Emergency Shelter Program, 14.231 Finding number: 2022-007 Criteria: Under the Uniform Guidance, specifically 2 CFR 200.320, an organization must have and use documented procurement procedures. This includes a requirement to maintain the procurement documents. Condition: Documentation of the procurement process was unavailable for certain vendors. Cause: Management indicated that turnover in the position previously responsible for procurement resulted in an inability to locate full documentation of the procurement process. This is not a repeat finding. Effect or potential effect: Management was unable to produce documentation of the exact process used to choose two recently selected vendors. Recommendation: Management should revise its documentation system to allow for centralized and accessible storage of support for its vendor procurement process. Views of responsible officials: In one of the procurement cases the Organization chose Chrysalis, many years prior, a nationally known non-profit partner which has specific expertise with the population we serve and are unique in their expertise. The second was a security firm which was one of three firms the Organization could have chosen for the assignment. The Organization had previously used the other two and were unhappy with their service. Going forward Management will document such decisions in a more detailed manner.
Emergency Shelter Program, 14.231 Finding number: 2022-007 Criteria: Under the Uniform Guidance, specifically 2 CFR 200.320, an organization must have and use documented procurement procedures. This includes a requirement to maintain the procurement documents. Condition: Documentation of the procurement process was unavailable for certain vendors. Cause: Management indicated that turnover in the position previously responsible for procurement resulted in an inability to locate full documentation of the procurement process. This is not a repeat finding. Effect or potential effect: Management was unable to produce documentation of the exact process used to choose two recently selected vendors. Recommendation: Management should revise its documentation system to allow for centralized and accessible storage of support for its vendor procurement process. Views of responsible officials: In one of the procurement cases the Organization chose Chrysalis, many years prior, a nationally known non-profit partner which has specific expertise with the population we serve and are unique in their expertise. The second was a security firm which was one of three firms the Organization could have chosen for the assignment. The Organization had previously used the other two and were unhappy with their service. Going forward Management will document such decisions in a more detailed manner.
Emergency Shelter Program, 14.231 Finding number: 2022-007 Criteria: Under the Uniform Guidance, specifically 2 CFR 200.320, an organization must have and use documented procurement procedures. This includes a requirement to maintain the procurement documents. Condition: Documentation of the procurement process was unavailable for certain vendors. Cause: Management indicated that turnover in the position previously responsible for procurement resulted in an inability to locate full documentation of the procurement process. This is not a repeat finding. Effect or potential effect: Management was unable to produce documentation of the exact process used to choose two recently selected vendors. Recommendation: Management should revise its documentation system to allow for centralized and accessible storage of support for its vendor procurement process. Views of responsible officials: In one of the procurement cases the Organization chose Chrysalis, many years prior, a nationally known non-profit partner which has specific expertise with the population we serve and are unique in their expertise. The second was a security firm which was one of three firms the Organization could have chosen for the assignment. The Organization had previously used the other two and were unhappy with their service. Going forward Management will document such decisions in a more detailed manner.
Emergency Shelter Program, 14.231 Finding number: 2022-007 Criteria: Under the Uniform Guidance, specifically 2 CFR 200.320, an organization must have and use documented procurement procedures. This includes a requirement to maintain the procurement documents. Condition: Documentation of the procurement process was unavailable for certain vendors. Cause: Management indicated that turnover in the position previously responsible for procurement resulted in an inability to locate full documentation of the procurement process. This is not a repeat finding. Effect or potential effect: Management was unable to produce documentation of the exact process used to choose two recently selected vendors. Recommendation: Management should revise its documentation system to allow for centralized and accessible storage of support for its vendor procurement process. Views of responsible officials: In one of the procurement cases the Organization chose Chrysalis, many years prior, a nationally known non-profit partner which has specific expertise with the population we serve and are unique in their expertise. The second was a security firm which was one of three firms the Organization could have chosen for the assignment. The Organization had previously used the other two and were unhappy with their service. Going forward Management will document such decisions in a more detailed manner.
Emergency Shelter Program, 14.231 Finding number: 2022-007 Criteria: Under the Uniform Guidance, specifically 2 CFR 200.320, an organization must have and use documented procurement procedures. This includes a requirement to maintain the procurement documents. Condition: Documentation of the procurement process was unavailable for certain vendors. Cause: Management indicated that turnover in the position previously responsible for procurement resulted in an inability to locate full documentation of the procurement process. This is not a repeat finding. Effect or potential effect: Management was unable to produce documentation of the exact process used to choose two recently selected vendors. Recommendation: Management should revise its documentation system to allow for centralized and accessible storage of support for its vendor procurement process. Views of responsible officials: In one of the procurement cases the Organization chose Chrysalis, many years prior, a nationally known non-profit partner which has specific expertise with the population we serve and are unique in their expertise. The second was a security firm which was one of three firms the Organization could have chosen for the assignment. The Organization had previously used the other two and were unhappy with their service. Going forward Management will document such decisions in a more detailed manner.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Number: 93.224/93.527 Federal Award Identification Number: L1CCS39368-01-00; L2CCS42352-01-00 Award Periods: July 1, 2020 ? June 30, 2021; July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2023 respectively Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.320(c)(1) - (3) outlines the circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Furthermore, the organization's procurement policy permits the use of noncompetitive procurement but requires the reason justifying a sole source procurement, together with a description of the supplies or services, to be documented in the appropriate file. Condition: Legacy did not document their rationale for the use of noncompetitive procurements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Four (4) of Five (5) procurement transactions tested. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation for its rationale related to choosing the noncompetitive procurement method. Effect: Legacy may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the organization consistently follow its established policies and procedures related to the maintaining of necessary documentation to support the rationale for using noncompetitive procurement, when applicable. Legacy may also consider qualifying multiple vendors for particular goods/service and then utilizing an approved vendors list. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Number: 93.224/93.527 Federal Award Identification Number: L1CCS39368-01-00; L2CCS42352-01-00 Award Periods: July 1, 2020 ? June 30, 2021; July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2023 respectively Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.320(c)(1) - (3) outlines the circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Furthermore, the organization's procurement policy permits the use of noncompetitive procurement but requires the reason justifying a sole source procurement, together with a description of the supplies or services, to be documented in the appropriate file. Condition: Legacy did not document their rationale for the use of noncompetitive procurements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Four (4) of Five (5) procurement transactions tested. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation for its rationale related to choosing the noncompetitive procurement method. Effect: Legacy may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the organization consistently follow its established policies and procedures related to the maintaining of necessary documentation to support the rationale for using noncompetitive procurement, when applicable. Legacy may also consider qualifying multiple vendors for particular goods/service and then utilizing an approved vendors list. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 - Health Center Program Cluster [including COVID-19 funds] Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Award Numbers in Cluster: 5 H80CS12855-12-00, 5 H80CS12855-12-02, 5 H80CS12855-13-00, 6-H80CS12855-11-03,1 H8ECS37915-01-00, 6 H80CS12855-10-02, 1 H8DCS36386-01-00, 1 H8FCS40527-01-00 Federal Award Year in Cluster: April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 Pass-Through Entity: None Criteria: Under Uniform Guidance purchases must be in compliance with procurement methods using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. The Center must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with all procurement actions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications, and that this analysis supported the procurement action (2 CFR Section 200.323 and 48 CFR Section 15.404-3) Condition: During 2022, there was turnover in the Chief Financial Officer position, who was responsible for the bidding process at the Center, and in the transition the bidding and price analysis documentation could not be located and provided for 6 out of the 17 items sampled. Context: During our testing of procurement of expenditures, it was noted that 6 out of a sample of 17 proper documentation of the bids received and the price analysis in connection with the purchases could not be located by the Center. This is not a statistically valid sample. Effect: There is no supporting documentation to ensure that the vendors selected were incompliance with guidance of the Uniform Guidance and Center's policies. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: The Center should maintain all support and documentation in regards to grant purchases using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. This should include a cost or price analysis to document and support decisions made around vendor selection.
Federal Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 - Health Center Program Cluster [including COVID-19 funds] Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Award Numbers in Cluster: 5 H80CS12855-12-00, 5 H80CS12855-12-02, 5 H80CS12855-13-00, 6-H80CS12855-11-03,1 H8ECS37915-01-00, 6 H80CS12855-10-02, 1 H8DCS36386-01-00, 1 H8FCS40527-01-00 Federal Award Year in Cluster: April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 Pass-Through Entity: None Criteria: Under Uniform Guidance purchases must be in compliance with procurement methods using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. The Center must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with all procurement actions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications, and that this analysis supported the procurement action (2 CFR Section 200.323 and 48 CFR Section 15.404-3) Condition: During 2022, there was turnover in the Chief Financial Officer position, who was responsible for the bidding process at the Center, and in the transition the bidding and price analysis documentation could not be located and provided for 6 out of the 17 items sampled. Context: During our testing of procurement of expenditures, it was noted that 6 out of a sample of 17 proper documentation of the bids received and the price analysis in connection with the purchases could not be located by the Center. This is not a statistically valid sample. Effect: There is no supporting documentation to ensure that the vendors selected were incompliance with guidance of the Uniform Guidance and Center's policies. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: The Center should maintain all support and documentation in regards to grant purchases using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. This should include a cost or price analysis to document and support decisions made around vendor selection.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Number: 93.224/93.527 Federal Award Identification Number: L1CCS39368-01-00; L2CCS42352-01-00 Award Periods: July 1, 2020 ? June 30, 2021; July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2023 respectively Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.320(c)(1) - (3) outlines the circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Furthermore, the organization's procurement policy permits the use of noncompetitive procurement but requires the reason justifying a sole source procurement, together with a description of the supplies or services, to be documented in the appropriate file. Condition: Legacy did not document their rationale for the use of noncompetitive procurements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Four (4) of Five (5) procurement transactions tested. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation for its rationale related to choosing the noncompetitive procurement method. Effect: Legacy may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the organization consistently follow its established policies and procedures related to the maintaining of necessary documentation to support the rationale for using noncompetitive procurement, when applicable. Legacy may also consider qualifying multiple vendors for particular goods/service and then utilizing an approved vendors list. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2022-002 ? Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Number: 93.224/93.527 Federal Award Identification Number: L1CCS39368-01-00; L2CCS42352-01-00 Award Periods: July 1, 2020 ? June 30, 2021; July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2023 respectively Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.320(c)(1) - (3) outlines the circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Furthermore, the organization's procurement policy permits the use of noncompetitive procurement but requires the reason justifying a sole source procurement, together with a description of the supplies or services, to be documented in the appropriate file. Condition: Legacy did not document their rationale for the use of noncompetitive procurements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Four (4) of Five (5) procurement transactions tested. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation for its rationale related to choosing the noncompetitive procurement method. Effect: Legacy may inadvertently select vendors without regard to fair competition and cost analysis. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the organization consistently follow its established policies and procedures related to the maintaining of necessary documentation to support the rationale for using noncompetitive procurement, when applicable. Legacy may also consider qualifying multiple vendors for particular goods/service and then utilizing an approved vendors list. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 - Health Center Program Cluster [including COVID-19 funds] Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Award Numbers in Cluster: 5 H80CS12855-12-00, 5 H80CS12855-12-02, 5 H80CS12855-13-00, 6-H80CS12855-11-03,1 H8ECS37915-01-00, 6 H80CS12855-10-02, 1 H8DCS36386-01-00, 1 H8FCS40527-01-00 Federal Award Year in Cluster: April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 Pass-Through Entity: None Criteria: Under Uniform Guidance purchases must be in compliance with procurement methods using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. The Center must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with all procurement actions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications, and that this analysis supported the procurement action (2 CFR Section 200.323 and 48 CFR Section 15.404-3) Condition: During 2022, there was turnover in the Chief Financial Officer position, who was responsible for the bidding process at the Center, and in the transition the bidding and price analysis documentation could not be located and provided for 6 out of the 17 items sampled. Context: During our testing of procurement of expenditures, it was noted that 6 out of a sample of 17 proper documentation of the bids received and the price analysis in connection with the purchases could not be located by the Center. This is not a statistically valid sample. Effect: There is no supporting documentation to ensure that the vendors selected were incompliance with guidance of the Uniform Guidance and Center's policies. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: The Center should maintain all support and documentation in regards to grant purchases using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. This should include a cost or price analysis to document and support decisions made around vendor selection.
