District. These individuals were hired to perform specific functions as detailed within the associated contracts and were paid amounts in excess of the stated rate noted within these contracts. Additionally, the School District does not have the authority or ability to retain these individuals as they were not employees of the School District and contract provisions requiring the individuals to remain in the service of the School District for a stated period of time was not reflected within the associated contract. Furthermore, auditors contacted ED?s ESSER program management to discuss the allowability of these bonus payments as ED is the grantor of the funds and the cognizant agency charged with administering the ESSER program. Officials at ED advised auditors that bonuses may be allowable if such bonuses are reflected within the contract; however, as noted previously, no such contract provisions were present. Moreover, ED emphasized that published guidance associated with the issuance of bonuses or premium pay from ESSER funds pertained to school personnel, not contractors. Therefore, based upon this information, auditors determined that expenditures totaling $358,390 were not reasonable and necessary for the performance of the ESSER program and deemed these expenditures to be unallowable. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $358,390 were identified for expenditures that were not incurred for a necessary and reasonable purpose and did not follow the School District?s policies and procedures. These known questioned costs related to expenditures that were not tested as part of a sample, and therefore, should not be projected to a population to determine likely questioned costs. Cause: Per discussion with management, the School District believed that the expenditures were allowable as the expenditures were approved by GaDOE through the Consolidated Application process; however, they were not aware that contract amendments should be initiated prior to the expenditure of funds in this manner. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance, ED, or GaDOE guidance related to the ESSER program. Failure to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are followed when expending federal funds may expose the School District to unnecessary financial strains and shortages as GaDOE may require the School District to return funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should review current internal control procedures related to ESSER program expenditures. Where vulnerable, the School District should develop and/or modify its policies and procedures to ensure that expenditures are in line with provisions reflected within the associated contract and/or contract amendments. In addition, the School District should implement a monitoring process to ensure that all expenditures are compliant with the School District?s purchasing policies and procedures. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: COVID-19 ? 84.425D ? Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund COVID-19 ? 84.425U ? American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Numbers: S425D200012 (Year: 2020), S425D210012 (Year: 2021), S425U210012 (Year: 2021) Questioned Costs: $358,390 Description: The policies and procedures of the School District were insufficient to provide adequate internal controls over expenditures as it relates to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program. Background: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including providing additional funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Provisions included in Title VIII of the CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund to provide financial resources to educational entities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The CARES Act allocated $30.75 billion, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act allocated an additional $81.9 billion, and the American Rescue Plan Act added $165.1 billion in funding to the Education Stabilization Fund. Multiple Education Stabilization Fund subprograms were created and allotted funding through the various COVID-19-related legislation. Of these programs, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was created to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. ESSER funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. ESSER funds totaling $14,705,523 were expended and reported on the Barrow County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.403 ? Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs state that ?costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles, (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items, (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity? (g) Be adequately documented?? In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.404 ? Reasonable Costs state that ?a cost is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the cost. The question of reasonableness is particularly important when the non-Federal entity is predominantly federally-funded. In determining reasonableness of a given cost, consideration must be given to: (a) Whether the cost is of a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the operation of the non-Federal entity or the proper and efficient performance of the Federal award. (b) The restraints or requirements imposed by such factors as: sound business practices; arm?s-length bargaining; Federal, state, local, tribal, and other laws and regulations; and terms and conditions of the Federal award? (d) Whether the individuals concerned acted with prudence in the circumstances considering their responsibilities to the non-Federal entity, its employees, where applicable its students or membership, the public at large, and the Federal Government. (e) Whether the non-Federal entity significantly deviates from its established practices and policies regarding the incurrence of costs, which may unjustifiably increase the Federal award?s cost.