FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS 2025 – 002 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027/84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A240007, 2025 Pass-Through Agency: Arizona Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 25ICSGBA-511469-01A Award Period: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment under 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.327. Condition: For 1 of 4 vendor procurements tested we noted the transaction exceeded $10,000 and the district did not follow the competitive procurement guidelines per the district’s policy and uniform guidance 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.327. Questioned costs: Total of $13,360. Context: For 1 of 4 vendor procurements tested we identified the vendor transactions in the aggregate exceeded the district’s competitive bidding policy of $10,000, however the district did not follow the competitive bidding procedures and procure transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319. Cause: The District did not have designated procedures in place to ensure vendor transactions were procured in accordance with competitive bidding policies and 2 CFR 200.319. Effect: The lack of adequate internal controls could result in noncompliance with uniform guidance. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the district add internal controls over monitoring vendor purchases throughout the fiscal year and comparing to procurement policies to ensure proper procedures are followed. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listing Number: 84.027/84.173 Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number: 12060-SDE64370-20977, 12060-SDE64370-20983 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters 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, suspension, and debarment. Condition: There were no controls in place to review for suspension and debarment on related procurement activities. Questioned Costs: None Context: Although testing did not reveal vendors providing services that were suspended and debarred, no documentation requirement exists for the Town to verify compliance with this requirement. Cause: The Town did not properly implement a conforming policy during the fiscal year. Effect: With the absence of a compliant documentation policy, the Town is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to all federal procurement requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendations: We recommend that the Town review its formal procurement policies and revise with the criteria in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this finding.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Name of Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Name of Pass-Through Entity: Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Criteria or Specific Requirement: Nonfederal 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. Condition: The Agency did not document procurements consistent with the standards of 2 CFR sections 200.318, 200.319, and 200.320. Cause: The Agency did not establish written policies and procedures for procurement. Effect or Potential Effect: The cost of the procurements may be disallowed. Questioned Costs: $2,000,000 Context: The Agency contracted with multiple vendors in the course of constructing a building to be used for affordable housing. Funding from this project was derived from both federal and nonfederal sources. The questioned costs represent the amount charged to this program as the required Uniform Guidance procurement procedures were not applied. Under 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), questioned costs are those greater than $25,000 for a type of compliance requirement for a major program. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The Agency should establish written policies and procedures for procurement required by 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials: Management has established written policies and procedures for procurement. Management confirmed policies and procedures were followed and monitored during the construction of the project with supporting documentation to meet procurement requirements, however written policies and procedures were completed after year-end.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 14.239 and 21.027 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Home Investment Partnerships Program and COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Name of Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of the Treasury Name of Pass-Through Entity: Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Criteria or Specific Requirement: Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200 require a nonfederal entity to establish written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct, including procedures to implement the cash management requirements of 2 CFR section 200.305, procedures that comply with the procurement standards of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326, and procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E of 2 CFR Part 200. Specifically, 2 CFR sections 200.430, 200.431, and 200.475 require written policies concerning compensation for personal services, fringe benefits, and travel costs, respectively. Condition: Policies and procedures with requirements in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 for cash management, procurement, compensation, including fringe benefits, and travel were not maintained. Cause: The Agency is not aware of the requirements of Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200 for written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. Effect or Potential Effect: A lack of written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct may result in noncompliance with the requirements of federal programs and/or disallowed costs. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The Agency should become familiar with the requirements of Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200 and establish appropriate written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. Views of Responsible Officials: Management has established written policies and procedures after year end that were the policies and procedures followed during the year under audit and meets the requirements of Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Congressional Directives, 93.493 Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Grant Award Number: Affects grant award CE152520 under assistance listing 93.493 on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.318 (Uniform Guidance) requires that a recipient of a Federal award must maintain and use its own documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award, including for the acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal law and standards. Uniform Guidance requires that a non-federal entity obtain quotations for procurements exceeding the micro-purchase threshold of $10,000. Uniform Guidance requires that a nonfederal entity follow competitive bidding procurement methods for contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. Condition: We noted Spokane Guilds' School & Neuromuscular Center dba Joya (the Organization) did not have documented procurement policies and procedures to conform to applicable federal law and standards and did not comply with federal procurement requirements for certain contracts. Cause: The Organization did not have adequate internal controls to determine the need to have its own procurement procedures or to follow federal procurement requirements for certain contracts. Effect: Procurements may not follow federal standards. Questioned Costs: $2,632,267 Context/Sampling: All policies were reviewed for compliance with applicable laws and federal regulations, noting no documented procurement policy was in place. A random sample of nine transactions out of a population of 43 was selected for testing which included seven unique vendors. For three vendors, contract amounts were in the $10,000 - $250,000 range and the simplified acquisition procedures should have been followed with rate quotations obtained. For one vendor, the contract amount exceeded $250,000 and a sealed bid procurement method should have been followed. Cause: The Organization did not have adequate internal controls to determine the need to have its own procurement procedures or to follow federal procurement requirements for certain contracts. Effect: Procurements may not follow federal standards. Questioned Costs: $2,632,267 Context/Sampling: All policies were reviewed for compliance with applicable laws and federal regulations, noting no document procurement policy was in place. A random sample of nine transactions out of a population of 43 was selected for testing which included seven unique vendors. For three vendors, contract amounts were in the $10,000 - $250,000 range and the simplified acquisition procedures should have been followed with rate quotations obtained. For one vendor, the contract amount exceeded $250,000 and a sealed bid procurement method should have been followed. During the year, but subsequent to the contracts being entered into, the Organization discovered that they had not appropriately followed the Uniform Guidance and undertook a process to document procurement procedures and obtained additional quotes and bids from similar vendors to document the reasonableness of vendors used. The award being tested was to build out the shelled space previously built by the Organization, and all four vendors noted above were involved in the initial design and construction of the space. Additionally, the vendor with the contract exceeding $250,000 was named in the grant application, but the Organization does not appear to have received written approval to use a noncompetitive procurement method. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization enhance internal controls to document their procurement procedures in accordance with Uniform Guidance, and ensure these policies are followed for all procurement transactions entered into. Views of Responsible Officials: The Organization agrees with this finding.
Finding 2025-002 - Procurement (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Department of Transportation Internal Control over Compliance: Procurement CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Department of Transportation Internal Control over Compliance: Procurement Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.318(a-k) Numerous procurement regulations exist requiring federal grant awardees to develop and implement internal control policies and procedures related to procurement activities. Condition: The District made expenditures and engaged in contracts without following relevant procurement requirements. Cause: Management and leadership lacked awareness of relevant procurement regulations. Consequently, no internal control policies or procedures related to procurement existed, or policies and procedures existed but were not implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal controls over procurement activities had allowed for widespread deficiencies and noncompliant activities, which resulted in the District’s revocation of one award. Questioned Cost: None reported Context: Without proper procurement policies and procedures, the risk of compliance requirement violations is significant. The District failed to meet numerous procurement requirements early in the fiscal year and ultimately lost a significant award for bus acquisitions. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes Recommendation: The District should design and implement internal controls related to procurement regulations that will reduce the risk that the District’s procurement activities are not in compliance with federal regulations. District's Response: The District acknowledges the weaknesses and its intention of correcting weaknesses. There has been a change in the General Manager position, to improve the operations, and training of all management, staffing and leadership. The Board has had significant membership change, with new leadership actively engaged in creating a quality internal control and policy environment. Much education and training has occurred during and after fiscal year 2024-2025, up through December 2025, and is ongoing, to meet these goals. Corrective Action Plan: The District acknowledges the weaknesses and its intention of correcting weaknesses. There has been a change in the General Manager position, to improve the operations, and training of all management, staffing and leadership. The Board has had significant membership change, with new leadership actively engaged in creating a quality internal control and policy environment. Much education and training has occurred during and after fiscal year 2024-2025, up through December 2025, and is ongoing, to meet these goals. Planned Implementation Date: December 31, 2025 Responsible Persons: District Board, Umpqua Public Transit District
In our testing of the District’s compliance with the federal rules of procurement, suspension and debarment, we noted that the District did not have polices and procedure implemented to ensure compliance with 2 CFR section 200.318 to 200.326.
Federal Program and Assistance Listing Number: Child Nutrition Cluster-ALN: 10.553, 10.555. Criteria: Federal regulations require full and open competition in procurement, equitable distribution of micro-purchase, cost/price analysis for formal contracts, and proper contract management (2 CFR 200.318-.326). Condition: Micro-purchases were not equitably distributed, cost/price analyes were not conducted prior to formal contracts, and full and open competition was restricted by unreasonable requirements. Sealed bids were not properly opened or evaluated, and contract management was insufficient. Cause: Lack of understanding of federal procurement requirements and insufficient internal controls over procurement process. Effect: Increased risk of favoritism, unallowable costs, and noncompliance with federal procurement standards. Questioned Costs: None identified. Recommendation: Provide training on federal procurement requirements, implement procedures for equitable distributions and cost/price analysis, and strengthn contract management controls. Views of Responsible Officials: The District will provide training on procurement and micro-purchases.