Federal Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 - Health Center Program Cluster [including COVID-19 funds] Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Award Numbers in Cluster: 5 H80CS12855-12-00, 5 H80CS12855-12-02, 5 H80CS12855-13-00, 6-H80CS12855-11-03,1 H8ECS37915-01-00, 6 H80CS12855-10-02, 1 H8DCS36386-01-00, 1 H8FCS40527-01-00 Federal Award Year in Cluster: April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 Pass-Through Entity: None Criteria: Under Uniform Guidance purchases must be in compliance with procurement methods using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. The Center must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with all procurement actions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications, and that this analysis supported the procurement action (2 CFR Section 200.323 and 48 CFR Section 15.404-3) Condition: During 2022, there was turnover in the Chief Financial Officer position, who was responsible for the bidding process at the Center, and in the transition the bidding and price analysis documentation could not be located and provided for 6 out of the 17 items sampled. Context: During our testing of procurement of expenditures, it was noted that 6 out of a sample of 17 proper documentation of the bids received and the price analysis in connection with the purchases could not be located by the Center. This is not a statistically valid sample. Effect: There is no supporting documentation to ensure that the vendors selected were incompliance with guidance of the Uniform Guidance and Center's policies. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: The Center should maintain all support and documentation in regards to grant purchases using appropriate dollar amounts and conditions specified in 2 CFR Section 200.320 and in compliance with the Center's policy. This should include a cost or price analysis to document and support decisions made around vendor selection.
2021-002 Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Grantor: U.S. Department of Treasury/U.S. Department of Justice Award Name: Equitable Sharing Program Award Year: 01/01/21 – 12/31/21 CFDA Numbers: 21.016 / 16.922 Criteria OMB Uniform Guidance §200.319 states that all procurement transactions for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of this section and §200.320, which states that the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. Condition During our procurement testing procedures, we selected 24 items from the vendor history activity report and traced them to procurement and bidding procedures. Through our testing, we identified two purchases made using Federal funds to purchase vehicles, that were not publicly advertised or made through a non-competitive procurement process. Both of the items exceeded the public bidding threshold but did not follow formal procurements procedures. Cause Due to the global pandemic, the availability of vehicles has become limited. The Borough police department needed specific vehicles for their operations and made the purchases without using formal procurement procedures to avoid the risk of losing the opportunity to purchase the vehicles. Effect The procurement procedures were not followed as required, therefore, Federally funded purchases bypassed procurement regulations. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation The Borough should follow procurement policy and publicly advertise for sealed bids on contracts or purchases over $44,000, documenting the significant history of the procurement in the contract file. Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan Management’s views and corrective action plan is included under separate cover and filed with the State of New Jersey.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: 5 H49MC00119‐21‐00 / 6 H49MC00119‐20‐01 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2020‐2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non‐federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.320, the Organization must have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of property and services under a federal award or a sub‐award. Condition: The Organization does have approved policies and procedures over procurement that meet the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. However the Organization is not following its prescribed policies and procedures. The Organization lacked supporting documentation verifying procurement policies and procedures were followed. Due to lack of supporting documentation, procurement could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) transactions examined, fourteen (14) lacked supporting documentation for review of procurement. Effect: Not following procurement policies and procedures may result in funds to be returned back to grantor and/or impact future funding. Cause: Supporting procurement documentation for acquisition of property and services were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $2,066 and likely questioned costs of $11,507 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure procurement is adequately documented for that goods and services purchased in accordance with Uniform Guidance and other federal guidelines.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: 5 H49MC00119‐21‐00 / 6 H49MC00119‐20‐01 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2020‐2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non‐federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.320, the Organization must have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of property and services under a federal award or a sub‐award. Condition: The Organization does have approved policies and procedures over procurement that meet the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. However the Organization is not following its prescribed policies and procedures. The Organization lacked supporting documentation verifying procurement policies and procedures were followed. Due to lack of supporting documentation, procurement could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) transactions examined, fourteen (14) lacked supporting documentation for review of procurement. Effect: Not following procurement policies and procedures may result in funds to be returned back to grantor and/or impact future funding. Cause: Supporting procurement documentation for acquisition of property and services were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $2,066 and likely questioned costs of $11,507 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure procurement is adequately documented for that goods and services purchased in accordance with Uniform Guidance and other federal guidelines.
Criteria: Per the Compliance Requirements-Procurement and Suspension and Debarment-Compliance Requirement-Procurement, “Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR section 200.329(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in case of acquisitions for construction subject to Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.32 (a). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (CFR section 200.320 (b)). “ Condition: For the procurement of small purchases over $10,000, the Management Agent did not obtain price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources for the following procurements per the Uniform Guidance Effect: The Project did not follow small purchase procedures set forth in Compliance Requirements-Procurement. Cause: Due to the turnover of Management Agent personnel, the documentation to support small purchases was unavailable and/or not performed. Recommendation: We recommend that the Project follows a small purchase method for procurement that exceeds $10,000.