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state that ?the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations? for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward?? Condition: Auditors performed a review of expenditure activity associated with the ESSER program to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. This testing revealed that ?retention? bonuses were paid to individuals who were not employees of the School District. These individuals were hired to perform specific functions as detailed within the associated contracts and were paid amounts in excess of the stated rate noted within these contracts. Additionally, the School District does not have the authority or ability to retain these individuals as they were not employees of the School District and contract provisions requiring the individuals to remain in the service of the School District for a stated period of time was not reflected within the associated contract. Furthermore, auditors contacted ED?s ESSER program management to discuss the allowability of these bonus payments as ED is the grantor of the funds and the cognizant agency charged with administering the ESSER program. Officials at ED advised auditors that bonuses may be allowable if such bonuses are reflected within the contract; however, as noted previously, no such contract provisions were present. Moreover, ED emphasized that published guidance associated with the issuance of bonuses or premium pay from ESSER funds pertained to school personnel, not contractors. Therefore, based upon this information, auditors determined that expenditures totaling $358,390 were not reasonable and necessary for the performance of the ESSER program and deemed these expenditures to be unallowable. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $358,390 were identified for expenditures that were not incurred for a necessary and reasonable purpose and did not follow the School District?s policies and procedures. These known questioned costs related to expenditures that were not tested as part of a sample, and therefore, should not be projected to a population to determine likely questioned costs. Cause: Per discussion with management, the School District believed that the expenditures were allowable as the expenditures were approved by GaDOE through the Consolidated Application process; however, they were not aware that contract amendments should be initiated prior to the expenditure of funds in this manner. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance, ED, or GaDOE guidance related to the ESSER program. Failure to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are followed when expending federal funds may expose the School District to unnecessary financial strains and shortages as GaDOE may require the School District to return funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should review current internal control procedures related to ESSER program expenditures. Where vulnerable, the School District should develop and/or modify its policies and procedures to ensure that expenditures are in line with provisions reflected within the associated contract and/or contract amendments. In addition, the School District should implement a monitoring process to ensure that all expenditures are compliant with the School District?s purchasing policies and procedures. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: COVID-19 ? 84.425D ? Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund COVID-19 ? 84.425U ? American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Numbers: S425D200012 (Year: 2020), S425D210012 (Year: 2021), S425U210012 (Year: 2021) Questioned Costs: $358,390 Description: The policies and procedures of the School District were insufficient to provide adequate internal controls over expenditures as it relates to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program. Background: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including providing additional funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Provisions included in Title VIII of the CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund to provide financial resources to educational entities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The CARES Act allocated $30.75 billion, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act allocated an additional $81.9 billion, and the American Rescue Plan Act added $165.1 billion in funding to the Education Stabilization Fund. Multiple Education Stabilization Fund subprograms were created and allotted funding through the various COVID-19-related legislation. Of these programs, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was created to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. ESSER funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. ESSER funds totaling $14,705,523 were expended and reported on the Barrow County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.403 ? Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs state that ?costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles, (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items, (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity? (g) Be adequately documented?? In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.404 ? Reasonable Costs state that ?a cost is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the cost. The question of reasonableness is particularly important when the non-Federal entity is predominantly federally-funded. In determining reasonableness of a given cost, consideration must be given to: (a) Whether the cost is of a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the operation of the non-Federal entity or the proper and efficient performance of the Federal award. (b) The restraints or requirements imposed by such factors as: sound business practices; arm?s-length bargaining; Federal, state, local, tribal, and other laws and regulations; and terms and conditions of the Federal award? (d) Whether the individuals concerned acted with prudence in the circumstances considering their responsibilities to the non-Federal entity, its employees, where applicable its students or membership, the public at large, and the Federal Government. (e) Whether the non-Federal entity significantly deviates from its established practices and policies regarding the incurrence of costs, which may unjustifiably increase the Federal award?s cost.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state that ?the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations? for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward?? Condition: Auditors performed a review of expenditure activity associated with the ESSER program to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. This testing revealed that ?retention? bonuses were paid to individuals who were not employees of the School District. These individuals were hired to perform specific functions as detailed within the associated contracts and were paid amounts in excess of the stated rate noted within these contracts. Additionally, the School District does not have the authority or ability to retain these individuals as they were not employees of the School District and contract provisions requiring the individuals to remain in the service of the School District for a stated period of time was not reflected within the associated contract. Furthermore, auditors contacted ED?s ESSER program management to discuss the allowability of these bonus payments as ED is the grantor of the funds and the cognizant agency charged with administering the ESSER program. Officials at ED advised auditors that bonuses may be allowable if such bonuses are reflected within the contract; however, as noted previously, no such contract provisions were present. Moreover, ED emphasized that published guidance associated with the issuance of bonuses or premium pay from ESSER funds pertained to school personnel, not contractors. Therefore, based upon this information, auditors determined that expenditures totaling $358,390 were not reasonable and necessary for the performance of the ESSER program and deemed these expenditures to be unallowable. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $358,390 were identified for expenditures that were not incurred for a necessary and reasonable purpose and did not follow the School District?s policies and procedures. These known questioned costs related to expenditures that were not tested as part of a sample, and therefore, should not be projected to a population to determine likely questioned costs. Cause: Per discussion with management, the School District believed that the expenditures were allowable as the expenditures were approved by GaDOE through the Consolidated Application process; however, they were not aware that contract amendments should be initiated prior to the expenditure of funds in this manner. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance, ED, or GaDOE guidance related to the ESSER program. Failure to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are followed when expending federal funds may expose the School District to unnecessary financial strains and shortages as GaDOE may require the School District to return funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should review current internal control procedures related to ESSER program expenditures. Where vulnerable, the School District should develop and/or modify its policies and procedures to ensure that expenditures are in line with provisions reflected within the associated contract and/or contract amendments. In addition, the School District should implement a monitoring process to ensure that all expenditures are compliant with the School District?s purchasing policies and procedures. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
2 CFR 3474.1 provides that the Department of Education (DOE) adopts the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidance in 2 CFR part 200. Thus, this section gives regulatory effect to the OMB guidance and supplements the guidance as needed for the DOE, except as otherwise noted in that section. 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 200.327. 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 nonfederal 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)(1)(ii)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i)). 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)(1); 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 five 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 200.324(a)). The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting must not be used (2 CFR 200.324(d)). 6. Ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes applicable provisions required by 2 CFR 200.327. These provisions are described in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200, ?Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards. Black River Local School District Board Policy DJF-R ? Purchasing Procedures indicates the following methods of procurement will be used for all purchases of goods and services made with federal funds: 1. Micro-purchases are purchases up to $10,000 and may be made in accordance with District purchasing procedures when the costs are reasonable. To the extent practicable, these purchases are distributed equitably among qualified suppliers. 2. Small purchase are purchases between $10,000 and $250,000. Prior to authorizing the purchase, the District will try to obtain price rates or quotations from a minimum of three vendors or providers. The District will obtain these price rates or quotations by written quotes. 3. Sealed bid procedures are used for firm fixed price contracts over $250,000 and is used as the preferred method for construction projects. Bids are solicited from an adequate number of known suppliers, which cannot be less than two responsible bidders. The District will solicit bids by posting bids using at least one public posting source. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. 4. Competitive proposals are used for all purchases over $250,000 for which sealed bids are not appropriate and must be used for architectural or engineering services. Contracts entered into for competitive proposals may be fixed-price or cost reimbursement. The District will publicize a request for proposal by advertising through the local paper or using a procurement source. The District will evaluate proposals in order to award the contract to the most advantageous proposal when considering cost and other factors. The District will evaluate proposals by checklist and compare. 5. Sole source procurement is used only when the goods or services are only available from a single source; a public exigency or emergency exists; there is inadequate competition and the applicable pass through entity approves this method. Lack of proper internal controls over Federal Grants management led to the District expending the following amounts without using the proper procurement method: Education Stabilization Fund - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) Fund, AL #84.425D ? $33,000 was paid to a vendor for electrical work related to a HVAC project; however, the District could not provide documentation to support the required price quotations were obtained from a minimum of three vendors. ? $350,000 was paid to a vendor for a HVAC project; however, the District could not provide documentation to support sealed bids were solicited and received, and the contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. ? $226,752 was paid to a vendor for a HVAC project; however, the District could not provide documentation to support the required price quotations were obtained from a minimum of three vendors. Education Stabilization Fund - American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund, AL #84.425U ? $1,898,392 was paid to a vendor for the design and build of kindergarten and high school classrooms; however, the District could not provide documentation to support sealed bids were solicited and received and the contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Without proper controls over procurement, there is an increased risk that the District is not in compliance with applicable federal regulations. Noncompliance could result in federal funding being reduced or taken away, or other sanctions imposed by the federal grantor agency. The District should review the procurement requirements specified above and ensure the proper procurement method is used. The District should also maintain adequate documentation to detail the history of procurement.