2025-001 Lack of Documentation for Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Testing Federal Department: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families Assistance Listing #: 93.496 Compliance and Internal Controls Significant Deficiency Category of Finding – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Criteria – Per 2 CFR 200.318(i) Esperanza is required to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction, which must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type, selection, contractor selection or rejections, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, 2 CFR 180 requires that Esperanza obtain verification that it does not contract with entities that are suspended or debarred by the federal government. Condition – Esperanza was unable to provide documentation related to the competitive bidding process performed for one of the contractors used for this grant. We were able to determine that multiple contractors were contacted, but not see the bids provided or any documentation related to why the specific contractor was selected. Esperanza was also unable to provide documentation showing they had performed the required suspension and debarment verification process for any of the contractor used for this grant. We were able to determine on sam.gov that none of the contractors were suspended or debarred, but not obtain evidence that this process was done at the time the contracts were entered into. Cause – The organization has gone through turnover of key staff during the past several fiscal years and many of the contractors they use for this grant when through the procurement process prior to that turnover. The individuals who were responsible for obtaining this documentation left the organization during that time. Effect – Failure to perform competitive bidding as required by Uniform Guidance and Esperanza’s procurement policy could result in the organization entering a procurement transaction in a manner that did not provide full and open competition. Not performing suspension and debarment verification processes prior to entering into a contract could also result in Esperanza contracting with an entity that is suspended or debarred. Recommendation – We recommend that management implement a formal process around maintaining procurement records, and suspension and debarment verification in a central location that is accessible by relevant management and not effected by staff turnover. Assigning responsibility of maintaining these records to a single individual rather than having each program director separately responsible for their records will also improve Esperanza’s ability to meet these requirements. Management’s Response and Corrective Action – Management is in agreement with the finding. Going forward, finance staff will be responsible for maintaining and safekeeping all procurement documentation for the requisite amount of time in an accessible location in an accounting folder explicitly marked on the Esperanza United secured drive for finance staff and executive team. Responsible party for corrective action – Vivian Huelgo, President and CEO Repeat finding – No
FINDING 2025-002 Subject: Teacher and School Leader Incentive Grants - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Teacher and School Leader Incentive Grants Assistance Listings Number: 84.374 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): Year 2-3, Year 3-4 Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, 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. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Procurement When the value of procurement of property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, customarily set at $250,000, a formal bid process must take place and a contract must be awarded. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation entered into two contracts which exceeded the $150,000 simplified acquisition threshold but did not implement a formal bid process that provided full and open competition. Accordingly, the School Corporation did not maintain documentation to support the rationale for the method of procurement, basis for contractor selection, or basis for the contract price. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. The School Corporation did not have documentation to show that vendors were verified for suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the transaction. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: ". . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance awards exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation had not implemented its system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not adhere to its procurement procedures for the two vendors awarded contracts that exceeded the $150,000 threshold. Additionally, the School Corporation did not document its process to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment status of these two vendors. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. This could result in the School Corporation overpaying for goods or services or paying a contractor who has been suspended or debarred, which would be unallowable. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation implement its system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and that contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funding prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2024, FY2025 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 CLOVERDALE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $150,000 per Indiana Code. 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 of $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes from multiple vendors for its audit period expenditures with each of the three vendors tested in the small purchases category. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, including rationale to limit competition at the time of the expenditure(s) was not provided for audit. Suspension and Debarment Nonfederal entities and contractors are subject to nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or are ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. This is done by checking SAM Exclusions, collecting a certification from that entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that applicable vendors who received federal funds over certain thresholds were not suspended or debarred from participating in federal awards programs. There were three vendors subject to suspension and debarment requirements during the audit period that were not procured through the School Corporation's affiliated Educational Services Center for cooperative purchasing. The School Corporation did not perform procedures to ensure the vendors were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities for one of these three vendors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Noncompliance was isolated to small purchases for procurement and one vendor noted for suspension and debarment. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 CLOVERDALE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. . . . (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small Purchases– (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 200.214 states: "Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities." 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 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 CLOVERDALE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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 nor implemented an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The Food Service Director indicated that some of these purchases may have been emergency situations but was unaware of the need to document the rationale at the time of the transaction if competition was limited for small purchases procurements. Effect The lack of an internal control system enabled material noncompliance to occur and remain undetected. Noncompliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could enable small purchases made by the School Corporation to be uncompetitive and could lead to contracting with vendors who are suspended or debarred from receiving federal grant funding. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended the School Corporation's management strengthen its system of internal controls over small purchase requirements to ensure that an adequate number of price or rate quotes are obtained before purchase. Additionally, if procurements are made in emergency or extenuating circumstances, documentation at the time of the transaction must be retained for audit to justify limiting competition. We also recommended that vendors with a single or aggregate transaction amounts of $25,000 per fiscal year are verified for suspension and debarment prior to entering into the transaction and/or contract. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Federal Transit Cluster Assistance Listing No. 20.507 US Department of Transportation Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.318–200.326) requires non‑Federal entities to maintain documentation sufficient to detail the history of each procurement, including but not limited to: • Rationale for the procurement method • Contractor selection or rejection • Basis for contract price • Evidence of competition or sole‑source justification when applicable These requirements ensure transparency, competitiveness, and proper stewardship of Federal funds. Condition: During our testing of procurement transactions, we noted that the City did not retain adequate documentation to support procurement actions. Missing documentation included bid/quote evaluations, price analyses, and evidence of compliance with competitive procurement requirements. As a result, we could not determine whether procurement requirements were properly followed. Cause: Proper accounting policies and procedures were not in place related to review of documentation related to procurement of vendors. Effect or Potential Effect: Without adequate documentation, the government cannot demonstrate compliance with procurement standards. This increases the risk of noncompliance with Uniform Guidance and inefficient or noncompetitive purchasing practice. Questioned Costs: None Context: Of the four procurements tested, three lacked one or more required elements of procurement documentation. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This finding was not reported in the prior year. Recommendation: Policies and procedures over procurement should be modified to ensure that adequate documentation is maintained. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with the finding and recommendation. Management will work to ensure proper policies and procedures are established and followed.
Finding Reference Number: 2025-001 Procurement Title and CFDA Number of Federal Program: Child Nutrition Cluster - School Breakfast Program [10.553] and National School Lunch Program [10.555] Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Pass-through Entity: Illinois State Board of Education. Criteria: Under 2 CFR 200.318(a), non-Federal entities must maintain and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.319(a) requires that all procurement transactions be conducted to provide full and open competition. Statement of Condition: During our audit, we noted that the organization did not follow its documented procurement policies for a vendor. Specifically, procurements were made without proper competitive bidding or justification for sole-source selection, and documentation supporting contractor selection and price reasonableness was missing. Cause: Although the Organization has a formal procurement policy outlining requirements for competitive quotes and single-source justifications in accordance with 2 CFR §200.320, these procedures were not followed for the transactions tested. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to obtain competitive quotes or document single-source justifications increases the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement requirements and may result in unallowable costs being charged to the federal program. Questioned costs - None identified. Reportable Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan Context: One out of two (100% of population) procurements tested (50%) were noncompliant. This issue appears to be systemic, not isolated. Identification of Repeat Findings - This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization ensure that its procurement policy is fully implemented. Staff should be trained and held accountable for obtaining competitive price or rate quotations for all purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, or for documenting appropriate single-source justifications when applicable.
Finding Reference Number: 2025-001 Procurement. Title and CFDA Number of Federal Program: Child Nutrition Cluster [10.553/10.555/10.559/10.582] Award Number: 25N1199/24L1603 Type of Finding: Federal Award Finding Finding Resolution Status: In Process. Criteria: Under 2 CFR 200.318(a), non-Federal entities must maintain and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.319(a) requires that all procurement transactions be conducted to provide full and open competition. Statement of Condition: During our audit, we noted that the organization did not follow its documented procurement policies for a vendor. Specifically, procurements were made without proper competitive price quotes or justification for sole-source selection, and documentation supporting contractor selection and price reasonableness was missing. Cause: Although the Organization has a formal procurement policy outlining requirements for competitive quotes and single-source justifications in accordance with 2 CFR §200.320, these procedures were not followed for the transactions tested. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to obtain competitive quotes or document single-source justifications increases the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement requirements and may result in unallowable costs being charged to the federal program. Questioned costs - None identified. Reportable Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan Identification of Repeat Findings - This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization ensure that its procurement policy is fully implemented. Staff should be trained and held accountable for obtaining competitive price or rate quotations for all purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, or for documenting appropriate single-source justifications when applicable.