Criteria: Per the Compliance Requirements-Procurement and Suspension and Debarment-Compliance Requirement-Procurement, “Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR section 200.329(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in case of acquisitions for construction subject to Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.32 (a). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (CFR section 200.320 (b)). “ Condition: For the procurement of small purchases over $10,000, the Management Agent did not obtain price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources for the following procurements per the Uniform Guidance for a security vendor for the amount of $131,808. Effect: The Project did not follow small purchase procedures set forth in Compliance Requirements-Procurement. Cause: Due to the turnover of Management Agent personnel, the documentation to support small purchases was unavailable and/or not performed. Recommendation: We recommend that the Project follows a small purchase method for procurement that exceeds $10,000. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: No disagreements with the audit finding.
Finding 2021-002: Material Weakness – Lack of Documentation on Sole Source Contracts and Verification of Vendors Federal grantor: Department of Commerce Condition: The Chamber contract with a vendor on a sole-source basis and did not document justification for the use of a sole source vendor. In addition, the Chamber did not verify that the vendor was not on the list of vendors suspended or debarred from federal contracting before contracting with the vendor. Criteria: Entities are required to follow the procurement standards in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327, including ensuring that the procurement method used for the contracts are appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320 and noncompetitive procurements. Entities also must comply with 2 CFR Part 1326 that prohibits entities that have been debarred, suspended or voluntarily excluded from participating in Federal procurement. Cause: The Chamber’s Procurement Policy allows for a sole source vendor but requires staff to document sole source procurements prior to initial purchase. It appears staff did not follow its policy. The Policy also contains a requirement to verify or receive vendor certification that they are not debarred, suspended, ineligible or voluntarily excluded from Federal procurements, but this procedure was not followed. Effect: The Department of Commerce may impose additional conditions on the receipt of a subsequent tranche of future award funds, if any, or take other available remedies as set forth in 2 C.F.C. section 200.339. Recommendation: We recommend the Chamber review policies with staff to ensure procurement requirements are followed, and that staff are familiar with federal procurement requirements. Management’s Response: Management’s response to the finding is discussed in the Corrective Action Plan.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Entity: King County Award Numbers: 6200091 Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Criteria Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity 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 requirement identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following: - Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). - For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.320(c)). - Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply: · The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; · The item is available only from a single source; · The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or ∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification maintained by the Finance Office. Condition/Context While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform Guidance for the following reasons: - Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000. - The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price. - The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements including sealed bids method. During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total population of about $186,491. Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation to support this. Cause PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance. Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient. Effect The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions. Questioned Costs $186,491 Repeat Finding No. Recommendation We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Entity: King County Award Numbers: 6200091 Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Criteria Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity 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 requirement identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following: - Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). - For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.320(c)). - Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply: · The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; · The item is available only from a single source; · The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or ∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification maintained by the Finance Office. Condition/Context While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform Guidance for the following reasons: - Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000. - The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price. - The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements including sealed bids method. During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total population of about $186,491. Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation to support this. Cause PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance. Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient. Effect The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions. Questioned Costs $186,491 Repeat Finding No. Recommendation We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.
2 CFR § 1000.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Treasury for 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 which describe specific procedures non-Federal entities must follow when entering into procurement transactions using Federal funds. 2 CFR § 200.318(a) indicates a non-Federal entity must have and use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations and the standards of 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. 2 CFR § 200.320 indicates the non-Federal entity must use the following methods of procurement: (a) Procurement by micro-purchases, which the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed the non-Federal entity’s micro-purchase dollar threshold; (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures, which are procurements of relatively simple and informal nature, which do 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; (c) Procurement by sealed bids, which requires public solicitation of bids and a firm fixed price contract (lump-sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all material terms and conditions in the invitations to bid, is the lowest in price; (d) Procurement by competitive proposals, which is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids and is a procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded; or (e) Procurement by non-competitive proposals, which are appropriate when an item can be obtained only from a single source, the non-competitive procurement is specifically authorized by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, competition is deemed adequate after solicitation through competitive means, the aggregate amount of procurement does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and/or the public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation. 2 CFR § 200.318(i) indicates 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. 31 CFR § 19.300 indicates before entering into a covered transaction as defined in 31 CFR § 19 Subpart B, the non-Federal entity must ensure the expenditure is not made to an individual or business that is excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds by checking the Excluded Party List System (EPLS), collecting a certification from the individual or business, or adding a clause or condition to the contract. The City did not establish the necessary controls or policies to ensure proper compliance with Procurement requirements. For five of five procurements in excess of the City’s micro-purchase threshold which were entered into using Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLRF), the City did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. It was not evident if the City obtained quotes or bids for the items purchased or if a cost-price analysis was performed. Additionally, the City did not have written procurement procedures that conform to applicable laws noted above. Finally, the City did not ensure the vendors paid under covered transactions using SLRF funds were not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds. The City should review the procurement requirements contained in 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 and develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance. The City should maintain sufficient documentation to detail the history of the procurement, which may vary depending on the procurement method used. As a part of the procurement process, the City should include procedures for ensuring a vendor is not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds and maintain documentation the procedure was followed.