2 CFR 3474.1 provides that the Department of Education (DOE) adopts the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidance in 2 CFR part 200. Thus, this section gives regulatory effect to the OMB guidance and supplements the guidance as needed for the DOE, except as otherwise noted in that section. 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 200.327. 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 nonfederal 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)(1)(ii)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i)). 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)(1); 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 five 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 200.324(a)). The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting must not be used (2 CFR 200.324(d)). 6. Ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes applicable provisions required by 2 CFR 200.327. These provisions are described in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200, ?Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards. Black River Local School District Board Policy DJF-R ? Purchasing Procedures indicates the following methods of procurement will be used for all purchases of goods and services made with federal funds: 1. Micro-purchases are purchases up to $10,000 and may be made in accordance with District purchasing procedures when the costs are reasonable. To the extent practicable, these purchases are distributed equitably among qualified suppliers. 2. Small purchase are purchases between $10,000 and $250,000. Prior to authorizing the purchase, the District will try to obtain price rates or quotations from a minimum of three vendors or providers. The District will obtain these price rates or quotations by written quotes. 3. Sealed bid procedures are used for firm fixed price contracts over $250,000 and is used as the preferred method for construction projects. Bids are solicited from an adequate number of known suppliers, which cannot be less than two responsible bidders. The District will solicit bids by posting bids using at least one public posting source. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. 4. Competitive proposals are used for all purchases over $250,000 for which sealed bids are not appropriate and must be used for architectural or engineering services. Contracts entered into for competitive proposals may be fixed-price or cost reimbursement. The District will publicize a request for proposal by advertising through the local paper or using a procurement source. The District will evaluate proposals in order to award the contract to the most advantageous proposal when considering cost and other factors. The District will evaluate proposals by checklist and compare. 5. Sole source procurement is used only when the goods or services are only available from a single source; a public exigency or emergency exists; there is inadequate competition and the applicable pass through entity approves this method. Lack of proper internal controls over Federal Grants management led to the District expending the following amounts without using the proper procurement method: Education Stabilization Fund - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) Fund, AL #84.425D ? $33,000 was paid to a vendor for electrical work related to a HVAC project; however, the District could not provide documentation to support the required price quotations were obtained from a minimum of three vendors. ? $350,000 was paid to a vendor for a HVAC project; however, the District could not provide documentation to support sealed bids were solicited and received, and the contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. ? $226,752 was paid to a vendor for a HVAC project; however, the District could not provide documentation to support the required price quotations were obtained from a minimum of three vendors. Education Stabilization Fund - American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund, AL #84.425U ? $1,898,392 was paid to a vendor for the design and build of kindergarten and high school classrooms; however, the District could not provide documentation to support sealed bids were solicited and received and the contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Without proper controls over procurement, there is an increased risk that the District is not in compliance with applicable federal regulations. Noncompliance could result in federal funding being reduced or taken away, or other sanctions imposed by the federal grantor agency. The District should review the procurement requirements specified above and ensure the proper procurement method is used. The District should also maintain adequate documentation to detail the history of procurement.
Finding No. 2022-002 Education Stabilization Fund: U.S. Department of Education: COVID-19 ? Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ? Institutional Aid Portion, Assistance Listing 84.425F (award number P425F204328) Statistically valid sample: No and it was not intended to be. Repeat finding: Not a repeat finding. Compliance Requirement ? Procurement ? Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance Criteria 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: ? 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 section 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section 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 section 200.320(c)). For those procurements supported by HEERF grant funds, auditors should determine if institutions sufficiently documented rationales and determinations in making any sole source awards during the time of national emergency due to the coronavirus. Exceptions from the competitive procurement requirements of the Uniform Guidance may be accepted if institutions have documented that the public exigency or emergency would not permit a delay, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.320(f)(2). A circumstance that may influence this determination is the length of time between the procurements and the emergency at issue. Specifically, exceptions are more likely to be acceptable the closer the procurement occurred to the March 13, 2020 declaration of the national emergency. Further, the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain an 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 terms and conditions of the Federal award (2 CFR 200.303). Condition and Context The University?s procurement policy for procurements over $10,000 is to either competitively bid it or document the sole source justification for why competitive bidding was not able to be completed. Based on our test work, for two of our seven selections, the University did not properly document its compliance with the procurement policy. For one selection, we noted that the University did not properly retain documentation for the competitive bidding, while for the other selection, the University did not properly document within the vendor?s procurement file that it was sole sourced due to the pandemic and needing the services in an expedited fashion as allowed per the HEERF requirements. Cause The documentation of procurement decisions was not properly retained to support the decisions made during the time period. Effect The University was not in compliance with their procurement policy. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified as the University contracted with the respective parties in both cases and the costs were allowable under the HEERF requirements. Recommendation The University should strengthen its policies and practices to ensure that documentation is retained for all procurement decisions in order to support compliance with their procurement policy. Views of Responsible Official Management agrees with the recommendation. The University will ensure that all procurement decisions comply with the Stevens Procurement Policy and are properly documented, including the procurement method used (e.g., competitive bidding or sole source justification). The Director of Procurement will ensure that all Stevens employees responsible for making purchasing decisions at the University are familiar with the Procurement Policy and the need to ensure full compliance even when making purchasing decisions during emergency situations (e.g., COVID pandemic). The Director of Procurement will ensure compliance with the Stevens Procurement Policy.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2022 ? 003 ? Child Nutrition Cluster Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555/10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: FY 21 and FY 22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Number: FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Award Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters. Criteria: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: During our testing, we noted the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation approval of proper employee suspension and debarment procedure policies, however the verification procedures took place after awarding the vendor?s contract. Questioned costs: None Context: Using a statistically valid sample, CLA selected 5 covered transactions for testing. All had evidence of suspension and debarment checks, however 4 of the 5 checks selected were performed after the contract/agreement date. Of these, all checks were performed within 1 week of the contract date with the exception of 1 selection, which was performed approximately 5 weeks after the contract date. Cause: Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies caused the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation to be noncompliant with program requirements over procurement, suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation increased training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed prior to awarding contracts. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022 ? 003 ? Child Nutrition Cluster Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555/10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: FY 21 and FY 22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Number: FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Award Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters. Criteria: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: During our testing, we noted the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation approval of proper employee suspension and debarment procedure policies, however the verification procedures took place after awarding the vendor?s contract. Questioned costs: None Context: Using a statistically valid sample, CLA selected 5 covered transactions for testing. All had evidence of suspension and debarment checks, however 4 of the 5 checks selected were performed after the contract/agreement date. Of these, all checks were performed within 1 week of the contract date with the exception of 1 selection, which was performed approximately 5 weeks after the contract date. Cause: Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies caused the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation to be noncompliant with program requirements over procurement, suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation increased training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed prior to awarding contracts. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022 ? 003 ? Child Nutrition Cluster Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555/10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: FY 21 and FY 22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Number: FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Award Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters. Criteria: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: During our testing, we noted the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation approval of proper employee suspension and debarment procedure policies, however the verification procedures took place after awarding the vendor?s contract. Questioned costs: None Context: Using a statistically valid sample, CLA selected 5 covered transactions for testing. All had evidence of suspension and debarment checks, however 4 of the 5 checks selected were performed after the contract/agreement date. Of these, all checks were performed within 1 week of the contract date with the exception of 1 selection, which was performed approximately 5 weeks after the contract date. Cause: Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies caused the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation to be noncompliant with program requirements over procurement, suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation increased training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed prior to awarding contracts. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022 ? 