FINDING 2025-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027x Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-ARP, 23611-043-PN01, 24611-043-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation was a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 MERRILLVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000; however, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold, and, therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. During 2023-2024, the Cooperative had three vendors which exceeded the SAT, and all three vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total dollar amount spent with all three vendors was $1,417,349. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. . . . (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance awards exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 MERRILLVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures exceeding the SAT. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that exceed the SAT. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure the procurement methods are being followed and compliance with procurement methods are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2025-004 U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Financial Assistance Listing/ALN #10.855 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Federal Award #IA0714-BI17 2025 Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Uniform Guidance and 2 CFR §§ 200.318 through 200.326 establish the procurement standards that non-federal entities (other than states) must follow when expending federal awards. These standards require non-federal entities to maintain written procurement policies and procedures that ensure full and open competition, use of appropriate procurement methods based on dollar thresholds, and inclusion of required contract provisions as outlined in Appendix II to Part 200. Condition: The Hospital does not have a written procurement policy that conforms to the procurement standards under Uniform Guidance and 2 CFR §§ 200.318 through 200.326. In addition, testing of the Hospital’s only procurement transaction during the audit period disclosed the following instances of noncompliance: The procurement method used was not in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements, as the contract amount exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold and a sealed bid or other allowable competitive procurement method was not obtained. The executed contract did not include all required contract provisions as prescribed byAppendix II to 2 CFR Part 200. Cause: The Hospital did not have adequately designed and implemented controls to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance procurement requirements. Specifically, management had not established or implemented written procurement policies and procedures to guide procurement activities and to ensure contracts are reviewed for compliance with required federal provisions. Effect: As a result of the deficiencies noted above, the Hospital did not comply with Uniform Guidance procurement requirements. The absence of compliant procurement policies and procedures increases the risk of noncompliance with federal requirements and may result in the use of inappropriate procurement methods or omission of required contractual protections in federally funded contracts. Questioned Costs: Total questioned costs related to Federal Assistance Listing #10.855 amounted to $575,507, which is a known error based on the Hospital’s only procurement transaction during the audit period. Context/Sampling: The procurement policy was reviewed and one contract was tested out of a population of one total contract executed during the audit period. Repeated Finding from Prior Year(s): No. Recommendation: We recommend the Hospital develop and implement a wrien procurement policy that complies with Uniform Guidance and 2 CFR §§ 200.318 through 200.326. In addion, we recommend the Hospital establish procedures to ensure: Appropriate procurement methods are used based on applicable dollar thresholds; and All contracts funded by federal awards are reviewed to ensure inclusion of the required contract provisions outlined in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is aware of the deficiency of internal control over the procurement, suspension and debarment direct and material requirement and subsequent to fiscal year end has implemented a formal procurement policy.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Continuum of Care Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.267 Federal Award Identification Number: IL178L5T172302 - 2024 IL0315L5T142316 - 2024 IL1651L5Y142305 - 2024 IL1780LST172201 - 2023 IL1651L5Tl42204 - 2023 IL0315LST142215 – 2023 Award Periods: August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024; August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025; July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-Federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The Agency did not perform the verification of a recurring vendor not suspended or debarred until subsequent to year end. Questioned Costs: None Context: The Agency procured grant writing services and made rental assistance payments to the vendor without performing the verification for the vendor not being suspended or debarred until after the fiscal year end. Cause: Unknown Effect: Formalized procedures should be in place to ensure the Agency does not engage with vendors that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Repeat Finding: This finding is a repeat of finding 2024-002. Recommendation: CLA recommends the Agency update its procurement policy to include procedures that a vendor be verified as not being debarred, suspended, or excluded and documentation maintained to support the determination. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE – U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, PASSED THROUGH MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION CLUSTER – FEDERAL ALN 84.027 AND 84.173 2025-002 Internal Control Over Compliance With Federal Suspension and Debarment Requirements Criteria – 2 CFR § 180 and 2 CFR § 200.318-327 requires Independent School District No. 16, (the District) to establish and maintain effective internal control over compliance with requirements applicable to federal program expenditures, including suspension and debarment requirements applicable to the special education cluster federal programs. Condition – During our audit, we noted the District did not have sufficient controls in place within its special education cluster federal programs to ensure compliance with federal requirements related to assuring that the District was not contracting for goods or services with parties that are suspended or debarred, or whose principals are suspended or debarred from participating in contracts involving the expenditures of federal program funds. Questioned Costs – Not applicable. Context – The District’s internal controls required the District to review for compliance with suspension and debarment requirements on an annual basis. The District should also be reviewing for compliance with suspension and debarment requirements any time the District adds a new vendor. Repeat Finding – This is a current year finding. Cause – This was an oversight by district personnel. Effect – Noncompliance with suspension and debarment requirements could result in the District expending federal funds inappropriately or utilizing vendors that are not eligible to be parties to such transactions, which could be viewed as a violation of the award agreement. Recommendation – We recommend that the District review its internal control procedures relating to suspension and debarment for the special education cluster federal program. Internal controls over compliance for this area should include documentation of compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements related to suspension and debarment. These controls should also include steps to ensure any vendor with which the District contracts for goods or services exceeding $25,000 is not listed as suspended or debarred on the federal Excluded Parties List System website. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – The District agrees with the finding. The District will review procedures relating to suspension and debarment for its federal programs to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance in the future. The District has separately issued a Corrective Action Plan related to this finding.
CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘Western PA Psych Care’ totaling $40,000. This is a repeat finding 2024-001 from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance, and District Procurement Policy #626, regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement. QUESTIONED COST: $40,000 CAUSE: The District has had a long-standing relationship with Western PA Psych Care and feels that this vendor best fits the needs of the District. However, the additional procedures addressed in its Procurement Policy for Federal Programs (#626) which addresses the issue of noncompetitive procurement as outlined in Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’), were inadvertently not performed. RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that for all future purchases involving noncompetitive procurement, that the District adhere to the requirements of 1) the District’s Procurement Policy for Federal Programs (#626), and 2) Section 2 CFR 200.320(c) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Agency: Wood County ADAMH Board Award Period: May 8, 2024 – September 29, 2026 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200.510) provides requirements over procurement and suspension & debarment for grantees when entering into contracts funded by federal programs. Questioned Costs: None Condition: No suspension and debarment exclusion check was performed for one of the two contractors paid with funds under the federal program. Cause: No formal procurement and suspension and debarment policies were in place for the year under audit. Context: Of the two contracts entered into for the program, suspension and debarment checks were not performed for one of the two contractors. Effect: Federal funds could have been paid to a federally suspended and debarred entity. Per review of the federal suspension and debarred list, both entities contracted with under the grant are not suspended or debarred. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Implementation of a formal procurement and suspension and debarment policy that includes procedures over review of the federal suspension and debarred listing, that is in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. Procurement policy should include general procurement standards as described by the Uniform Guidance, that include standards on conduct covering conflicts of interest; method of procurement for micro-purchases, small purchases, sealed bids, and proposals; and all other criteria as outlined in 2CFR 200.318 through 200.327. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management will develop and implement a procurement policy that is in compliance with the Uniform Guidance.
Finding 2025-003: Significant Deficiency - Internal Control and Compliance Over Procurement Program: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553/10.555 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Repeat of Prior Year Finding 2024-003 Criteria: Guidance provided in 2 CFR part 200.318 requires non-federal entities to establish and follow their own documented procurement procedures that conform to applicable federal law and standards. A system of internal controls should be in place to ensure procurement policies are being adhered to. There are also requirements to verify the vendors are not suspended or debarred, and per the District's procurement policy, multiple quotes or bids should be obtained. Condition/Context: For one of the two contracts tested, the District was unable to provide evidence that the District's procurement policy was followed. The food service director handled the procurement with no evidence retained documenting: 1) prior approval of the equipment purchase, 2) the District's bid/quote procedures were followed, and 3) the District's policy to verify the vendor is not debarred or suspended was followed. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. Cause: The District's policy for procurement was not effectively communicated to staff or enforced. Effect: This could potentially lead to higher costs for the food service program or selection of vendors who are not eligible to be paid with federal funds. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendation: The District should communicate with personnel to ensure they are familiar with and complying with the District's policies regarding procurement, suspension and debarment rules for federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with finding 2025-003 and will make efforts to implement recommended procedures.
FINDING 2025-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027X, 84.173X Other Identifying Numbers: 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors, and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 SMITH-GREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SMITH-GREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance awards exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 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 The Cooperative noted that the American Rescue Plan (ARP) portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using special education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments are equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SMITH-GREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2023-24, FY 2024-25 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2023-002. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. The State of Indiana has established a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 for informal procurement methods. 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. Small purchase procedures require that price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources or have documented reasoning to support a single source provider. Two vendors were identified that were paid $27,726 and $70,168, respectively, during the audit period using federal funds under the award, thereby requiring small purchase procedures for both procurements. Both vendors were selected for testing. The School Corporation was unable to provide any documentation for the vendor that was paid $70,168 that the procurement method used was appropriate or that the procurement provided full and open competition or rationale to support the determination to limit competition. Additionally, the history of procurement, including the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of the vendor, and the basis for the price, was not adequately documented for the vendor. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WASHINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that vendors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funds. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Four covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. All four transactions totaling $4,082,816 were selected for testing. For two of the four vendors, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the covered transaction with either vendor. The amount paid to both vendors totaled $97,894. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WASHINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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. . . . (b) Noncompetitive procurement. There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (see paragraph (a)(1) of this section); (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. The School Corporation was aware of the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement and relied on its food service management company to ensure compliance. There was not sufficient oversight by the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 WASHINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect The lack of an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to occur and remain undetected. Noncompliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could enable small purchases made by the School Corporation to be uncompetitive and could lead to contracting with vendors who are suspended or debarred from receiving federal grant funding. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and that contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are verified to not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Criteria – Uniform Guidance and 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 set forth the procurement standards non-federal entities other than states must follow when operating federal programs and the procurement procedures required. Condition – In our testing of procurement, suspension and debarment it was identified that the District’s policy and procedures did not include periodic checks over vendors for suspension or debarment. Cause – Lack of oversight, awareness, or understanding of all of the specific requirements under the Uniform Guidance and applicable CFR sections and controls were not adequately designed to ensure compliance with all of these requirements. Effect – A lack of documented policies increase the overall risk that employees are not aware of the specific requirements with contracting and awarding contracts to lower tier entities. Questioned Costs – None reported Context/Sampling – Overall procurement policy. Repeat Finding from Prior Years – No Recommendation – We recommend that management establish a written policy and procedures that addresses all of the procurement requirements for federal programs as identified in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 and maintain adequate supporting documentation and records to document history and methods of procurement and the procedures performed to comply with these CFR sections. Views of Responsible Officials – There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Condition: The County did not maintain documentation demonstrating that vendors were verified as not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. While procurement documentation was maintained for the related purchase, evidence of suspension and debarment verification was not included in the procurement file. Criteria: Non-federal entities are required to ensure that contracts and covered transactions are not awarded to parties that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal programs. Federal procurement standards require entities to maintain oversight and procedures to verify contractor eligibility and responsibility, including compliance with suspension and debarment requirements, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318(h), 2 CFR 180.300, and 48 CFR 52.209-6. Cause: The County’s procurement procedures did not require documented verification of vendor suspension and debarment status prior to entering into covered transactions. Effect: Failure to document suspension and debarment verification increases the risk that the County could enter into agreements with ineligible vendors, resulting in noncompliance with federal procurement requirements. Recommendation: We recommend the County implement procedures requiring documented verification that vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into covered transactions and retain such documentation within the procurement file, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318(h), 2 CFR 180.300, and 48 CFR 52.209-6.