CONDITION: The City of McKeesport contracted with Applied Concepts, Inc. for police trailers, and A&H Equipment for the purchase of a vactor truck. These contracts individually exceeded the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000, but did not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. Both of these purchases were procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The City was unable to 1) provide records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for these two contracts and 2) provide documentation to verify that price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. CRITERIA: Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted periodically. In instances where the cost incurred exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, as specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the City must maintain sufficient records to detail the history of procurement. CAUSE: City personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these procurements were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The City of McKeesport did not comply with the requirements of Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. QUESTIONED COST: $246,867 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that City management implement, review and update annually as necessary, City federal financial policies and procedures, similar to those developed for use in the City’s Community Development Program to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, that 1) price or rate quotations are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources, and 2) sufficient records are maintained to detail the history of procurement. These measures will enable the City to comply with the procurement requirements as prescribed Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The City concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
Federal Program Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CFDA 21.027) Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Criteria 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2) states “If small purchase [$10,000] procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. Also, vendors for whom the county enters into a covered transaction ($25,000 or higher) with needs to be ensured that they are not suspended or debarred from federal funds per 2 CFR section 180.220. Furthermore, an entity should have a procurement policy that follows Uniform Guidance. Condition Two transactions were selected for testing. One transaction did not have quotes obtained. For both transactions, we noted the County did not review for suspension and debarment. We also noted the County’s procurement policy did not follow Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs None Context In a population of 3, 2 transactions were tested and one of these transactions was not done through the proper procurement process. Also, our suspension and debarment population was two and we noted during testing of each transaction that the county did not ensure the vendor was not suspended or debarred from federal funds before entering into the covered transaction. Finally, we noted during review of the county’s procurement policy, it did not follow Uniform Guidance. Cause The County does not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure all expenditures comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect The County is not in compliance with Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding No Recommendation The county should follow their procurement policy for procurement and should updated their procurement policy for suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The County agrees with the recommendation and will review its policies and procedures.
2021-007 – PROCUREMENT – PROCUREMENT QUOTATIONS Federal Program Information: Federal Agency Federal Program Name Assistance Listing Number Grant Award(s) Unique Identifier(s) Department of Defense Basic Scientific Research 12.431 W15QKN-14-1-0001 W15QKN-20-1-1000 Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a 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 and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2 CFR 200.320 establishes thresholds for procurement methods to be utilized when acquiring property or services under a federal award including small purchases defined as follows: 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. Condition: Management utilizes the federally designated micro-purchase level of $10,000 and the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. Purchases between $10,000 and $250,000 did not have an adequate number of price or rate quotations obtained. Questioned Costs: $151,207 Context: There were nine acquisitions for property and services with federal awards totaling $151,207 that were considered small purchases. Total federal expenditures listed on the Schedule of Federal Awards was $6,267,848. Cause: Internal controls and procedures related to procurement were not effectively designed or performed. SECTION III – FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2021-007 – PROCUREMENT – PROCUREMENT QUOTATIONS (Continued) Federal Program Information: Federal Agency Federal Program Name Assistance Listing Number Grant Award(s) Unique Identifier(s) Department of Defense Basic Scientific Research 12.431 W15QKN-14-1-0001 W15QKN-20-1-1000 Effect: Small purchases were made without obtaining an adequate number of price quotations. Recommendation: Management should establish proper policies and procedures which ensure transactions have the proper procurement treatment that align with federal guidelines. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding and has developed a plan to correct the finding.
2021-002 Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Grantor: U.S. Department of Treasury/U.S. Department of Justice Award Name: Equitable Sharing Program Award Year: 01/01/21 – 12/31/21 CFDA Numbers: 21.016 / 16.922 Criteria OMB Uniform Guidance §200.319 states that all procurement transactions for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of this section and §200.320, which states that the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. Condition During our procurement testing procedures, we selected 24 items from the vendor history activity report and traced them to procurement and bidding procedures. Through our testing, we identified two purchases made using Federal funds to purchase vehicles, that were not publicly advertised or made through a non-competitive procurement process. Both of the items exceeded the public bidding threshold but did not follow formal procurements procedures. Cause Due to the global pandemic, the availability of vehicles has become limited. The Borough police department needed specific vehicles for their operations and made the purchases without using formal procurement procedures to avoid the risk of losing the opportunity to purchase the vehicles. Effect The procurement procedures were not followed as required, therefore, Federally funded purchases bypassed procurement regulations. Questioned Costs None noted. Recommendation The Borough should follow procurement policy and publicly advertise for sealed bids on contracts or purchases over $44,000, documenting the significant history of the procurement in the contract file. Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan Management’s views and corrective action plan is included under separate cover and filed with the State of New Jersey.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: 5 H49MC00119‐21‐00 / 6 H49MC00119‐20‐01 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2020‐2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non‐federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.320, the Organization must have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of property and services under a federal award or a sub‐award. Condition: The Organization does have approved policies and procedures over procurement that meet the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. However the Organization is not following its prescribed policies and procedures. The Organization lacked supporting documentation verifying procurement policies and procedures were followed. Due to lack of supporting documentation, procurement could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) transactions examined, fourteen (14) lacked supporting documentation for review of procurement. Effect: Not following procurement policies and procedures may result in funds to be returned back to grantor and/or impact future funding. Cause: Supporting procurement documentation for acquisition of property and services were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $2,066 and likely questioned costs of $11,507 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure procurement is adequately documented for that goods and services purchased in accordance with Uniform Guidance and other federal guidelines.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: 5 H49MC00119‐21‐00 / 6 H49MC00119‐20‐01 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2020‐2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non‐federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.320, the Organization must have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of property and services under a federal award or a sub‐award. Condition: The Organization does have approved policies and procedures over procurement that meet the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. However the Organization is not following its prescribed policies and procedures. The Organization lacked supporting documentation verifying procurement policies and procedures were followed. Due to lack of supporting documentation, procurement could not be verified. Of the sixty (60) transactions examined, fourteen (14) lacked supporting documentation for review of procurement. Effect: Not following procurement policies and procedures may result in funds to be returned back to grantor and/or impact future funding. Cause: Supporting procurement documentation for acquisition of property and services were not properly maintained in part due to several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $2,066 and likely questioned costs of $11,507 for Healthy Start. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure procurement is adequately documented for that goods and services purchased in accordance with Uniform Guidance and other federal guidelines.