003 ? Child Nutrition Cluster Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555/10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: FY 21 and FY 22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Number: FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Award Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters. Criteria: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: During our testing, we noted the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation approval of proper employee suspension and debarment procedure policies, however the verification procedures took place after awarding the vendor?s contract. Questioned costs: None Context: Using a statistically valid sample, CLA selected 5 covered transactions for testing. All had evidence of suspension and debarment checks, however 4 of the 5 checks selected were performed after the contract/agreement date. Of these, all checks were performed within 1 week of the contract date with the exception of 1 selection, which was performed approximately 5 weeks after the contract date. Cause: Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies caused the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation to be noncompliant with program requirements over procurement, suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation increased training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed prior to awarding contracts. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022 ? 003 ? Child Nutrition Cluster Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555/10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: FY 21 and FY 22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Number: FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Award Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters. Criteria: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: During our testing, we noted the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation approval of proper employee suspension and debarment procedure policies, however the verification procedures took place after awarding the vendor?s contract. Questioned costs: None Context: Using a statistically valid sample, CLA selected 5 covered transactions for testing. All had evidence of suspension and debarment checks, however 4 of the 5 checks selected were performed after the contract/agreement date. Of these, all checks were performed within 1 week of the contract date with the exception of 1 selection, which was performed approximately 5 weeks after the contract date. Cause: Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies caused the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation to be noncompliant with program requirements over procurement, suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation increased training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed prior to awarding contracts. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022 ? 003 ? Child Nutrition Cluster Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555/10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: FY 21 and FY 22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Number: FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Award Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters. Criteria: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: During our testing, we noted the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation approval of proper employee suspension and debarment procedure policies, however the verification procedures took place after awarding the vendor?s contract. Questioned costs: None Context: Using a statistically valid sample, CLA selected 5 covered transactions for testing. All had evidence of suspension and debarment checks, however 4 of the 5 checks selected were performed after the contract/agreement date. Of these, all checks were performed within 1 week of the contract date with the exception of 1 selection, which was performed approximately 5 weeks after the contract date. Cause: Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies caused the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation to be noncompliant with program requirements over procurement, suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation increased training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed prior to awarding contracts. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022 ? 003 ? Child Nutrition Cluster Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555/10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: FY 21 and FY 22 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Number: FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Award Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters. Criteria: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: During our testing, we noted the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation approval of proper employee suspension and debarment procedure policies, however the verification procedures took place after awarding the vendor?s contract. Questioned costs: None Context: Using a statistically valid sample, CLA selected 5 covered transactions for testing. All had evidence of suspension and debarment checks, however 4 of the 5 checks selected were performed after the contract/agreement date. Of these, all checks were performed within 1 week of the contract date with the exception of 1 selection, which was performed approximately 5 weeks after the contract date. Cause: Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Improper understanding and implementation of existing policies caused the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation to be noncompliant with program requirements over procurement, suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Crawfordsville Community School Corporation increased training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed prior to awarding contracts. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Lack of Documentation of Procurement DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.425F Federal Award Identification #: P425F204213 Condition: The University did not retain documentation of competitive bidding procedures for one selection tested. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.318 Questioned Costs: $-0- Context: Out of 6 selections tested for procurement, one selection did not have documentation of competitive bidding. Cause: The documentation was not retained in a format that was easily searchable to find. The University recalls discussions prior to awarding the bid but was unable to find the related documentation supporting the decision. Effect: The University was unable to show compliance with the record retention requirements of procurement. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the University create one centralized location of all procurement bidding decisions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.