Finding 2025-001: Federal Award Finding – Procurement (Significant Deficiency) Child Nutrition Cluster (ALN 10.553 / 10.555) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pass-Through Entity: New York State Education Department Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Criteria Title 2 CFR §200.318(a) requires non-federal entities to use documented procurement procedures consistent with state, local, and federal law. The School District’s procurement policy requires competitive bidding for purchases exceeding $20,000. Condition During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, the School District made purchases charged to the Child Nutrition Program in excess of $20,000 without obtaining competitive bids as required by the School District’s procurement policy. Cause District personnel did not consistently apply the School District’s written procurement policy when making purchases funded by the Child Nutrition Program. Effect The School District did not comply with federal procurement requirements under 2 CFR §200.318(a). Failure to follow required procurement procedures increases the risk that goods and services are not obtained at the most competitive price and limits assurance that federal funds are expended in accordance with applicable requirements. Questioned Costs None. Based on audit procedures performed, the costs tested appeared reasonable and allowable. Auditor’s Recommendation We recommend the School District strengthen controls over procurement to ensure purchases charged to federal programs comply with the School District’s written procurement policy and federal procurement requirements. This includes training staff responsible for procurement and implementing monitoring procedures to ensure competitive bidding requirements are consistently followed.
FINDING 2025-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2024, FY 2025 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, 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. Adequate internal controls were not in place over procurements made under the simplified acquisition threshold for one of two vendors tested during the audit period. The School Corporation made purchases with a vendor in fiscal year 2023-2024 totaling $289,127, but it did not provide audit evidence that methods and procedures performed for the selection of the vendor aligned with requirements related to vendors procured under the simplified acquisition threshold. Adequate internal controls were not in place over procurements made under the small purchase threshold for one of five vendors tested during the audit period. The School Corporation made purchases with a vendor in 2023-2024 totaling $103,519 and in 2024-2025 totaling $111,613, but it did not provide audit evidence that the procurement procedures performed in relation to the award had been reviewed or approved. The School Corporation did not provide documentation that it had entered into a contract with the vendor during either year of the audit period. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to procurement requirements. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.318(a): "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (1) . . . (iv) Non-Federal entity increase to the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. Non-Federal entities may establish a threshold higher than the micro-purchase threshold identified in the FAR in accordance with the requirements of this section. The non-Federal entity may self-certify a threshold up to $50,000 on an annual basis and must maintain documentation to be made available to the Federal awarding agency and auditors in accordance with § 200.334. The self-certification must include a justification, clear identification of the threshold, and supporting documentation of any of the following: (A) A qualification as a low-risk auditee, in accordance with the criteria in § 200.520 for the most recent audit; (B) An annual internal institutional risk assessment to identify, mitigate, and manage financial risks; or, (C) For public institutions, a higher threshold consistent with State law. . . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. (i) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present: (A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available; (B) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and (C) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price. (ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply: (A) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources, providing them sufficient response time prior to the date set for opening the bids, for local, and tribal governments, the invitation for bids must be publicly advertised; (B) The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications and pertinent attachments, must define the items or services in order for the bidder to properly respond; (C) All bids will be opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids, and for local and tribal governments, the bids must be opened publicly; (D) A firm fixed price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life cycle costs must be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of; and (E) Any or all bids may be rejected if there is a sound documented reason. (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. They are awarded in accordance with the following requirements: (i) Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. Any response to publicized requests for proposals must be considered to the maximum extent practical; INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (ii) The non-Federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections; (iii) Contracts must be awarded to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the non-Federal entity, with price and other factors considered; and (iv) The non-Federal entity may use competitive proposal procedures for qualifications based procurement of architectural/engineering (A/E) professional services whereby offeror's qualifications are evaluated and the most qualified offeror is selected, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation. The method, where price is not used as a selection factor, can only be used in procurement of A/E professional services. It cannot be used to purchase other types of services though A/E firms that are a potential source to perform the proposed effort. . . ." Cause Staff responsible for purchasing were not adequately trained on the School Corporation's procurement policy for obtaining bids for purchases above the simplified acquisition threshold and formal contract requirements for purchases above $50,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation cannot ensure that contractors paid under the small purchase and simplified acquisition methods were awarded the best price for their services. This could result in federal funding not providing as many services or projects as possible. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation strengthen its system of internal controls to ensure the proper procurement method is followed and documentation is retained. We also recommended strengthening its policies and procedures to ensure that appropriate audit evidence is retained for audit. Views of Responsible Official For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-056-PN01, 22611-056-ARP, 22619-056-PN01, 22619-056-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a similar finding from the immediately prior audit reports. The prior audit finding numbers were 2021-002 and 2023-003. Condition and Context Procurement - Small Purchases Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. There were 23 vendors identified that fell within the small purchase's threshold. Of those vendors, 4 were selected for testing. For each of those 4 vendors tested that fell within the small purchases threshold, the School Corporation did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations to ensure the procurements provided full and open competition. In addition, history of the procurements which would include the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of the vendor, and basis for price was not documented. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Procurement - Simplified Acquisition When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000; however, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold, and, therefore, the threshold the SAT is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. One vendor was identified that fell within the SAT, with total purchases of $165,816. Sealed bids or competitive proposals were not obtained, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not in place to ensure that bids were solicited before entering into a contract or that quotes were obtained. The School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to solicit bids for contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Additionally, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain an adequate number of quotes for purchases that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to for procurements that fell within the small purchase threshold. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods for small purchases and simplified acquisition purchases. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267, Affects all grant awards included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267 on the Schedule Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.318 maintains that recipients must have and use documented procurement policies and must conform to procurement standards in sections 200.317 through 200.327. Condition: Catholic Charities has documented procurement and suspension and debarment procedures that conform to applicable federal standards regarding procurement and testing vendors for suspension and debarment; however, the procedures were not followed for four vendors selected for testing for procurement and one for suspension and debarment. Cause: Catholic Charities did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure that the processes laid out in their procurement policy regarding the process of obtaining quotes to support procurement and testing vendors for suspension and debarment were followed. Effect: Payments could be made to vendors who have higher costs than other vendors or who were suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 17 vendors out of 83 total transactions were selected for testing, which accounted for $81,494 of $681,188 federal program expenditures. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): Yes, 2024-002 Recommendation: We recommend Catholic Charities enhance internal control procedures to ensure all procurement and suspension and debarment verification procedures are performed prior to entering into the transactions. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Program: AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Subrecipient Monitoring Grant Number & Year: SLFRP1965, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.332 (January 1, 2024) states, in relevant part, the following: All pass-through entities must: (a) Ensure that every subaward is clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward and includes the following information at the time of the subaward and if any of these data elements change, include the changes in subsequent subaward modification. When some of this information is not available, the pass-through entity must provide the best information available to describe the Federal award and subaward. Required information includes: (1) Federal award identification. * * * * (ii) Subrecipient’s unique entity identifier; (iii) Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN); (iv) Federal Award Date . . . . * * * * (x) Federal award project description, as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA); (xi) Name of Federal awarding agency, pass-through entity, and contact information for awarding official of the Pass-through entity; (xii) Assistance Listings title and number; the pass-through entity must identify the dollar amount made available under each Federal award and the Assistance Listings Number at the time of disbursement; * * * * (5) A requirement that the subrecipient permit the pass-through entity and auditors to access the subrecipient’s records and financial statements for the pass-through entity to fulfill its monitoring requirements; and (6) Appropriate terms and conditions concerning the closeout of the subaward. * * * * (d) Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. Pass-through entity monitoring of the subrecipient must include: (1) Reviewing financial and performance reports required by the passthrough entity. (2) Following-up and ensuring that the subrecipient takes timely and appropriate action on all deficiencies pertaining to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the passthrough entity detected through audits, on-site reviews, and written confirmation from the subrecipient, highlighting the status of actions planned or taken to address Single Audit findings related to the particular subaward. (3) Issuing a management decision for applicable audit findings pertaining only to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the pass-through entity as required by §200.521. (4) The pass-through entity is responsible for resolving audit findings specifically related to the subaward . . . . * * * * (f) Verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient’s Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in §200.501. 2 CFR § 200.318 (January 1, 2024) states, in relevant part, the following: (a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§200.317 through 200.327. * * * * (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. 2 CFR § 180.300 (January 1, 2024) requires that the pass-through entity take specific steps to document that subrecipients are not suspended or debarred, as outlined below: 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.