FINDING 2023-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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(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. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. 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 the two small purchase method procurements sampled for testing, we noted that the School Corporation, did not obtain three quotes from separate vendors. The School Corporation did properly perform a suspension and debarment check on the vendor. Additionally, no errors were noted in the one simplified acquisition threshold procurement sampled for testing. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2021-004. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to ensure that 3 quotes are obtained as required for small purchase method procurements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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(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. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. 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 the two small purchase method procurements sampled for testing, we noted that the School Corporation, did not obtain three quotes from separate vendors. The School Corporation did properly perform a suspension and debarment check on the vendor. Additionally, no errors were noted in the one simplified acquisition threshold procurement sampled for testing. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2021-004. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to ensure that 3 quotes are obtained as required for small purchase method procurements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 20611-55-PN01, 21611-55-PN01, 22611-55-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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(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. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. 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 the three small purchase method procurements sampled for testing, we noted that the School Corporation, did not obtain quotes from 3 vendors. The three procurements were for $151,993 and $138,660 worth of behavioral health services for the years ended June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023 respectively. The School Corporation did properly perform a suspension and debarment check on each vendor selected. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to ensure that 3 quotes are obtained as required for small purchase method procurements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 20611-55-PN01, 21611-55-PN01, 22611-55-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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(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. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. 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 the three small purchase method procurements sampled for testing, we noted that the School Corporation, did not obtain quotes from 3 vendors. The three procurements were for $151,993 and $138,660 worth of behavioral health services for the years ended June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023 respectively. The School Corporation did properly perform a suspension and debarment check on each vendor selected. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to ensure that 3 quotes are obtained as required for small purchase method procurements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 20611-55-PN01, 21611-55-PN01, 22611-55-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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(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. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. 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 the three small purchase method procurements sampled for testing, we noted that the School Corporation, did not obtain quotes from 3 vendors. The three procurements were for $151,993 and $138,660 worth of behavioral health services for the years ended June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023 respectively. The School Corporation did properly perform a suspension and debarment check on each vendor selected. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to ensure that 3 quotes are obtained as required for small purchase method procurements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
of Health and Human Services, Passed Through Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Section 223 Demonstration Programs to Improve Community Mental Health Services Listing 93.829, H79SM085287, 8/31/2022 – 8/30/2023 Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness 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 conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.318(c)(1) provides that the auditee must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. Federal regulations state that the auditee must have written procedures for procurement transactions. As outlined in 2 CFR 180, recipients must not utilize any vendor which is suspended or debarred or is otherwise excluded from the central contractor registry. Condition: Hope’s formally documented policy did not include many of the necessary procurement provisions until it was revised in February 2024. Expenditures under the federal grants did not have a consistent control in place to check applicable vendors for potential suspension and/or debarment for covered transactions, and controls were not documented to provide for a proper audit trail. Cause: For the year under audit, Hope did not have a consistent procurement process in place including all federal requirements or to check vendors under covered transactions ($25,000 or more) in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: Hope could be out of compliance with federal requirements when entering into procurement contracts as well as not meeting suspension and debarment requirements by potentially contracting with a suspended or debarred vendor. Questioned costs: None reported. Context: Procurement requirements were applicable to 1 vendor, which was selected for testing and was in excess of the micro-purchase threshold but were not in excess of $250,000. Suspension and Debarment requirements were applicable to both transactions for this vendor tested. Subsequent to year-end, Hope’s procurement policy has been updated. Repeat Finding From Prior Year: Yes Recommendation: This finding was noted in the prior year where the policy could not be put into place for the FY2023 audit procedures. We recognize that the policy has been updated and will be followed going forward. Views of Responsible Officials: We agree with the finding.
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with a third-party vendor (TRANE) for the performance of a construction project at the District. The contract with the third-party vendor, which was procured through a cooperative purchasing group, exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The District was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. This is a repeat finding from the 2021-2022 fiscal year – Finding 2022-001. In addition, the District did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code and Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a school district whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted annually for an inflation index. The construction project exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District 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. In addition, Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance requires the performance of a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of this contract interpreted that the requirements specified by 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance, would be met through the cooperative purchasing process based on an analysis of the documentation provided to them by the third-party vendor, however the District maintained no records internally to support this compliance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement for the construction project and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. QUESTIONED COST: $206,784 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure retention of the appropriate procurement documentation, in all instances, including such instances whereby the District is using a contract vehicle from a cooperative purchase network so as to comply with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I recommend that the School District conduct a cost or price analysis for all procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids or proposals in accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with Johnson Controls for fire alarm upgrades, and Dagostino Electronic Services for the installation of exterior cameras. These contracts individually exceeded the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000, but did not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. The District was unable to 1) provide records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for these two contracts and 2) provide documentation to verify that price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted periodically. In instances where the cost incurred exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, as specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain sufficient records to detail the history of procurement. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these contracts were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. QUESTIONED COST: $67,578 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, that 1) price or rate quotations are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources, and 2) sufficient records are maintained to detail the history of procurement. These measures will enable the School District to comply with the procurement requirements as prescribed in 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with a third-party vendor (TRANE) for the performance of a construction project at the District. The contract with the third-party vendor, which was procured through a cooperative purchasing group, exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The District was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. This is a repeat finding from the 2021-2022 fiscal year – Finding 2022-001. In addition, the District did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code and Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a school district whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted annually for an inflation index. The construction project exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District 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. In addition, Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance requires the performance of a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of this contract interpreted that the requirements specified by 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance, would be met through the cooperative purchasing process based on an analysis of the documentation provided to them by the third-party vendor, however the District maintained no records internally to support this compliance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement for the construction project and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. QUESTIONED COST: $206,784 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure retention of the appropriate procurement documentation, in all instances, including such instances whereby the District is using a contract vehicle from a cooperative purchase network so as to comply with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I recommend that the School District conduct a cost or price analysis for all procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids or proposals in accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with Johnson Controls for fire alarm upgrades, and Dagostino Electronic Services for the installation of exterior cameras. These contracts individually exceeded the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000, but did not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. The District was unable to 1) provide records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for these two contracts and 2) provide documentation to verify that price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted periodically. In instances where the cost incurred exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, as specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain sufficient records to detail the history of procurement. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these contracts were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. QUESTIONED COST: $67,578 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, that 1) price or rate quotations are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources, and 2) sufficient records are maintained to detail the history of procurement. These measures will enable the School District to comply with the procurement requirements as prescribed in 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with a third-party vendor (TRANE) for the performance of a construction project at the District. The contract with the third-party vendor, which was procured through a cooperative purchasing group, exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The District was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. This is a repeat finding from the 2021-2022 fiscal year – Finding 2022-001. In addition, the District did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code and Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a school district whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted annually for an inflation index. The construction project exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District 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. In addition, Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance requires the performance of a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of this contract interpreted that the requirements specified by 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance, would be met through the cooperative purchasing process based on an analysis of the documentation provided to them by the third-party vendor, however the District maintained no records internally to support this compliance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement for the construction project and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. QUESTIONED COST: $206,784 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure retention of the appropriate procurement documentation, in all instances, including such instances whereby the District is using a contract vehicle from a cooperative purchase network so as to comply with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I recommend that the School District conduct a cost or price analysis for all procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids or proposals in accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with Johnson Controls for fire alarm upgrades, and Dagostino Electronic Services for the installation of exterior cameras. These contracts individually exceeded the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000, but did not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. The District was unable to 1) provide records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for these two contracts and 2) provide documentation to verify that price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted periodically. In instances where the cost incurred exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, as specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain sufficient records to detail the history of procurement. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these contracts were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. QUESTIONED COST: $67,578 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, that 1) price or rate quotations are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources, and 2) sufficient records are maintained to detail the history of procurement. These measures will enable the School District to comply with the procurement requirements as prescribed in 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with a third-party vendor (TRANE) for the performance of a construction project at the District. The contract with the third-party vendor, which was procured through a cooperative purchasing group, exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The District was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. This is a repeat finding from the 2021-2022 fiscal year – Finding 2022-001. In addition, the District did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code and Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a school district whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted annually for an inflation index. The construction project exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District 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. In addition, Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance requires the performance of a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of this contract interpreted that the requirements specified by 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance, would be met through the cooperative purchasing process based on an analysis of the documentation provided to them by the third-party vendor, however the District maintained no records internally to support this compliance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code, and Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement for the construction project and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. QUESTIONED COST: $206,784 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure retention of the appropriate procurement documentation, in all instances, including such instances whereby the District is using a contract vehicle from a cooperative purchase network so as to comply with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I recommend that the School District conduct a cost or price analysis for all procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids or proposals in accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The School District of the City of Monessen contracted with Johnson Controls for fire alarm upgrades, and Dagostino Electronic Services for the installation of exterior cameras. These contracts individually exceeded the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000, but did not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. The District was unable to 1) provide records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for these two contracts and 2) provide documentation to verify that price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted periodically. In instances where the cost incurred exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, as specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain sufficient records to detail the history of procurement. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these contracts were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The School District of the City of Monessen did not comply with the requirements of 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1, and Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. QUESTIONED COST: $67,578 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, that 1) price or rate quotations are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources, and 2) sufficient records are maintained to detail the history of procurement. These measures will enable the School District to comply with the procurement requirements as prescribed in 24 Pa. Statutes 8.807.1 and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION & DEBARMENT REQUIREMENTS, CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS, AL No. 21.027 Criteria: Per section 13 of Treasury’s Final Rule FAQs and 2 CFR 200.214, counties must comply with the procurement standards set forth in 2 CFR 200.318, through 2 CFR 200.327, when using their SLFRF award funds to procure goods and services to carry out the objectives of their SLFRF award. In addition, 2 CFR 200.214, prohibits recipients from using SLFRF funds to enter into subawards and contracts with parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs. Condition: The county did not verify that program recipients/participants were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in the program. Cause: The county does not have procurement policies and procedures in place that allow it to comply with procurement standards outlined in the Uniform Guidance. Effect: Non-compliance with program terms and conditions. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: Management should develop procedures that will provide reasonable assurance that procurement of goods and services are made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to a federal award or subaward, and that no subaward, contract, or agreement for purchase of goods or services is made with any suspended or debarred party. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: The government agrees with this finding and will adhere to the attached corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program: Grant for New and Expanded Services under the Health Center Program Federal Assistance Listing Number 93.527 Federal Award Year: 2022-2023 Criteria or specific requirement – Procurement (2 CFR 200.318) 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. Condition – The Organization was unable to provide evidence it was in compliance with its procurement policy. Records sufficient to detail the history of procurement including the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price were not retained. Cause – The Organization did not have adequate controls and procedures in place relating to procurement under the Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect – The Organization could not support that it complied with its procurement policy as required records were not maintained. Purchases of goods or services were made that may not have been obtained in the most effective manner or in compliance with Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs – None Context – The Organization does not have appropriate controls in place to ensure procurement procedures are being appropriately documented and that its policies are compliant with the Uniform Guidance. Four of 22 purchases over $5,000 were selected for testing, and documentation was not maintained to support that procurement procedures were followed. The sampling methodology used is not, and is not intended to be, statistically valid. Identification as a Repeat Finding– Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – The Organization should incorporate internal controls over compliance with the procurement compliance requirement, including reviewing its procurement policy for compliance with Uniform Guidanc including documentation requirements and record retention policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – Management acknowledges the audit finding related to procurement compliance under Federal Program Grant for New and Expanded Services under the Health Center Program (Federal Assistance Listing Number 93.527; Federal Award Year 2022-2023). We are committed to implementing corrective measures to address the identified deficiencies and ensure full compliance with 2 CFR 200.318 regulations. Corrective Actions Taken: 1. Established & Implemented Detailed Record-Keeping for Procurement Transactions: - A new accounting system with a centralized procurement tracking system has been implemented and is currently being used. Bill.com is used to record vendor invoices and procurement transactions in real time and syncs with Sage Intacct, the new accounting software implemented in January 2024. - Detailed records of all federal grant expenditures are maintained in Bill.com and monthly reconciliations are conducted in the general ledger to ensure all procurement transactions are properly classified to their specific grant by their grant ID. We believe that these actions will significantly mitigate the risks associated with the identified conditions and strengthen our internal control environment and align our practices with federal regulations.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program: Grant for New and Expanded Services under the Health Center Program Federal Assistance Listing Number 93.527 Federal Award Year: 2022-2023 Criteria or specific requirement – Procurement (2 CFR 200.318) 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. Condition – The Organization was unable to provide evidence it was in compliance with its procurement policy. Records sufficient to detail the history of procurement including the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price were not retained. Cause – The Organization did not have adequate controls and procedures in place relating to procurement under the Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect – The Organization could not support that it complied with its procurement policy as required records were not maintained. Purchases of goods or services were made that may not have been obtained in the most effective manner or in compliance with Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs – None Context – The Organization does not have appropriate controls in place to ensure procurement procedures are being appropriately documented and that its policies are compliant with the Uniform Guidance. Four of 22 purchases over $5,000 were selected for testing, and documentation was not maintained to support that procurement procedures were followed. The sampling methodology used is not, and is not intended to be, statistically valid. Identification as a Repeat Finding– Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – The Organization should incorporate internal controls over compliance with the procurement compliance requirement, including reviewing its procurement policy for compliance with Uniform Guidanc including documentation requirements and record retention policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – Management acknowledges the audit finding related to procurement compliance under Federal Program Grant for New and Expanded Services under the Health Center Program (Federal Assistance Listing Number 93.527; Federal Award Year 2022-2023). We are committed to implementing corrective measures to address the identified deficiencies and ensure full compliance with 2 CFR 200.318 regulations. Corrective Actions Taken: 1. Established & Implemented Detailed Record-Keeping for Procurement Transactions: - A new accounting system with a centralized procurement tracking system has been implemented and is currently being used. Bill.com is used to record vendor invoices and procurement transactions in real time and syncs with Sage Intacct, the new accounting software implemented in January 2024. - Detailed records of all federal grant expenditures are maintained in Bill.com and monthly reconciliations are conducted in the general ledger to ensure all procurement transactions are properly classified to their specific grant by their grant ID. We believe that these actions will significantly mitigate the risks associated with the identified conditions and strengthen our internal control environment and align our practices with federal regulations.
2023-006 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.318i, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. According to 2 CFR Section 0200.319a, all procurement transactions under the federal award must be conducted in a manner that provides full and open competition. Condition: The College did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction for the nine procurements contracts tested. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that procurement records are maintained. Effect: The College is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Procurement documents were not retained for nine out of nine transactions tested. Recommendation: Formally document and enforce policies and procedures that will promote adequate monitoring of the procurement and bidding process. Ensure that any contract over the College’s threshold ($150,000) follow the sealed bid requirements listed in 2 CFR Section 200.320b1. Management’s Response: The College concurs with this finding.
2023-006 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.318i, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. According to 2 CFR Section 0200.319a, all procurement transactions under the federal award must be conducted in a manner that provides full and open competition. Condition: The College did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction for the nine procurements contracts tested. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that procurement records are maintained. Effect: The College is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Procurement documents were not retained for nine out of nine transactions tested. Recommendation: Formally document and enforce policies and procedures that will promote adequate monitoring of the procurement and bidding process. Ensure that any contract over the College’s threshold ($150,000) follow the sealed bid requirements listed in 2 CFR Section 200.320b1. Management’s Response: The College concurs with this finding.
2023-006 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.318i, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. According to 2 CFR Section 0200.319a, all procurement transactions under the federal award must be conducted in a manner that provides full and open competition. Condition: The College did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction for the nine procurements contracts tested. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that procurement records are maintained. Effect: The College is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Procurement documents were not retained for nine out of nine transactions tested. Recommendation: Formally document and enforce policies and procedures that will promote adequate monitoring of the procurement and bidding process. Ensure that any contract over the College’s threshold ($150,000) follow the sealed bid requirements listed in 2 CFR Section 200.320b1. Management’s Response: The College concurs with this finding.