Criteria: Per the Compliance Requirements-Procurement and Suspension and Debarment-Compliance Requirement-Procurement, “Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR section 200.329(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in case of acquisitions for construction subject to Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.32 (a). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (CFR section 200.320 (b)). “ Condition: For the procurement of small purchases over $10,000, the Management Agent did not obtain price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources for the following procurements per the Uniform Guidance Effect: The Project did not follow small purchase procedures set forth in Compliance Requirements-Procurement. Cause: Due to the turnover of Management Agent personnel, the documentation to support small purchases was unavailable and/or not performed. Recommendation: We recommend that the Project follows a small purchase method for procurement that exceeds $10,000.
Criteria: Per the Compliance Requirements-Procurement and Suspension and Debarment-Compliance Requirement-Procurement, “Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR section 200.329(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in case of acquisitions for construction subject to Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.32 (a). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (CFR section 200.320 (b)). “ Condition: For the procurement of small purchases over $10,000, the Management Agent did not obtain price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources for the following procurements per the Uniform Guidance for a security vendor for the amount of $131,808. Effect: The Project did not follow small purchase procedures set forth in Compliance Requirements-Procurement. Cause: Due to the turnover of Management Agent personnel, the documentation to support small purchases was unavailable and/or not performed. Recommendation: We recommend that the Project follows a small purchase method for procurement that exceeds $10,000. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: No disagreements with the audit finding.
Finding 2021-002: Material Weakness – Lack of Documentation on Sole Source Contracts and Verification of Vendors Federal grantor: Department of Commerce Condition: The Chamber contract with a vendor on a sole-source basis and did not document justification for the use of a sole source vendor. In addition, the Chamber did not verify that the vendor was not on the list of vendors suspended or debarred from federal contracting before contracting with the vendor. Criteria: Entities are required to follow the procurement standards in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327, including ensuring that the procurement method used for the contracts are appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320 and noncompetitive procurements. Entities also must comply with 2 CFR Part 1326 that prohibits entities that have been debarred, suspended or voluntarily excluded from participating in Federal procurement. Cause: The Chamber’s Procurement Policy allows for a sole source vendor but requires staff to document sole source procurements prior to initial purchase. It appears staff did not follow its policy. The Policy also contains a requirement to verify or receive vendor certification that they are not debarred, suspended, ineligible or voluntarily excluded from Federal procurements, but this procedure was not followed. Effect: The Department of Commerce may impose additional conditions on the receipt of a subsequent tranche of future award funds, if any, or take other available remedies as set forth in 2 C.F.C. section 200.339. Recommendation: We recommend the Chamber review policies with staff to ensure procurement requirements are followed, and that staff are familiar with federal procurement requirements. Management’s Response: Management’s response to the finding is discussed in the Corrective Action Plan.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Entity: King County Award Numbers: 6200091 Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Criteria Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity 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 requirement identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following: - Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). - For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.320(c)). - Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply: · The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; · The item is available only from a single source; · The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or ∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification maintained by the Finance Office. Condition/Context While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform Guidance for the following reasons: - Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000. - The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price. - The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements including sealed bids method. During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total population of about $186,491. Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation to support this. Cause PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance. Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient. Effect The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions. Questioned Costs $186,491 Repeat Finding No. Recommendation We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Entity: King County Award Numbers: 6200091 Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Criteria Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity 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 requirement identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following: - Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). - For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.320(c)). - Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply: · The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; · The item is available only from a single source; · The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or ∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification maintained by the Finance Office. Condition/Context While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform Guidance for the following reasons: - Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000. - The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price. - The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements including sealed bids method. During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total population of about $186,491. Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation to support this. Cause PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance. Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient. Effect The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions. Questioned Costs $186,491 Repeat Finding No. Recommendation We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.
2 CFR § 1000.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Treasury for 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 which describe specific procedures non-Federal entities must follow when entering into procurement transactions using Federal funds. 2 CFR § 200.318(a) indicates a non-Federal entity must have and use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations and the standards of 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. 2 CFR § 200.320 indicates the non-Federal entity must use the following methods of procurement: (a) Procurement by micro-purchases, which the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed the non-Federal entity’s micro-purchase dollar threshold; (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures, which are procurements of relatively simple and informal nature, which do 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; (c) Procurement by sealed bids, which requires public solicitation of bids and a firm fixed price contract (lump-sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all material terms and conditions in the invitations to bid, is the lowest in price; (d) Procurement by competitive proposals, which is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids and is a procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded; or (e) Procurement by non-competitive proposals, which are appropriate when an item can be obtained only from a single source, the non-competitive procurement is specifically authorized by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, competition is deemed adequate after solicitation through competitive means, the aggregate amount of procurement does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and/or the public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation. 2 CFR § 200.318(i) indicates 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. 31 CFR § 19.300 indicates before entering into a covered transaction as defined in 31 CFR § 19 Subpart B, the non-Federal entity must ensure the expenditure is not made to an individual or business that is excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds by checking the Excluded Party List System (EPLS), collecting a certification from the individual or business, or adding a clause or condition to the contract. The City did not establish the necessary controls or policies to ensure proper compliance with Procurement requirements. For five of five procurements in excess of the City’s micro-purchase threshold which were entered into using Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLRF), the City did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. It was not evident if the City obtained quotes or bids for the items purchased or if a cost-price analysis was performed. Additionally, the City did not have written procurement procedures that conform to applicable laws noted above. Finally, the City did not ensure the vendors paid under covered transactions using SLRF funds were not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds. The City should review the procurement requirements contained in 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 and develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance. The City should maintain sufficient documentation to detail the history of the procurement, which may vary depending on the procurement method used. As a part of the procurement process, the City should include procedures for ensuring a vendor is not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds and maintain documentation the procedure was followed.