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. 2 CFR § 200.430(i) (January 1, 2024) states the following in relevant part: (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: * * * * (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE’s definition of IBS); * * * * (vii) Support the distribution of the employee’s salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. (viii) Budget estimates (i.e., estimates determined before the services are performed) alone do not qualify as support for charges to Federal awards[.] Good internal controls and sound business practices require policies and procedures to ensure that adequate monitoring is performed to verify that subrecipients are using funds in accordance with all Federal and grant requirements. Condition: The State lacked procedures to ensure that: • Subrecipient use of funds was monitored to ensure compliance with all Federal and grant requirements. • Subrecipients obtained audits required by Federal requirements, and those audits were obtained and reviewed in a timely manner. Repeat Finding: No Questioned Costs: None Statistical Sample: No Context: The State paid $172,943,444 to subrecipients for 143 subawards during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. We selected 17 subrecipients to test. Additionally, we reviewed the single audit tracking procedures for all State agencies acting as pass-through entities. We noted the following: Insufficient Subrecipient Monitoring Procedures For 5 of 17 subawards tested, the APA noted that subrecipient monitoring was insufficient to ensure that the subrecipient complied with all Federal and grant requirements. Additionally, for one of the subawards tested, the APA noted that the pass-through entity did not have documentation on file to support it verified the subrecipient was not suspended or otherwise debarred. Deficiencies noted included the following: • One $86,650,000 subaward tested was issued by the Military Department (Military) to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents (University). During testing, the APA noted that the only monitoring performed by the Military was a review of the University’s single audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. A total of $47,533,117 was paid to the University for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. • During our audit, we observed that for two subawards, one issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and one by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), each valued at $2,000,000 for capital riverfront improvements and the construction of a youth activity center, respectively, significant disbursements were used to cover construction costs. However, neither pass-through entity could provide documentation supporting that subrecipient monitoring performed or planned included adequate procedures to ensure that the subrecipient had followed its written procurement policies, and procurement procedures were adequately documented. These subrecipients were paid $1,362,909 and $841,446, respectively, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. • For one subaward tested, issued by the Department of Correctional Services (Corrections) for $1,505,826 to implement a transitional living and vocational skills program for former inmates, the APA did not observe any documentation supporting that Corrections had verified the subrecipient was not suspended or otherwise debarred from receiving Federal funds. Additionally, the APA noted that the subaward included significant costs for subrecipient payroll and benefit costs. For those salaried employees who had only a portion of their payroll coded to the grant, Corrections relied on budget estimates submitted at the beginning of the subaward to ensure the cost allocation was proper. The APA observed that six salaried employees had payroll costs coded to the grant, ranging from 2% - 98% of their total salaries. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, the total paid to the subrecipient for this subaward was $204,302. • For one subaward issued by DHHS for $4,000,000 to be used towards increasing childcare license capacity, the APA noted that DHHS failed to perform the subrecipient monitoring procedures outlined in their monitoring policy. The monitoring policy for the subaward indicated that 10% of all expenses would be reviewed. DHHS claimed to have reviewed 10% of all reimbursements between July 2023 – April 2024; however, the APA observed $628,610 of reimbursed costs after April 2024, all of which was disbursed in August 2024 for which no review was performed. Additionally, the APA noted DHHS did not obtain appropriate documentation to support $387 of payroll costs coded to the grant. A total of $627,110 was paid to this subrecipient during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Failure to Communicate all Required Subaward Information During our review of subrecipient monitoring, the APA noted that, for 4 of 17 subawards tested, the subaward did not contain all required information or contained erroneous information, as follows: • In two instances of subawards issued by DHHS, the subaward listed the Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN) as SLFRP3145; however, the primary CLSFRF award to the State of Nebraska was SLFRP1965, while the SLFRP3145 award merely passed through the State to various Non-Entitlement Units (NEU’s) in the State that were the primary recipients. • One subaward issued by DNR and one subaward issued by Corrections lacked required information, as noted below. Neither department could provide documentation showing that this information had otherwise been communicated to the subrecipient. See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Single Audit Tracking Procedures During our review of single audit tracking procedures implemented by the State, we noted the following: • DNR and the Department of Labor (DOL) lacked procedures for determining if subrecipients were required to have a single audit or obtain and review such audits. DOL had 10 subrecipients who had received cumulative payments as of June 30, 2025, ranging from $1,000 to $318,669. DNR had 13 subrecipients that received cumulative payments as of June 30, 2025, ranging from $12,557 to $32,256,022. Three of DNR’s subrecipients have received payments over $750,000 as of June 30, 2025. In reviewing the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC), two of these subrecipients had single audits for the subrecipients’ fiscal year 2024, which listed CSLFRF (ALN 21.027) as a major program and reported no findings. • During testing, the APA identified three instances of DHHS failing to obtain and review subrecipient single audits due to errors in that agency’s tracking procedures. The three subrecipients had received $2,209,137 in CSLFRF funds as of June 30, 2025. The APA obtained the fiscal year 2024 single audits for all three subrecipients from the FAC and noted that ALN 21.027 was listed as a major program on all three audits. None of the audits noted any program-related findings. Cause: Inadequate procedures to ensure that subrecipients complied with all Federal and grant requirements or to ensure that subrecipients obtained single audits when required. Effect: Without adequate monitoring and review procedures, there is an increased risk of Federal awards being used for unallowable costs. Recommendation: We recommend the State strengthen procedures to ensure that subrecipient monitoring is designed properly to ensure compliance with all Federal and grant requirements. We also recommend the State strengthen procedures to ensure that subrecipient single audit requirements are tracked properly, and all single audits are reviewed in a timely manner. Management Response: Military Department The Department of Military disagrees with this finding. The subrecipient submitted an independent audit on 4/1/2025. The independent auditor employed auditing standards generally accepted in the United States (GAAS). Major federal programs included COVID-19, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Assistance Listing Number 21.027. The independent auditor concluded there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. The auditee was deemed “low risk.” In NEMA’s risk evaluation, it considers two separate University of Nebraska offices whose responsibility includes work to monitor and ensure compliance with Federal regulations. When determining risk appetite and risk tolerance, the “…cost of internal control should never exceed anticipated benefits. Thus, an entity must accept a certain level of risk.” Findings by the independent auditor and Auditor of Public Accounts exceed any benefit that might have been gained by additional subrecipient monitoring. In October 2025, the Agency formally adopted the Subrecipient Monitoring policy and procedure it has informally used the last several years. APA Response: 2 CFR § 200.332(d)(4) (January 1, 2024) requires pass-through entities to perform subrecipient monitoring, which includes obtaining and reviewing subrecipient Single Audit reports. Subsection (d)(4) of this regulation states: If a subrecipient has a current Single Audit report posted in the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and has not otherwise been excluded from receipt of Federal funding (e.g., has been debarred or suspended), the pass-through entity may rely on the subrecipient’s cognizant audit agency or cognizant oversight agency to perform audit follow-up . . . . Such reliance does not eliminate the responsibility of the pass-through entity to issue subawards that conform to agency and award-specific requirements, to manage risk through ongoing subaward monitoring, and to monitor the status of the findings that are specifically related to the subaward. Department of Natural Resources While DNR conducted general subrecipient monitoring activities, documentation did not sufficiently demonstrate that monitoring procedures included a review of subrecipient procurement practices for compliance. DNR communicated the required federal award information to the subrecipient through other means, it was not consistently incorporated into the formal subaward agreement as required. While DNR does require Single Audits per their contracts, they did not have formalized, written procedures to consistently determine whether subrecipients met the Single Audit threshold, to ensure timely receipt and review of Single Audit reports when required. The Department acknowledges that documented procedures are necessary to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and to strengthen subrecipient oversight. Department of Health and Human Services Agency agrees with finding. Department of Correctional Services Management agrees with the finding.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education (ED) Program Names: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education; Special Education – Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities; Child Care Access Means Parent in Schools ALNs: 84.116; 84.325K; 84.335 Award Numbers: P116Z230260; H325K180006; P335A220131; Federal Awards Year 2024 - 2025 Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: Yes 2025-004. Finding: Internal Controls Over Procurement Northern Illinois University (University) included incorrect documentation within purchase requisition forms for small purchases and simplified acquisition procurement transactions at the time of approval of the purchase which did not allow a reviewer to determine the appropriateness of the procurement method. Condition: Three (100%) of three small purchase procurement transactions tested in the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education program were approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transactions were exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (100%) of one transaction tested meeting the simplified acquisition threshold in the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly utilized a small purchase waiver form to indicate that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (50%) of two small purchase procurement transactions tested in the Special Education – Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (50%) of two small purchase procurement transactions tested in the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (100%) of one transaction tested meeting the simplified acquisition threshold in the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). Based on additional information provided to us during our testing, the University did have other documentation to support the history of the procurement, including rationale for the method of procurement, and there were no indications that procurement methods used were inappropriate. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Criteria: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure procurement procedures are properly followed and support is properly maintained as required by 2 CFR 200.318. Cause: University officials stated that insufficient training on procurements subject to 2 CFR 200 lead to the incorrect documentation on the purchase requisition documentation. Effect: If the purchase requisition forms contain an incorrect rationale for the procurement method selected, the University could approve payments of federal funds to vendors that do not meet federal regulations. (Finding Code No. 2025-004, 2024-004) Recommendation: We recommend the University review current processes for small purchases and simplified acquisition transactions to ensure purchase requisition forms are completed correctly. University Response: Accepted. The University implemented revised procedures and targeted training in April 2025 to strengthen compliance with the 2 CFR 200 procurement requirements. The transactions identified in the condition occurred prior to full implementation and corrective action. The University will continue to monitor procurement processes to ensure accurate and complete documentation of the procurement method selected.