2023-006 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.318i, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. According to 2 CFR Section 0200.319a, all procurement transactions under the federal award must be conducted in a manner that provides full and open competition. Condition: The College did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction for the nine procurements contracts tested. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that procurement records are maintained. Effect: The College is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Procurement documents were not retained for nine out of nine transactions tested. Recommendation: Formally document and enforce policies and procedures that will promote adequate monitoring of the procurement and bidding process. Ensure that any contract over the College’s threshold ($150,000) follow the sealed bid requirements listed in 2 CFR Section 200.320b1. Management’s Response: The College concurs with this finding.
2023-006 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.318i, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. According to 2 CFR Section 0200.319a, all procurement transactions under the federal award must be conducted in a manner that provides full and open competition. Condition: The College did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction for the nine procurements contracts tested. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that procurement records are maintained. Effect: The College is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Procurement documents were not retained for nine out of nine transactions tested. Recommendation: Formally document and enforce policies and procedures that will promote adequate monitoring of the procurement and bidding process. Ensure that any contract over the College’s threshold ($150,000) follow the sealed bid requirements listed in 2 CFR Section 200.320b1. Management’s Response: The College concurs with this finding.
2023-006 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.318i, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. According to 2 CFR Section 0200.319a, all procurement transactions under the federal award must be conducted in a manner that provides full and open competition. Condition: The College did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction for the nine procurements contracts tested. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that procurement records are maintained. Effect: The College is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Procurement documents were not retained for nine out of nine transactions tested. Recommendation: Formally document and enforce policies and procedures that will promote adequate monitoring of the procurement and bidding process. Ensure that any contract over the College’s threshold ($150,000) follow the sealed bid requirements listed in 2 CFR Section 200.320b1. Management’s Response: The College concurs with this finding.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: Department of the Treasury Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Program Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Award Year: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 Condition: During our testing of compliance over the Procurement requirements we noted the following: From review of 2 of the vendors paid with the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Program that were paid over $60,000 during the year, there was no evidence that the City went through the proper required procurement process to select the vendors. Criteria: Per 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327, all procurement functions, including but not limited to preparation of specifications, solicitation of sources, qualification or disqualification of sources, preparation and award of contract and contract administration must be done for the vendors used for the federal expenditures based off the City’s procurement policies and procedures. Effect: The City violated its established procurement code and may not have obtained the best price for the goods and services received during the year for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Program. Cause: There was management override and lack of proper training in CPO and accounts payable positions, and therefore, the process was not properly followed during the fiscal year. Auditors’ Recommendations: We recommend the City implement policies and procedures as soon as possible to ensure compliance with procurement requirements pertain to each procurement that occurs during the fiscal year and no payments are made through direct voucher. Agency’s Response: Since taking office in fiscal year 2024, the current Finance Director has implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in alignment with the Procurement Policy adopted in 2022 to ensure compliance with the State Procurement Code, internal controls, and the proper segregation of duties in procurement. This SOP outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of the Certified Procurement Officer (CPO), Finance Director, City Manager, and City Council when applicable in the procurement process. In addition, a procurement workflow has been created to be utilized by the (CPO) to ensure compliance with the City of Espanola’s procurement policy, the State Procurement Code, and appropriate checks and balances at varying thresholds. The (CPO) is responsible for ensuring all policies and state procurement laws are followed throughout the process. Additionally, all documentation from initiation to the issuance of a Purchase Order (PO) is retained electronically in a complete packet for record-keeping and audit purposes. In order to address direct payment voucher controls, the City has restricted the use of direct payment vouchers for high-volume purchases. All procurements must follow the purchase order process, unless an exception is authorized in accordance with policy. The finance department has also implemented issuing procurement violations to any department head or staff who authorizes a purchase in the absence of an approved purchase order, which aligns with the 2022 Adopted Procurement Policy. By enforcing these measures, the City ensures procurement policy compliance, transparency, and financial accountability, thereby addressing the audit findings and preventing future violations. Responsible Parties: The Director of Finance. Timeline: June 30, 2025
Finding 2023-003 – COVID 19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund - AL No. 21.027 U.S. Department of Treasury Noncompliance and Material Weakness Related to Internal Control over Compliance of the Major Program Criteria: Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. As governmental subrecipients of states they are also required to use the same state procurement policies and procedures for federal funds as for non‐federal funds, the Town is required to follow Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b). MGL 30(b) requires the solicitation of three written or oral quotes for procurements of supplies between $10,000 and $49,999 and sealed bids or proposals for procurements of supplies $50,000 and over. Management of the Town is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. However, A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context: During fiscal year 2023, the Town did not comply with the required procurement policies and procedures in place as it related to one of the expenses charged to the major program. As the expense tested was for engineering services that would have been exempt under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b) (State Procurement Requirement), under federal statutes and procurement requirements for engineering services identified in 2 CFR Part 200, the Town would have been required to go out to bid for the services. Questioned Costs: $413,477.78. Cause: The noncompliance occurred because the organization mistakenly relied on Massachusetts Chapter 30B exemptions, which govern state and local procurements, and did not recognize the need to comply with the more stringent federal procurement requirements for federal fund usage. Staff members were not sufficiently aware of the specific requirements under 2 CFR Part 200 and the precedence of federal procurement regulations over state law in this context. Effect or Potential Effect: There is risk that amounts charged to the federal awards major program may not be in accordance with procurement, suspension, and debarment principles. Identification as a Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: The Town of Bellingham should address the nocompliance and material weakness in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with federal and state requirements. Management Response: We acknowledge the audit finding regarding our reliance on Massachusetts Chapter 30B exemptions for procurement involving federal funds. We understand that federal procurement regulations under 2 CFR Part 200 take precedence over state law and that we failed fully to comply with federal requirements for competitive bidding, sole-source justification, and documentation. We are committed to addressing this issue by reviewing our procurement policies to clearly differentiate between state and federal requirements, ensuring that federal standards govern all procurement involving federal funds. We will provide additional training to staff, implement stronger documentation procedures, and review past procurement to ensure full compliance moving forward.