CONDITION: The City of McKeesport contracted with Applied Concepts, Inc. for police trailers, and A&H Equipment for the purchase of a vactor truck. These contracts individually exceeded the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000, but did not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. Both of these purchases were procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The City was unable to 1) provide records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for these two contracts and 2) provide documentation to verify that price or rate quotations were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. CRITERIA: Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted periodically. In instances where the cost incurred exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, as specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the City must maintain sufficient records to detail the history of procurement. CAUSE: City personnel directly responsible for the oversight and execution of these procurements were not fully familiar with the procurement requirements as prescribed by Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The City of McKeesport did not comply with the requirements of Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement and conducting a cost or price analysis for a procurement in instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. QUESTIONED COST: $246,867 RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that City management implement, review and update annually as necessary, City federal financial policies and procedures, similar to those developed for use in the City’s Community Development Program to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance micro purchase threshold of $10,000 but does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000, that 1) price or rate quotations are obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources, and 2) sufficient records are maintained to detail the history of procurement. These measures will enable the City to comply with the procurement requirements as prescribed Sections 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) and 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The City concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
Federal Program Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CFDA 21.027) Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Criteria 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2) states “If small purchase [$10,000] procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. Also, vendors for whom the county enters into a covered transaction ($25,000 or higher) with needs to be ensured that they are not suspended or debarred from federal funds per 2 CFR section 180.220. Furthermore, an entity should have a procurement policy that follows Uniform Guidance. Condition Two transactions were selected for testing. One transaction did not have quotes obtained. For both transactions, we noted the County did not review for suspension and debarment. We also noted the County’s procurement policy did not follow Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs None Context In a population of 3, 2 transactions were tested and one of these transactions was not done through the proper procurement process. Also, our suspension and debarment population was two and we noted during testing of each transaction that the county did not ensure the vendor was not suspended or debarred from federal funds before entering into the covered transaction. Finally, we noted during review of the county’s procurement policy, it did not follow Uniform Guidance. Cause The County does not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure all expenditures comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect The County is not in compliance with Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding No Recommendation The county should follow their procurement policy for procurement and should updated their procurement policy for suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The County agrees with the recommendation and will review its policies and procedures.
2021-007 – PROCUREMENT – PROCUREMENT QUOTATIONS Federal Program Information: Federal Agency Federal Program Name Assistance Listing Number Grant Award(s) Unique Identifier(s) Department of Defense Basic Scientific Research 12.431 W15QKN-14-1-0001 W15QKN-20-1-1000 Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a 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 and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2 CFR 200.320 establishes thresholds for procurement methods to be utilized when acquiring property or services under a federal award including small purchases defined as follows: 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. Condition: Management utilizes the federally designated micro-purchase level of $10,000 and the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. Purchases between $10,000 and $250,000 did not have an adequate number of price or rate quotations obtained. Questioned Costs: $151,207 Context: There were nine acquisitions for property and services with federal awards totaling $151,207 that were considered small purchases. Total federal expenditures listed on the Schedule of Federal Awards was $6,267,848. Cause: Internal controls and procedures related to procurement were not effectively designed or performed. SECTION III – FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2021-007 – PROCUREMENT – PROCUREMENT QUOTATIONS (Continued) Federal Program Information: Federal Agency Federal Program Name Assistance Listing Number Grant Award(s) Unique Identifier(s) Department of Defense Basic Scientific Research 12.431 W15QKN-14-1-0001 W15QKN-20-1-1000 Effect: Small purchases were made without obtaining an adequate number of price quotations. Recommendation: Management should establish proper policies and procedures which ensure transactions have the proper procurement treatment that align with federal guidelines. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding and has developed a plan to correct the finding.
Finding 2021-010 Sole Source Vendors - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Agency Environmental Protection Agency ALN 66.202 Program Congressionally Mandated Projects Award Year FY 2021 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number(s) 18EQ57, 20ER77, 21ES93 Criteria 2 CFR 200.320 states the non-federal entity must have and used documented procurement procedures consistent with 2 CFR 200.317-.319, and identifies the methods of procurement to be followed. 2 CFR 200.320(c) states the specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Condition During our testing of procurement and suspension and debarment, we noted the following exception: One of the three procurement transactions tested was procured via sole source without adequate support of the rationale to limit competition. Cause The City’s policies and procedures were not appropriately designed to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance concerning use of noncompetitive procurement. Effect or potential effect The City was not compliant with 2 CFR 200.320 concerning specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. The incorrect use of noncompetitive procurement increases the probability that federal funds are spent wastefully. Questioned costs $208,291 Context We tested a sample of three procurement transactions totaling to $1,516,880 from a population of four procurement transactions totaling to $1,560,666. We noted one exception as noted in the condition. This is a condition identified per review of the City’s compliance with the specified requirements not using a statistically valid sample. The known amount of the one exception is $208,291. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the controls and processes that have been established be implemented and to ensure the City is following its procurement policy and meeting the Uniform Guidance compliance requirements. Views of responsible officials Management agrees with the finding. The City will follow the Uniform Guidance thresholds that are established for federal programs, as well as follow the City Council’s policy.
CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘CJAWS, Inc.’ totaling $140,389. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement. QUESTIONED COST: $140,389 CAUSE: From a review of the School District’s policies as published on the District’s website, the District has not updated their policies to include those related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: The Cambria Heights School District contracted with a third-party vendor (Trafera) for the purchase of technology equipment. The contract with Trafera was procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The District did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations for the technology equipment as required by the Uniform Guidance and 24 PS 8.807.1. CRITERIA: As specified in Section 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, small purchase procedures per Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PS 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented. The use of COSTARS only constitutes one quotation. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the acquisition of the technology equipment through COSTARS interpreted that the requirements specified by Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i), would be met by using this cooperative purchasing organization. EFFECT: The School District did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, and 24 PS 8.807.1, regarding maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for the technology equipment to ensure that an adequate number of price quotations were solicited for this purchase. QUESTIONED COST: $106,250 RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR.320(a)(2)(i). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘CJAWS, Inc.’ totaling $140,389. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement. QUESTIONED COST: $140,389 CAUSE: From a review of the School District’s policies as published on the District’s website, the District has not updated their policies to include those related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: The Cambria Heights School District contracted with a third-party vendor (Trafera) for the purchase of technology equipment. The contract with Trafera was procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The District did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations for the technology equipment as required by the Uniform Guidance and 24 PS 8.807.1. CRITERIA: As specified in Section 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, small purchase procedures per Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PS 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented. The use of COSTARS only constitutes one quotation. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the acquisition of the technology equipment through COSTARS interpreted that the requirements specified by Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i), would be met by using this cooperative purchasing organization. EFFECT: The School District did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, and 24 PS 8.807.1, regarding maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for the technology equipment to ensure that an adequate number of price quotations were solicited for this purchase. QUESTIONED COST: $106,250 RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR.320(a)(2)(i). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘CJAWS, Inc.’ totaling $140,389. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement. QUESTIONED COST: $140,389 CAUSE: From a review of the School District’s policies as published on the District’s website, the District has not updated their policies to include those related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: The Cambria Heights School District contracted with a third-party vendor (Trafera) for the purchase of technology equipment. The contract with Trafera was procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The District did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations for the technology equipment as required by the Uniform Guidance and 24 PS 8.807.1. CRITERIA: As specified in Section 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, small purchase procedures per Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PS 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented. The use of COSTARS only constitutes one quotation. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the acquisition of the technology equipment through COSTARS interpreted that the requirements specified by Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i), would be met by using this cooperative purchasing organization. EFFECT: The School District did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, and 24 PS 8.807.1, regarding maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for the technology equipment to ensure that an adequate number of price quotations were solicited for this purchase. QUESTIONED COST: $106,250 RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR.320(a)(2)(i). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
Finding 2021-010 Sole Source Vendors - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Agency Environmental Protection Agency ALN 66.202 Program Congressionally Mandated Projects Award Year FY 2021 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number(s) 18EQ57, 20ER77, 21ES93 Criteria 2 CFR 200.320 states the non-federal entity must have and used documented procurement procedures consistent with 2 CFR 200.317-.319, and identifies the methods of procurement to be followed. 2 CFR 200.320(c) states the specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Condition During our testing of procurement and suspension and debarment, we noted the following exception: One of the three procurement transactions tested was procured via sole source without adequate support of the rationale to limit competition. Cause The City’s policies and procedures were not appropriately designed to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance concerning use of noncompetitive procurement. Effect or potential effect The City was not compliant with 2 CFR 200.320 concerning specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. The incorrect use of noncompetitive procurement increases the probability that federal funds are spent wastefully. Questioned costs $208,291 Context We tested a sample of three procurement transactions totaling to $1,516,880 from a population of four procurement transactions totaling to $1,560,666. We noted one exception as noted in the condition. This is a condition identified per review of the City’s compliance with the specified requirements not using a statistically valid sample. The known amount of the one exception is $208,291. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the controls and processes that have been established be implemented and to ensure the City is following its procurement policy and meeting the Uniform Guidance compliance requirements. Views of responsible officials Management agrees with the finding. The City will follow the Uniform Guidance thresholds that are established for federal programs, as well as follow the City Council’s policy.
CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘CJAWS, Inc.’ totaling $140,389. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement. QUESTIONED COST: $140,389 CAUSE: From a review of the School District’s policies as published on the District’s website, the District has not updated their policies to include those related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: The Cambria Heights School District contracted with a third-party vendor (Trafera) for the purchase of technology equipment. The contract with Trafera was procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The District did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations for the technology equipment as required by the Uniform Guidance and 24 PS 8.807.1. CRITERIA: As specified in Section 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, small purchase procedures per Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PS 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented. The use of COSTARS only constitutes one quotation. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the acquisition of the technology equipment through COSTARS interpreted that the requirements specified by Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i), would be met by using this cooperative purchasing organization. EFFECT: The School District did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, and 24 PS 8.807.1, regarding maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for the technology equipment to ensure that an adequate number of price quotations were solicited for this purchase. QUESTIONED COST: $106,250 RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR.320(a)(2)(i). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘CJAWS, Inc.’ totaling $140,389. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement. QUESTIONED COST: $140,389 CAUSE: From a review of the School District’s policies as published on the District’s website, the District has not updated their policies to include those related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: The Cambria Heights School District contracted with a third-party vendor (Trafera) for the purchase of technology equipment. The contract with Trafera was procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS). The District did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations for the technology equipment as required by the Uniform Guidance and 24 PS 8.807.1. CRITERIA: As specified in Section 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, small purchase procedures per Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PS 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented. The use of COSTARS only constitutes one quotation. CAUSE: School District personnel directly responsible for the acquisition of the technology equipment through COSTARS interpreted that the requirements specified by Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i), would be met by using this cooperative purchasing organization. EFFECT: The School District did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, and 24 PS 8.807.1, regarding maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of procurement for the technology equipment to ensure that an adequate number of price quotations were solicited for this purchase. QUESTIONED COST: $106,250 RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR.320(a)(2)(i). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.
CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘CJAWS, Inc.’ totaling $140,389. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement. QUESTIONED COST: $140,389 CAUSE: From a review of the School District’s policies as published on the District’s website, the District has not updated their policies to include those related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the School District update their policies to include those most recent related to ‘federal fiscal compliance’ in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, in particular, procurement policies to address the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 320(c). In addition, I would recommend that District personnel responsible for expenditures related to federal funding receive updated training related to ‘procurement’ policies and procedures as they relate to federal funding. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.