Assistance listing number: 21.027 Program name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Pass-through entity: State of Michigan EGLE Project numbers: A7588-01 and A5817-01 Finding type: Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat finding: No Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requires non-federal entities to maintain specific written policies to ensure accountability for federal awards. Minimum mandatory policies include procurement procedures, allowability of costs, conflict of interest, cash management, and internal controls. Conditions: The City did not have written policies, as are required by Uniform Guidance, that adhered fully to the requirements of Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs: None Why Questioned Costs Not Determinable: N/A How Questioned Computed: N/A Context: The City has some written policies or resolutions that address procurement and conflict of interest. The procurement policy, however, did not fully address the requirements of UG Section 200.318. In addition, the City had developed some procedures for cash management, allowability costs and internal control but did not adopt the written policies for cash management, allowability of costs and internal control that would fully address the requirements of UG Sections 200.305, 200.302, 200.400 and 200.303. Cause: The City was not in compliance with the UG requirements to have the correct written policies related to procurement, cash management, allowability costs and internal control. Effect: The absence of those properly prepared written policies increases the potential for further noncompliance because the City’s procedures may not adequately address the relevant compliance requirements. Recommendation: We recommend that the City create and put in place the written policies that address the requirements of 2 CFR 200.318-Procurement, 200.305-Cash Management, 200.302 & 200.400-Allowability of Costs, 200.303-Internal Control. View and Response of Responsible Officials: The City is reviewing existing documents and the requirements of UG for written policies to determine the best course of action to create and put in place the written policies required by UG.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) 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 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the Child Nutrition Program and Procurement compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: For one of the two small purchase method procurements sampled for testing, we noted that the School Corporation did not obtain quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. The sample item amount disbursed was $67,000 in fiscal year 2024 for food service equipment maintenance. The School Corporation also did not properly perform a suspension and debarment check on the vendor. This finding is isolated to fiscal year 2024. There were no purchases in 2025 that required a simplified acquisition or small purchase procurement other than those procured by the food service cooperative. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to ensure that the School Corporation’s procurement policy is adhered to and quotes are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as required for small purchase method procurements. We also recommend management perform a suspension and debarment check or have the vendor attest they are not suspended or debarred prior to entering into transactions that individually or the in aggregate exceed $25,000 and are charged to a fund that receipts federal funds. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management has agreed with the finding and prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2025-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): SY25 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 BORDEN-HENRYVILLE SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Most large purchases for food and supplies are made through contracts entered into by a purchasing cooperative that the School Corporation belongs to. Those transactions were tested at the cooperative level, and no noncompliance or lack of internal controls were noted. It is the School Corporation's policy that it will either require a certification from the vendor or check the exclusion list prior to entering a covered transaction. The School Corporation only entered into one covered transaction at the School Corporation level. It was unable to provide evidence that it followed its policy for ensuring that the vendor was not suspended or debarred prior to making a series of purchases that totaled $53,414. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was only noted in the second year of the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 BORDEN-HENRYVILLE SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation's management failed to properly design and implement an internal control system that would have ensured that its policy over the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement was adhered to during the audit period. 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 have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Additionally, the School Corporation could have made payments to a vendor that was suspended or debarred. Payments to such vendors are unallowable. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The system should be designed to ensure that vendors are not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded, prior to the School Corporation entering into a covered transaction. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027X, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 LAKELAND SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented, full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions totaling $803,836 were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 LAKELAND SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 LAKELAND SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the special education grant was new for the 2023-2024 school year. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using special education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micropurchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified, prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2024, FY2025 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion 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 awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . .” 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: “The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “ 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure compliance with the procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchase and simplified acquisition procurement thresholds were followed. Cause: Although the School Corporation has adopted a procurement policy that establishes purchasing requirements based on defined dollar thresholds and requires verification of vendor suspension and debarment status, the policy was not fully adhered to. Required procurement methods were not utilized for certain purchases that exceeded applicable thresholds and the required suspension and debarment verifications were not consistently performed. This condition resulted from insufficient oversight and monitoring to ensure compliance with all aspects of the School Corporation’s procurement policy. Effect: Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the 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 review procurements done by the food service management company to ensure that proper procurement policies were followed. The School Corporation did not ensure that the food service management company did not use suspended or debarred vendors. During the audit period, we noted two small purchases for which the School Corporation did not have evidence of obtaining multiple quotes or documented rationale for selecting the vendor. Only the final invoice, purchase order, and quote from the selected vendor were available. During fiscal year 2024, we noted that for one of the three vendors tested, the correct procurement method was not followed. Purchases from the vendor were in excess of $150,000 during the fiscal year, requiring the simplified acquisition procurement process; however, the School Corporation applied the small purchase procurement process. The purchase was for equipment at two different buildings. The School Corporation issued two requests for quotes, one for each school, and treated them as separate procurements. However, as the purchases were similar in nature, the requests for quotes were dated the same day and sent to the same vendor, this should have been treated as one procurement in aggregate. The School Corporation did not have support for public advertisement, requests for formal sealed bids, or formal documentation for the basis of award. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. “Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. During the audit period, we noted two vendors out of three that were sampled, over the $25,000 suspension and debarment threshold for which the School Corporation did not have evidence of a suspension and debarment check. Identification as a repeat finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School Corporation strengthen its system of internal control by establishing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure that procurement activities for goods and services comply with applicable requirements and that contractors and subrecipients are verified as not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
MATERIAL WEAKNESS IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE – U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, PASSED THROUGH MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CHILD NUTRITION CLUSTER – FEDERAL ALN 10.553, 10.555, AND 10.559 2025-006 Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance With Federal Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Requirements Criteria – 2 CFR § 180 and 2 CFR § 200.318-327 requires the District to establish and maintain effective internal control over compliance with requirements applicable to federal program expenditures, including procurement, suspension, and debarment requirements applicable to the child nutrition cluster federal program. Condition – During our audit, we noted the District did not have sufficient controls in place resulting in material noncompliance within its child nutrition cluster federal program to ensure compliance with federal procurement requirements related to methods of procurement and to assure that it was not contracting for goods or services with parties that are suspended or debarred, or whose principals are suspended or debarred from participating in contracts involving the expenditures of federal program funds. Questioned Costs – None. Context – For three of three vendors exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, the District did not document procurement policy and the Uniform Guidance requirements related to methods of procurement and a proper documentation of suspension and debarment testing was not maintained for three of three vendors tested to ensure compliance with this requirement in the current year. This was not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding – This is a current year and prior year finding. Cause – This was an oversight by district personnel. Effect – Noncompliance with procurement, suspension, and debarment requirements could result in the District expending federal funds inappropriately or utilizing vendors that are not eligible to be parties to such transactions, which could be viewed as a violation of the award agreement. Recommendation – We recommend that the District review its internal control procedures relating to procurement, suspension, and debarment for the child nutrition cluster federal program. Internal controls over compliance should be in place to ensure compliance with federal procurement procedures, including awarding and documenting contracts based on sealed bids or quotations for the purchase of goods or services exceeding applicable federal dollar thresholds. Internal controls over compliance should also include verification that any vendor with which the District contracts for goods or services exceeding $25,000 is not listed as suspended or debarred on the federal Excluded Parties List System website. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – The District agrees with the finding. The District intends to review its policies and procedures relating to procurement, suspension, and debarment for its federal programs to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance in the future. The District has separately issued a Corrective Action Plan related to this finding.
FINDING 2025-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2023-2024, FY 2024-2025 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed and implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 NORTH HARRISON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were tested that exceeded the small purchase threshold during the audit period. For one vendor no quotes were obtained. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The School Corporation entered into four covered transactions during the audit period and were unable to provide evidence they followed its policy for one of those transactions. The total purchases made from that vendor totaled $29,091. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(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." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 NORTH HARRISON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 states: The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not implemented by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 NORTH HARRISON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, adequate documentation was not retained for procurements that fell within the small purchase threshold. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Child Nutrition Cluster: National School Lunch Program (Assistance Listing # 10.555) National School Breakfast Program (Assistance Listing # 10.553) Compliance Requirement: Procurement Criteria Under 2 CFR 180.995, the School District must not enter into covered transactions with parties that are suspended or debarred. For covered transactions (generally at or above the simplified acquisition threshold), the School District must verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred by (1) checking SAM.gov, (2) collecting a vendor certification, or (3) adding a contractual clause that the vendor is not suspended or debarred and maintaining documentation of the verification. Additionally, under 2 CFR 200.318(h), the School District must maintain effective internal controls over procurement to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Condition During our testing and confirmed with management at the School District, it was determined that the School District does not verify that vendors were not debarred or suspended. Cause The School District’s procurement procedures do not require or are not consistently followed to perform and retain documentation of suspension and debarment checks for covered transactions. Effect Without controls to verify and document vendor eligibility, the School District is at risk of expending federal funds with vendors that are suspended or debarred, resulting in noncompliance with federal requirements. This could lead to questioned costs, repayment obligations, and reputational risk. Recommendation We recommend that the School District strengthen its internal controls over the procurement requirement regarding suspension and debarment requirement by implementing the following actions: (a) Update written procurement procedures to clearly require documented verification before entering any covered transactions. (b) Require procurement staff to document verification at the time of award and to retain the documentation in the procurement file. (c) Integrate a system of controls, where feasible, that prevents a purchase order or contract from being finalized unless proof of suspension/debarment verification has been uploaded. (d) Provide reoccurring training to procurement, finance and grant management staff regarding federal suspension and debarment requirements and proper documentation practices. (e) Implement periodic monitoring or internal reviews to ensure that the verification process is consistently followed and address any deviations promptly.