Finding No. 2023-003 Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Education; U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster; Special Education Cluster (IDEA); Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 10.CNC; 84.027/84.173; 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 214RI306N1199 – 2023; H027A220054 – 2023; SLFRP4547 – 2021 Pass-Through Agency: RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, RI Department of Revenue Pass-Through Number(s): 2725-13202-301; 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: 10/1/22-9/30/23; 7/1/22-6/30/23; 3/3/21-12/31/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement The Town and Coventry Public Schools must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a 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. 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). UG §200.318 General procurement standards. (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. §200.320 states that the non-Federal entity must use one of the prescribed methods of procurement. (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. Procurement by micro-purchase is 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. 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 micro-purchases if procedures are documented and approved by the non-Federal entity. (2) Small purchase. Procurement by small purchase is 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 noncompetitive 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. 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. (2) Proposals. 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. (c) 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 allowed circumstances apply. Condition The Town and Coventry Public Schools purchasing policies do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 noted above. Questioned Costs None Context Although the Town’s and Coventry Public Schools purchasing policies do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326, we did not identify transactions where contracts were awarded without proper justification in 9 of 9 procurement transactions tested. Cause Management was not aware of the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Effect The Town and Coventry Public Schools are at risk for noncompliance with Federal grants as it relates to procurement. Repeat Finding Yes, repeat of prior year finding 2022-007. Recommendation We recommend that the Town and Coventry Public Schools updates its procurement policy to include all elements identified in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with this finding.
Finding No. 2023-003 Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Education; U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster; Special Education Cluster (IDEA); Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 10.CNC; 84.027/84.173; 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 214RI306N1199 – 2023; H027A220054 – 2023; SLFRP4547 – 2021 Pass-Through Agency: RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, RI Department of Revenue Pass-Through Number(s): 2725-13202-301; 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: 10/1/22-9/30/23; 7/1/22-6/30/23; 3/3/21-12/31/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement The Town and Coventry Public Schools must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a 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. 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). UG §200.318 General procurement standards. (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. §200.320 states that the non-Federal entity must use one of the prescribed methods of procurement. (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. Procurement by micro-purchase is 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. 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 micro-purchases if procedures are documented and approved by the non-Federal entity. (2) Small purchase. Procurement by small purchase is 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 noncompetitive 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. 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. (2) Proposals. 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. (c) 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 allowed circumstances apply. Condition The Town and Coventry Public Schools purchasing policies do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 noted above. Questioned Costs None Context Although the Town’s and Coventry Public Schools purchasing policies do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326, we did not identify transactions where contracts were awarded without proper justification in 9 of 9 procurement transactions tested. Cause Management was not aware of the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Effect The Town and Coventry Public Schools are at risk for noncompliance with Federal grants as it relates to procurement. Repeat Finding Yes, repeat of prior year finding 2022-007. Recommendation We recommend that the Town and Coventry Public Schools updates its procurement policy to include all elements identified in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with this finding.
Finding No. 2023-003 Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Education; U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster; Special Education Cluster (IDEA); Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 10.CNC; 84.027/84.173; 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 214RI306N1199 – 2023; H027A220054 – 2023; SLFRP4547 – 2021 Pass-Through Agency: RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, RI Department of Revenue Pass-Through Number(s): 2725-13202-301; 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: 10/1/22-9/30/23; 7/1/22-6/30/23; 3/3/21-12/31/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement The Town and Coventry Public Schools must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a 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. 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). UG §200.318 General procurement standards. (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. §200.320 states that the non-Federal entity must use one of the prescribed methods of procurement. (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. Procurement by micro-purchase is 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. 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 micro-purchases if procedures are documented and approved by the non-Federal entity. (2) Small purchase. Procurement by small purchase is 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 noncompetitive 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. 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. (2) Proposals. 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. (c) 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 allowed circumstances apply. Condition The Town and Coventry Public Schools purchasing policies do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 noted above. Questioned Costs None Context Although the Town’s and Coventry Public Schools purchasing policies do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326, we did not identify transactions where contracts were awarded without proper justification in 9 of 9 procurement transactions tested. Cause Management was not aware of the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Effect The Town and Coventry Public Schools are at risk for noncompliance with Federal grants as it relates to procurement. Repeat Finding Yes, repeat of prior year finding 2022-007. Recommendation We recommend that the Town and Coventry Public Schools updates its procurement policy to include all elements identified in 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with this finding.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context A School Nutrition Cooperative (Co-ops, Education Service Center, Group Purchasing Organization, etc.) that would like to be classified as a School Food Authority (SFA) Cooperative must complete a questionnaire and submit it to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Once a questionnaire is received, the IDOE will review the answers to determine a Cooperative's classification. Only Cooperatives that submit the questionnaire and receive an SFA-only Cooperative classification from the IDOE in writing, will be considered an SFA only Cooperative for the purposes of the procurement process and procurement reviews. When the value of goods or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, the proper purchasing method would be the bidding process, unless the purchase meets certain other qualifications. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. Two vendors were identified as falling within the small purchase threshold. Both vendors were selected for testing. Supporting documentation to show that an adequate number of price or rate quotations were obtained to ensure full and open competition could not be provided for audit. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (2) Small purchases – (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Knott County Fiscal Court Did Not Maintain Proper FEMA Documentation Federal Program: Assistance Listing #97.036 FEMA Public Assistance Program Award Number and Year: FEMA-4663DRKYP00000001 2022 Name of Federal Agency and Pass-Thru Agency: U. S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department of Military Affairs Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of Performance Type of Finding: Material Weakness, Noncompliance Amount of Questioned Costs: $1,212,805 COVID Related: No Knott County had severe flooding in July of 2022. This event qualified Knott County Fiscal Court to receive federal funding to recover from the disaster. Paperwork is maintained to document and track work that is necessary and to determine the portion eligible for coverage by FEMA. The fiscal court did not maintain proper FEMA documentation. Out of 36 disbursements tested, 11 did not have any accompanying information that would detail the expected scope of work or cost. The 11 disbursements that did not have appropriate documentation totaled $1,212,805 in questioned cost. The fiscal court has not sufficiently overseen the expenditure of federal funds and did not prioritize the implementation of an effective internal control system. Tracking of the FEMA projects was consistently executed on completed projects but was not available for the in-progress projects that were tested. The lack of documentation to appropriately connect the disbursements to FEMA authorized work resulted in the determination that the county was not in compliance with the applicable attributes. An inaccurate implementation of controls and the lack of management oversight and involvement can cause noncompliance with federal requirements and jeopardize the fiscal court’s future funding. The lack of appropriate documentation also prevented the ability to rely on supplementary information, such as the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. 2 CFR part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, And Audit Requirements For Federal Awards provides guidance on Federal regulations pertaining to Federal Awards. 2 CFR 200.306, regarding cost sharing or matching, states that any shared costs or matching funds must meet all of the following criteria: verifiable from the non-Federal entity’s records; not included as contributions for any other Federal award; necessary and reasonable for accomplishment of project or program objectives; allowable under subpart E of this part; not paid by the Federal Government under another Federal award except where allowed; provided for in the approved budget when required by the Federal awarding agency; and conform to other provisions of this part, as applicable. 2 CFR 200.318(i), regarding general procurement standards, requires Non-Federal entities to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. 2 CFR 200.329, concerning monitoring and reporting program performance, states that the non-Federal entity is responsible for oversight of the operations of the Federal award supported activities. The non-Federal entity must monitor its activities under Federal awards to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved. Monitoring by the non-Federal entity must cover each program, function, or activity. We recommend the Knott County Fiscal Court implement adequate internal controls to ensure federal compliance requirements are met. In addition, the fiscal court should maintain documentation for all project activity to effectively track work that is necessary and to determine the portion eligible for coverage under Federal programs.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Numbers: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP2619, 2023 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Award Period: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District’s procurements within the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, it was noted that all three procurements tested did not have sufficient documentation recording the appropriate method and history of the transaction. Questioned Costs: None Context: The three procurements which were tested did not retain documentation detailing the procurement process or what quotes were obtained. Cause: Time pressure led to this requirement not being met. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding from the prior year. Recommendation: We recommend that the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program to ensure it is following federal guidance and internal policies over the procurement process and documenting the appropriate method and history of the transaction. View of Responsible Official: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-007: Significant Deficiency, Procurement and Noncompliance Finding – Procurement – Internal Control over Procurement Assistance Listing Program Title and Number: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.027 Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Entity: N/A Award year: 2022 and 2023 Criteria or specific requirement: The City must follow procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. There are three types of procurement methods described in this section: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319. Condition: SPED/Grant Administration did not adhere to the Danbury Public Schools “Bids and Purchases-Competitive” procurement policies, that were compliant with Federal Part 3 compliance guidelines. The DPS had a procurement policy in place that was consistent with the standards of the aforementioned compliance sections; however, the City did not follow their own procurement policy requiring two quotes for a micro-purchase expenditure, three quotes for a small purchase expenditure and advertising for bids publicly for the large >$5,000 purchase expenditures. They only obtained one quote for each expenditure for micro and small purchases, and they did not use a public bid process for expenditures over $5,000. Cause: While the City has a formal policy around required bids, the thresholds had not been updated in several years and there was a lack of controls that ensured the City DPS procurement policy was being adhered to in order to be compliant with the compliance standards. Effect: Possible effects on the performance is centered around potentially not awarding the purchase to the lowest qualified bidder. Prevalence: Systemic in nature. Questioned Cost: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement controls that require review of each expenditure to ensure the City obtained the adequate number of bids for each expenditure. Additionally, we recommend that the City update their procurement thresholds to be more consistent with the compliance thresholds. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-001 – Special Education Cluster – AL No.’s 84.027 & 84.173 Department of Education Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency Related to Internal Control over Compliance of the Major Programs Criteria: Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. As governmental subrecipients of states are also required to use the same state procurement policies and procedures for federal funds as for non‐federal funds, the Town is required to follow Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b). MGL 30(b) requires the solicitation of three written or oral quotes for procurements of supplies between $10,000 and $49,999 and sealed bids or proposals for procurements of supplies $50,000 and over. Management of the Town is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context: During fiscal year 2023, the Town did not comply with the required procurement policies and procedures process for procurements that exceeded both State and Federal thresholds. Questioned Costs: Unkown Cause: A Town State/Federal grants procedures manual that included proper procurement procedures did not exist until February 2023. Effect or Potential Effect: Due to the weaknesses in internal controls noted above, there is a risk that amounts charged to federal awards may not be in accordance with procurement, suspension, and debarment principles. No known questioned costs are reported, as it is not quantifiable. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Yes, finding number 2022-002 Recommendation: The Town should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with federal and state requirements. Managements Response: We acknowledge the audit finding related to non-compliance with the required procurement policies and procedures for procurements exceeding the State and Federal thresholds during Fiscal Year 2023. The Town and Schools have Acushnet’s Federal Grant Procedures Manual (February 2023) to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with Federal and State requirements – in particular, the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. We are pleased to report that we believe to have addressed this issue in Fiscal Year 2024 to ensure compliance with the procurement policies and procedures, as required by both State and Federal thresholds