FINDING 2025-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.582 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY25 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed and implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. It is the School Corporation's policy that they either require a certification from the vendor or check the exclusion list prior to entering into a covered transaction. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 SPRINGS VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation entered into three covered transactions during the audit period and it was unable to provide evidence that it followed its policy for one of those transactions. The total purchases made from that vendor totaled $64,855. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were only noted in the second year of the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation's management failed to properly design and implement an internal control system that would have ensured that its policy over the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement was followed during the audit period. 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 have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Additionally, the School Corporation could have made payment to a vendor that was suspended or debarred. Payments to such vendors are unallowable. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 SPRINGS VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The system should be designed to ensure that vendors are not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded, prior to the School Corporation entering into a covered transaction. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
Finding 2025-001 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (Internal Control Significant Deficiency and Compliance - Procurement) – 2025 Program U.S. Department of the Treasury, 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Passed Through State Department of Education (12060-SDE64370-28434) Criteria Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200.318–200.327) require non-Federal entities to use documented procurement procedures that comply with federal standards and to conduct procurements in a manner providing full and open competition. Additionally, 2 CFR Part 200.318(a) requires non-Federal entities to use their own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal law and the standards identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The Town’s adopted purchasing policy requires competitive bids for purchases exceeding $25,000. The formal process may be waived under certain circumstances, however, for Education department purchases, the Superintendent must, in writing, state the reason(s) for granting such waiver and shall notify the Board of Education, as applicable, of such action by electronic means. Conditions We noted that two grant expenditures selected for testing that were above the bid threshold were not procured in accordance with the Town’s adopted purchasing policy or the procurement requirements established under Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Specifically, the Education department did not obtain the required competitive bids or price quotations applicable to the procurement thresholds in effect at the time of purchase. While the intent was to waive the bid process due to time pressures, there is no documentation of the bid waiver and approval of the waiver. Both exceptions related to the State Department of Education pass through grant for the Bacon Academy carpet project. Questioned costs None noted. Context Not applicable. Effect Failure to comply with federal and local procurement requirements increases the risk of noncompliance with federal award terms and conditions. Noncompetitive procurement practices may limit full and open competition and could result in questioned costs or potential repayment of federal funds. Cause The Education department did not follow established procurement procedures for the Bacon Academy carpet project funded by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds grant. Based on discussions with management, the noncompliance appears to have resulted from inadequate understanding and implementation of the bid waiver process. Recommendation We recommend that the Education department: • Strengthen internal controls to ensure all federal procurements comply with 2 CFR Part 200 and the Town’s purchasing policy; • Provide training to personnel responsible for procurement and grant administration on Uniform Guidance procurement requirements; • Implement a documented review and approval process to verify procurement method compliance prior to contract execution and payment; and • Maintain complete procurement documentation, including evidence of bids or price quotations, cost or price analysis (when required), and contract provisions required by 2 CFR Part 200.327 and Appendix II. If applicable, bid waiver documentation should be maintained. Views of responsible official and planned corrective actions Management agrees with this finding. The Education Department is reviewing their procurement process and will implement controls to ensure procurement compliance is verified prior to contract execution and payment. Additionally, procurement training will be provided to administrators and staff involved in purchasing and grant management. Federal procurements will be monitored by the Business Manager and Superintendent.
FINDING 2025-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY24, FY25 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 2023-005. Condition and Context Procurement When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. The School Corporation procured goods totaling $149,426 from five vendors that fell under the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Price or rate quotes were not obtained for any of the vendors nor was there any documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 DELPHI COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions, recipients are required to verify that contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (e.g., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 and all subawards. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions list, collection of a certification from that person or entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person or entity. There were four covered transactions over $25,000 identified during the audit period totaling $130,448. All four were selected for testing; however, the School Corporation did not verify that two of the four vendors totaling $70,411 were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.318(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." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3(d) states: "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." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 DELPHI COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect Material noncompliance with the grant agreement and compliance requirements could cause federal expenditures to be unallowable which the funding agency could potentially recover. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to procurement and suspension and debarment. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 DELPHI 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 2025-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-151-PN01, 23611-151-PN01, 24611-151-PN01, 22611-151-ARP, 23619-151-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Procurement When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. The School Corporation procured goods totaling $60,002 from four vendors that fell under the small purchase threshold during the audit period. The School Corporation did not provide adequate documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, for all four vendors. Price or rate quotes were not obtained for three of the vendors as required. The School Corporation obtained three quotes for one vendor; however, the highest quote was selected without a documented reason. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions, recipients are required to verify that contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (e.g., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 and all subawards. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions list, collection of a certification from that person or entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person or entity. There was one covered transaction over $25,000 identified during the audit period which was selected for testing. The School Corporation did not verify that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal assistance programs. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 DELPHI COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." 2 CFR 200.318(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." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3(d) states: "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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 DELPHI 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. . . ." 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 designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect Material noncompliance with the grant agreement and compliance requirements could cause federal expenditures to be unallowable which the funding agency could potentially recover. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Program Name: SNAP Cluster: State Administrative Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ALN #: 10.561 Award Number (Federal Award Year): IDHS SNAP FCSDQ03623 (2024-2025) Questioned Costs: None 2025-004. Finding: Internal Controls over Procurement The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign did not have sufficient rationale documented for the noncompetitive procurement method selected within their iBuy procurement system at the time of approval of the purchase to allow a reviewer to determine the appropriateness of the procurement method. Condition: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s internal controls over small purchases include review and approval of a purchase requisition form that documents the procurement method selected. Prior to June 15, 2025, when a noncompetitive procurement method was selected, a radio button within the iBuy system allowed for selection of one of several circumstances where noncompetitive procurement is permitted by 2 CFR 200.320, including that the procurement can only be fulfilled by a single source. When this selection was made, additional information supporting this rationale should have been available to the reviewer to determine that this noncompetitive procurement method was appropriate. Out of four small purchase procurement transactions tested prior to June 15, 2025, for one transaction (25%), there was not sufficient evidence to support that documentation of the noncompetitive procurement method selected was provided at the time of review and approval. Based on additional information provided to us during our testing, there were no indications that the noncompetitive method selected was inappropriate. This transaction was selected from the period prior to the iBuy enhancement. Subsequent to June 15, 2025, the purchase requisition form in the iBuy system was enhanced to require users to complete mandatory fields within the purchase requisition form when a noncompetitive procurement method is selected and provide detailed written justification. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Criteria: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure procurement procedures are properly followed and support is properly maintained as required by 2 CFR 200.318. Cause: University officials stated a single e-procurement system is used to collect and capture procurement-related information. University officials further stated the electronic system required selection of the relevant procurement method in the form of a radio button but did not require additional information in the central procurement file. Rather, this information was maintained by the requesting unit. Effect: If the procurement purchase requisition forms do not include sufficient supporting documentation of the rationale for the noncompetitive method of procurement selected, the University could approve payments of federal funds to vendors that do not meet federal regulations. (Finding Code No. 2025-004, 2024-004) Recommendation: We recommend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign review current processes within the iBuy system for noncompetitive procurement transactions to ensure sufficient documentation is included to support the rationale for the noncompetitive method of procurement selected. University Response: While the University accepts the finding, we note that corrective action was implemented on June 15, 2025. No exceptions related to the iBuy central procurement file were found after implementation.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pass-Through Entity: California Department of Education Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Federal Financial Assistance Listing: 10,553, 10.555 Award Year: 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency and Non-Compliance Criteria Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 200, Subpart D, Section 200.318(a) requires recipients and subrecipients of Federal awards to maintain and use documented procurement procedures that conform to standards identified in Title 2, CFR, Part 200, Subpart D, Section 200.318. This includes the retention of all procurement related documents in connection with federal awards. Condition The District was unable to provide procurement documents, including copies of bid documents and contracts for a sampled covered transaction. Cause The condition appears to have materialized due to the District not adhering to its federal procurement policy. Effect The District did not comply with general procurement standards required by Title 2, CFR Section 200.318(a), and the District policy. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified related to the condition identified above. Context/Sampling Total population of 4 transactions were identified and 3 samples were selected haphazardly. Tested resulted in a 100% exception rate which resulted in the remaining 1 transaction from the population being selected for testing. Additional testing of the remaining 1 transaction also resulted in an exception. Repeat Finding No. Recommendation The District should ensure that all federal procurement transactions are aligned with its procurement policy. As required under the District’s procurement policy, the District should retain all procurement related documents.