Finding 2023-001 – Special Education Cluster – AL No.’s 84.027 & 84.173 Department of Education Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency Related to Internal Control over Compliance of the Major Programs Criteria: Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. As governmental subrecipients of states are also required to use the same state procurement policies and procedures for federal funds as for non‐federal funds, the Town is required to follow Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b). MGL 30(b) requires the solicitation of three written or oral quotes for procurements of supplies between $10,000 and $49,999 and sealed bids or proposals for procurements of supplies $50,000 and over. Management of the Town is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context: During fiscal year 2023, the Town did not comply with the required procurement policies and procedures process for procurements that exceeded both State and Federal thresholds. Questioned Costs: Unkown Cause: A Town State/Federal grants procedures manual that included proper procurement procedures did not exist until February 2023. Effect or Potential Effect: Due to the weaknesses in internal controls noted above, there is a risk that amounts charged to federal awards may not be in accordance with procurement, suspension, and debarment principles. No known questioned costs are reported, as it is not quantifiable. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Yes, finding number 2022-002 Recommendation: The Town should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with federal and state requirements. Managements Response: We acknowledge the audit finding related to non-compliance with the required procurement policies and procedures for procurements exceeding the State and Federal thresholds during Fiscal Year 2023. The Town and Schools have Acushnet’s Federal Grant Procedures Manual (February 2023) to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with Federal and State requirements – in particular, the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. We are pleased to report that we believe to have addressed this issue in Fiscal Year 2024 to ensure compliance with the procurement policies and procedures, as required by both State and Federal thresholds
Finding 2023-003 – COVID 19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund - AL No. 21.027 U.S. Department of Treasury Noncompliance and Material Weakness Related to Internal Control over Compliance of the Major Program Criteria: Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. As governmental subrecipients of states they are also required to use the same state procurement policies and procedures for federal funds as for non‐federal funds, the Town is required to follow Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b). MGL 30(b) requires the solicitation of three written or oral quotes for procurements of supplies between $10,000 and $49,999 and sealed bids or proposals for procurements of supplies $50,000 and over. Management of the Town is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. Condition: During fiscal year 2023, the Town could not provide evidence that they complied with the required procurement policies and procedures in place as it related to two of the expenses charged to the major program. Context: The Town purchased a new boiler for the School however the procurement documentation could not be located and the employee who would have overseen the project was unavailable to provide the supporting documentation. In addition, the Town could not locate or provide evidence that procurement procedures were followed when selecting an engineer for the Water Tank project. Questioned Costs: $71,500 related to the School Boiler Project and $170,163.70 related to the Water Tank Project. Cause: Directors used the Massachusetts procurement guidelines and not federal guidelines. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a risk that the amount charged to the federal awards major program may not be in accordance with procurement, suspension, and debarment principles. Identification as a Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: The Town of Hopedale should address the noncompliance and material weakness in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with federal and state requirements. Management Response: New procedures in place for documentation and reporting.
2023-003 Documented Procurement Policy Federal Program - U.S. Department of the Treasury – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ALN 21.027) Federal Award Number - SLFRP0136 Compliance Requirement - Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Criteria - Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.318(a), non-federal entities must use documented procurement procedures that reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations and conform to applicable federal laws and the procurement standards identified in the Uniform Guidance, including those set forth in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - During our audit, we noted that the Organization did not have a documented procurement policy in place that complies with the Uniform Guidance. Cause - The Organization has historically had a low volume of procurement activity and has not formalized written procurement procedures. Effect - Without a documented procurement policy, there is an increased risk that future procurements may not comply with applicable federal requirements, which could result in unallowable costs or other compliance issues. Questioned Costs - None noted. Context - This condition was identified during our testing of internal controls over compliance for the Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment requirement. Although the Organization did not enter into any contracts or purchases during the audit period that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold, the absence of a required policy represents a significant deficiency in internal control over compliance. Recommendation - We recommend that the Organization develop and implement a written procurement policy that complies with 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.318–.327 and ensure that staff are trained on its provisions. View of Responsible Officials - We agree with the finding. The organization lacked a formal procurement policy.
Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Federal Award Identification Number: Grant Year: 2023 Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-SDE64370-20977 Award Period: June 7, 2022, through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Board of Education must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance including the verification that an entity with which the Board of Education plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The Board of Education procurement policies do not include the essential elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Policies regarding verification of compliance with suspension and debarment requirements were not found. Client did not have adequate support for verification by management of vendor status for suspension or debarment. Questioned Costs: None Context: Per review of vendor agreements during testing over suspension and debarment, there was no indication of a suspension and debarment clause or verification of vendor status by management. Cause: The significant deficiency is primarily due to inadequate internal controls over the procurement process. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the City could process transactions that do not follow federal Uniform Guidance procurement standards. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that management review and enhance the procedures over the procurement and purchasing process, to be sure that all federal grant expenditures and contracts with vendors are performed properly in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the auditors’ recommendations.
Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Federal Award Identification Number: Grant Year: 2023 Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-SDE64370-20977 Award Period: June 7, 2022, through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Board of Education must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance including the verification that an entity with which the Board of Education plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The Board of Education procurement policies do not include the essential elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Policies regarding verification of compliance with suspension and debarment requirements were not found. Client did not have adequate support for verification by management of vendor status for suspension or debarment. Questioned Costs: None Context: Per review of vendor agreements during testing over suspension and debarment, there was no indication of a suspension and debarment clause or verification of vendor status by management. Cause: The significant deficiency is primarily due to inadequate internal controls over the procurement process. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the City could process transactions that do not follow federal Uniform Guidance procurement standards. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that management review and enhance the procedures over the procurement and purchasing process, to be sure that all federal grant expenditures and contracts with vendors are performed properly in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the auditors’ recommendations.
Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Federal Award Identification Number: Grant Year: 2023 Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-SDE64370-20977 Award Period: June 7, 2022, through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Board of Education must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance including the verification that an entity with which the Board of Education plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The Board of Education procurement policies do not include the essential elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Policies regarding verification of compliance with suspension and debarment requirements were not found. Client did not have adequate support for verification by management of vendor status for suspension or debarment. Questioned Costs: None Context: Per review of vendor agreements during testing over suspension and debarment, there was no indication of a suspension and debarment clause or verification of vendor status by management. Cause: The significant deficiency is primarily due to inadequate internal controls over the procurement process. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the City could process transactions that do not follow federal Uniform Guidance procurement standards. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that management review and enhance the procedures over the procurement and purchasing process, to be sure that all federal grant expenditures and contracts with vendors are performed properly in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the auditors’ recommendations.
2023-007 – Procurement, Small Purchases (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance, Questioned Costs Greater than $25k) Federal Program Information Federal Award Title and ALN: Research & Development Cluster, 84.031 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award ID Number: P031S210288, P031C200002 Federal Award Year: 2023 Condition: During our review of procurement testing, the College did not follow small purchase procedures and obtain quotes to ensure the vendor with the lowest price was used for one sample. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), 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. 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(a) sets the micro-purchase threshold at $10,000 and requires purchases over the micro-purchase threshold to use small purchase procedures, whereby price or rate quotations must be obtained. Per 2 CFR 200.318(i), non-federal entities must retain documentation sufficient to detail the history of procurement decisions. Cause: The College did not obtain three quotes prior to using vendor for a purchase. Effect: The College may unintentionally use a higher-cost vendor when failing to obtain price or rate quotations for items over the micro-purchase threshold. Questioned Costs: Known and likely questioned costs of $32,607 Auditor recommendation: We recommend the College strengthen controls to ensure purchasing policies and procedures are being followed and train staff in the purchasing department to comply with all relevant federal procurement requirements.
2023-008 – Procurement, Above Simple Acquisition (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance) Federal Program Information Federal Award Title and ALN: Research & Development Cluster, 84.031 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award ID Number: P031S210288, P031C200002 Federal Award Year: 2023 Condition: During our review of procurement testing, the College did not get Board approval per policy on a purchase over the threshold. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), 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. 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). Per 2 CFR 200.318(i), non-federal entities must retain documentation sufficient to detail the history of procurement decisions. Cause: The College did not get Board approval for purchases above simple acquisition. Effect: The College may unintentionally charge expenses to the program that do not qualify and in turn lead to questioned costs and/or repayment of funds to the grantor agency. Questioned Costs: None Auditor recommendation: We recommend the College strengthen controls to ensure purchasing policies and procedures are being followed and train staff in the purchasing department to comply with all relevant federal procurement requirements.
2023-007 – Procurement, Small Purchases (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance, Questioned Costs Greater than $25k) Federal Program Information Federal Award Title and ALN: Research & Development Cluster, 84.031 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award ID Number: P031S210288, P031C200002 Federal Award Year: 2023 Condition: During our review of procurement testing, the College did not follow small purchase procedures and obtain quotes to ensure the vendor with the lowest price was used for one sample. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), 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. 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(a) sets the micro-purchase threshold at $10,000 and requires purchases over the micro-purchase threshold to use small purchase procedures, whereby price or rate quotations must be obtained. Per 2 CFR 200.318(i), non-federal entities must retain documentation sufficient to detail the history of procurement decisions. Cause: The College did not obtain three quotes prior to using vendor for a purchase. Effect: The College may unintentionally use a higher-cost vendor when failing to obtain price or rate quotations for items over the micro-purchase threshold. Questioned Costs: Known and likely questioned costs of $32,607 Auditor recommendation: We recommend the College strengthen controls to ensure purchasing policies and procedures are being followed and train staff in the purchasing department to comply with all relevant federal procurement requirements.
2023-008 – Procurement, Above Simple Acquisition (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance) Federal Program Information Federal Award Title and ALN: Research & Development Cluster, 84.031 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award ID Number: P031S210288, P031C200002 Federal Award Year: 2023 Condition: During our review of procurement testing, the College did not get Board approval per policy on a purchase over the threshold. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), 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. 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). Per 2 CFR 200.318(i), non-federal entities must retain documentation sufficient to detail the history of procurement decisions. Cause: The College did not get Board approval for purchases above simple acquisition. Effect: The College may unintentionally charge expenses to the program that do not qualify and in turn lead to questioned costs and/or repayment of funds to the grantor agency. Questioned Costs: None Auditor recommendation: We recommend the College strengthen controls to ensure purchasing policies and procedures are being followed and train staff in the purchasing department to comply with all relevant federal procurement requirements.