FINDING 2025-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA)- Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-148-PN01, 23611-148-PN01, 24611-148-PN01, 25611-148-PN01, 22611-148-ARP, 22619-148-PN01, 23619-148-PN01, 24619-148-PN01, 25619-148-PN01, 22619-148-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 GRIFFITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement - Micro-Purchases Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold, which is set at $10,000. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. Three vendors determined to fall under the micro-purchase threshold were selected for testing. One claim from one of the vendors selected for testing did not have proper supporting documentation maintained by the School Corporation to determine if the proper procurement method was followed. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. One vendor provided contracted services paid with special education grant funds during the audit period totaling $269,948. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that the School Corporation did not verify that the contractor was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded. The lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 GRIFFITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (1) Micro-purchases — (i) Distribution. The acquisition of supplies or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (See the definition of micro-purchase in § 200.1). To the maximum extent practicable, the non-Federal entity should distribute micro-purchases equitably among qualified suppliers. (ii) Micro-purchase awards. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price or rate quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable based on research, experience, purchase history or other information and documents it files accordingly. Purchase cards can be used for micropurchases if procedures are documented and approved by the non-Federal entity. (iii) Micro-purchase thresholds. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining and documenting an appropriate micro-purchase threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk, and its documented procurement procedures. The micropurchase threshold used by the non-Federal entity must be authorized or not prohibited under State, local, or tribal laws or regulations. Non-Federal entities may establish a threshold higher than the Federal threshold established in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) in accordance with paragraphs (a)(1)(iv) and (v) of this section. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 GRIFFITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (iv) Non-Federal entity increase to the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. Non-Federal entities may establish a threshold higher than the micro-purchase threshold identified in the FAR in accordance with the requirements of this section. The non-Federal entity may self-certify a threshold up to $50,000 on an annual basis and must maintain documentation to be made available to the Federal awarding agency and auditors in accordance with § 200.334. The self-certification must include a justification, clear identification of the threshold, and supporting documentation of any of the following: (A) A qualification as a low-risk auditee, in accordance with the criteria in § 200.520 for the most recent audit; (B) An annual internal institutional risk assessment to identify, mitigate, and manage financial risks; or, (C) For public institutions, a higher threshold consistent with State law. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to affect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to, and vendors to whom payments equal to, or in excess of $25,000, were not verified to not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 GRIFFITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027X Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-019-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context Procurement Small purchases, procurements between $50,000 and $150,000, require three quotes to be obtained and a contract awarded. There was one disbursement tested for $52,598 for small purchase procurement, and, while the appropriate number of quotes were obtained, a contract was not awarded for the transaction as required by Indiana Code 5-22-8-3. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with the Special Education Cluster (IDEA) award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), collecting a certification from that person or entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person or entity. It was determined that the School Corporation had a process in place to verify that vendors were not suspended or debarred, but the process was not operating effectively. For the one vendor tested also related to the transaction noted above, documentation of the SAM.gov search could not be provided. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 OAK HILL UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the transaction and award number noted above. 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 200.214 states: "Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 OAK HILL UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states: "(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). (b) A purchasing agent may purchase supplies under this section by inviting quotes from at least three (3) persons known to deal in the lines or classes of supplies to be purchased. (c) The purchasing agent shall mail an invitation to quote to the persons described in subsection (b) at least seven (7) days before the time fixed for receiving quotes. (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. (e) The purchasing agent may reject all quotes. (f) If the purchasing agent does not receive a quote from a responsible and responsive offeror, the purchasing agent may purchase the supplies under IC 5-22-10-10." 31 CFR 19.300 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 do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the EPLS, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person if allowed by this rule, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation was not aware of the Indiana Code requirement to enter into a contract for the equipment purchase. The School Corporation was aware of the requirements to check for suspension and debarment, but due to newer personnel at the School Corporation they were not able to locate the records or verify that the suspension and debarment verification was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 OAK HILL UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to remain undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation amend its procurement policy and system of internal controls to ensure that procurement requirements meet the stricter federal and/or state requirements. Additionally, the internal control system effectiveness should be improved to ensure all contractors that are paid $25,000 or more, all or in part with federal funds, are not suspended or debarred from participating in federal programs before entering into contracts. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Finding 2025-002 Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Identification of the Federal Program Federal Agency: The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Program Title: Continuum of Care Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.267 Award Numbers: All Award Periods: All Criteria Requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Subpart D – Post Federal Award Requirements, Sections 200.318 through 200.326, require that a nonfederal entity establish and follow a written procurement policy that conforms to federal standards. The Uniform Guidance further requires that procurement transactions be documented in sufficient detail to provide a complete history of the procurement, including the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price (2 CFR 200.318(i), 200.319, and related sections). The written procurement policy must identify formal and informal procurement actions to be taken based on the size of the procurement, covering both goods and services, and must require documentation to support compliance with those requirements. Condition The Organization did not maintain adequate procurement documentation to support procurement transactions. For four out of nine of the items tested, the Organization could not provide documentation sufficient to evidence the method of procurement and that adequate price quotes were received in accordance with the Organizations documented procurement policy. Cause The Organization’s internal controls were insufficient to ensure that required procurement documentation was prepared, retained, and reviewed in accordance with its written procurement policy and Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs Not applicable. Effect The Organization did not retain documentation sufficient to comply the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR Part 200 as it related to the selected procurement transactions. Repeat Finding No
FINDING 2025-005 – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment (Partially Repeated from Prior Year Finding 2024-002) Federal Program: Continuum of Care Program Federal Identifying Number: Direct funding grants - IL0395L5T102214, IL0395L5T102315, IL0184L5T102316, IL0184L5T102417, IL1790H5T102200, IL1791H5T102200, IL1792H5T102200; Passed- through grants -IL1759D5T102201, IL1878D5T102300, IL1759D5T102202, and 8567-D Federal Assistance Listing Number: 14.267 Passed Through: All Chicago Making Homeless History and Aids Foundation of Chicago Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Criteria/Specific Requirement: A. The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) section 200.318(a) General Procurement Standards states the following, “Documented procurement procedures. The recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services.” B. The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) section 200.319 Competition states the following, “All procurement transactions under the Federal award must be conducted in a manner that provides for full and open competition and is consistent with the standards of this section and §200.320.” C. The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) section 180.300 states a participant entering into a covered transaction must verify that the person with whom it intends to do business is not excluded or disqualified 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. D. The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) section 200.303 Internal Controls states the following, “The non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” Condition: For fourteen (14) out of fourteen (14) procurement and suspension and debarment transactions tested we noted the following: 1) The Inner Voice, Inc. did not complete the appropriate procurement process; 2) The Inner Voice, Inc. did not maintain appropriate documentation to support the procurement method utilized (if any); and 3) The Inner Voice, Inc. did not provide or maintain documentation that suspension and debarment searches were performed. Questioned Costs: None. Context: The Inner Voice, Inc. expended a total of $5,207,762 of federal awards in fiscal year 2025. The Inner Voice, Inc. expended a total of $3,992,341 of federal awards in fiscal year 2025 under the Continuum of Care program. The procurement, suspension and debarment transactions we selected for testing totaled $1,180,252 or 29.6% percent of program expenditures. Effect: The Inner Voice, Inc. is not in compliance with Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200 as it relates to procurement, suspension and debarment requirements. Additionally, the effect of noncompliance can result in questioned costs. Cause: 1. The Inner Voice, Inc.’s procurement policy provides limited guidance on procurement methods, documentation of procurement process, and references to Uniform Guidance procurement categories and definitions. Additionally, policy does not include processes pertaining to suspension and debarment checks. 2. Where policies are in place, they are not being followed. Recommendation: We recommend that The Inner Voice, Inc.: a. Enhance policies and procedures surrounding procurement, suspension and debarment. b. Communicate and reinforce its policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Management’s Response: See Corrective Action Plan.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE – U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, PASSED THROUGH MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CHILD NUTRITION CLUSTER – FEDERAL ALN 10.553, 10.555, AND 10.559 2025-003 Internal Control Over Compliance With Federal Suspension and Debarment Requirements Criteria – 2 CFR § 180 and 2 CFR § 200.318-327 requires the District to establish and maintain effective internal control over compliance with requirements applicable to federal program expenditures, including suspension and debarment requirements applicable to the child nutrition cluster federal programs. Condition – During our audit, we noted the District did not have sufficient controls in place within its child nutrition cluster federal programs to ensure compliance with federal requirements related to assuring that the District was not contracting for goods or services with parties that are suspended or debarred, or whose principals are suspended or debarred from participating in contracts involving the expenditures of federal program funds. Questioned Costs – Not applicable. Our testing did not indicate any instances of noncompliance with this requirement. Context – The District’s internal controls required the District to review for compliance with suspension and debarment requirements on an annual basis. The District should also be reviewing for compliance with suspension and debarment requirements any time the District adds a new vendor. For one of two vendors tested, the District did not retain documentation to support they had performed procedures to verify vendor eligibility with suspension and debarment requirements. This was not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding – This is a current year finding. Cause – This was an oversight by district personnel. Effect – Noncompliance with suspension and debarment requirements could result in the District expending federal funds inappropriately or utilized vendors that are not eligible to be parties to such transactions, which could be viewed as a violation of the award agreement. Recommendation – We recommend that the District review its internal control procedures relating to suspension and debarment for the child nutrition cluster federal program. Internal controls over compliance for this area should include documentation of compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements related to suspension and debarment. These controls should also include steps to ensure any vendor with which the District contracts for goods or services exceeding $25,000 is not listed as suspended or debarred on the federal Excluded Parties List System website. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – The District agrees with the finding. The District will review and update its policies and procedures relating to suspension and debarment applicable to the child nutrition cluster federal programs to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance in the future. The District has separately issued a Corrective Action Plan related to this finding.