FINDING 2025-004 FEDERAL PROGRAM CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (93.575) FEDERAL AGENCY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMPLIANCE PROCUREMENT TYPE OF FINDING SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY- INSTANCE OF NON COMPLIANCE CONDITIONS During our disbursements test, we identified six (6) purchases that were awarded based on a single quote, without following standard competitive procurement procedures. Each purchase was accompanied by a certification indicating that the purchase was urgently needed, but it was not documented what this urgency consisted of. CRITERIA According to 2 CFR §200.319(a), all procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition. Additionally, 2 CFR §200.320(a)(2) requires that small purchase procedures obtain quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources unless an exception applies. CAUSE The Program does not have proper internal control over procurement and non compliance with policies and procedures for acquisitions and with the funds delegation agreement. EFFECT The lack of competition increases the risk that goods or services may not have been acquired at the most reasonable cost, and non-compliance with regulatory requirements. RECOMMENDATION We recommend that management strengthen internal controls over procurement to ensure compliance with 2 CFR Part 200. Specifically: 1. Require the solicitation and documentation of multiple quotes for all applicable purchases. 2. Document and approve exceptions in cases where only a single quote is obtained, with justification. 3. Monitor compliance regularly to ensure all procurement activities follow federal regulations and internal policies. QUESTIONED COST: None PRIOR YEAR Not Applicable MANAGEMENT RESPONSE We concur with the finding RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS Mrs. María Ortiz Martinez, Finance Department Director
Finding Reference: 2025-003 – I. Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Program Information Federal Agencies: Department of Health and Human Services Department of Justice Awards: Assistance Listing 93.078 – Strengthening Emergency Care Delivery in the United States Healthcare System through Health Information and Promotion Assistance Listing 16.753 – Congressionally Recommended Awards Award Periods: September 30, 2023 – September 29, 2025 July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2026 Description: Incomplete Federal Requirements within Procurement Policies Criteria In accordance with Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200.303, Internal controls, “The Non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” Part 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed states the following: “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” regarding the methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. Condition As part of our testing over the operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Procurement, Suspension and Debarment assertion for our major programs, we noted that the Corporation did not have a procurement policy that conforms to all applicable standards contained in the Uniform Guidance, when purchasing goods or services with the federal funds. Cause The Corporation did not comply and maintain a procurement policy that conforms to the provisions required by the Uniform Guidance upon receiving such federal funds related to their federal programs. Effect or potential effect Purchasing of goods and/or servicing with the major federal programs may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs None. Identification of a repeat finding This is a repeat finding of Finding 2024-006. Context Management has not established a procurement policy in line with the applicable standards contained in the Uniform Guidance based on review of the existing policy and discussions with management, however, no other instances of noncompliance with procurement standards identified in 2 CFR part 200 were noted as the amount of purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold was not direct and material to these programs and therefore no further testing over procurement was performed. Recommendation The Corporation should update its procurement policy to include the provisions required by the Uniform Guidance for purchasing goods and/or services with federal funds. View of responsible officials There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2025-001 Improve Procurement Process Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Cluster/Program: Child Nutrition Cluster AL Number(s): 10.553/10.555 Award Year: 2025 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Cluster/Program: Special Education Cluster AL Number(s): 84.027/84.173 Award Year: 2025 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding - Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Material Weakness Criteria or Specific Requirement Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200.318–200.320) requires recipients of federal funds to follow their own documented procurement procedures, which must conform to applicable federal and state laws and promote full and open competition. For large purchases, Uniform Guidance and Massachusetts General Law (MGL) require obtaining competitive proposal or sealed bids. Additionally, proper contract documentation must be maintained for vendor relationships. Condition and Context The primary vendor tested for procurement under the Child Nutrition Cluster program did not have a signed contract or proof of the competitive procurement process for fiscal year 2025. Further, the Special Education Cluster did not have quotes for vendors tested or recent sole source letters on file. Effect or Potential Effect Noncompliance with policies and procedures regarding required procurement practices with vendors increases the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement requirements, lack of competition, and unallowable costs. Questioned Costs: None. Cause The District did not implement adequate controls to ensure compliance with procurement policies for obtaining sufficient quotes or competitive bids and did not formalize vendor relationships with contracts as required. Recommendation The District should strengthen its procurement controls by ensuring that the Uniform Guidance and MGL procurement practices are followed. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action Management’s views and Corrective Action Plan are included at the end of this report.
Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance - Child Nutrition Cluster Criteria: Federal regulations require non-federal entities to follow specific procurement standards when making purchases with federal award funds: • 2 CFR 200.320 requires the use of specific procurement methods (micro-purchase, small purchase, sealed bids, competitive proposals, etc.) based on the value of the transaction. • 2 CFR 200.318 requires the District to maintain oversight that ensures contractors perform in accordance with terms, conditions, and specifications. • 2 CFR 200.319 requires full and open competition and prohibits practices that restrict competition. • 2 CFR 200.324 requires cost or price analysis for certain procurements. • 2 CFR 200.213 requires verification that contractors are not suspended or debarred Condition: During testing of procurement transactions charged to the Child Nutrition Cluster, we noted that the District did not consistently follow the federal procurement standards required by 2 CFR 200.318-327. Specifically: The District did not obtain the required number of price or rate quotations for purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold. • For procurements that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold, the District did not maintain documentation supporting full and open competition. • In several cases, the District was unable to provide evidence that vendors were verified against the SAM.gov exclusion list prior to contract award. • Procurement files did not contain required elements such as cost/price analysis, written procurement method selection, or justification for sole-source procurements. The transactions identified totaled approximately $50,000, which represents a material portion of federal expenditures tested under this major program. Cause: The District did not employ adequate internal controls to ensure that all federally funded procurements consistently followed the federal procurement standards. Staff turnover and insufficient training regarding federal procurement requirements also contributed to the deficiencies. Recommendation: We recommend that the School District design and follow internal controls to ensure proper procurement procedures are followed to comply with Uniform Guidance standards. Effect: Failure to follow federal procurement requirements increases the risk of: • Noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance, • Potential favoritism or lack of competition, • Unallowable costs being charged to federal programs, and • Federal funds being used inefficiently or in a manner inconsistent with federal regulations. The nature and extent of the exceptions identified represent a material weakness in internal control and material noncompliance with procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action: See corrective action plan included in this report package.
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Criteria: Under 2 CFR 200.320(a), recipients and subrecipients may use informal procurement methods for small purchases when the value of the procurement does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. However, small purchase procedures require the solicitation of price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources and documentation supporting the procurement decision. In addition, 2 CFR 200.318(a) requires recipients and subrecipients to maintain and use documented procurement procedures that conform to federal procurement standards and applicable state and local laws and regulations. Condition: During our review of procurement transactions charged to federal awards, we noted that the Town did not follow required small purchase (informal procurement) procedures for certain purchases. Specifically, for selected procurement transactions with values above the micro purchase threshold but below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, the Town did not solicit price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources and did not retain documentation to support price reasonableness, as required by federal procurement standards. Universe/Population: Four contracts totaling $7,347,577 were subjected to compliance testing. For two of the four contracts totaling $90,955 that were below the Simplified Acquisition threshold were subjected to compliance testing. The Town did not solicit price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources for one contract and did not retain documentation to support price reasonableness, as required by federal procurement standards, for the other contract. Cause: The Entity did not have written procurement procedures or internal controls as required by 2 CFR 200.318(a). As a result, inconsistent application of small purchase requirements, including the failure to obtain and document required price or rate quotations and support for price reasonableness, occurred. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified. Effect: Failure to follow small purchase procedures increases the risk that procurements are not conducted in a manner that ensures full and open competition and cost reasonableness. This noncompliance exposes the Town to potential questioned costs, cost disallowance, and increased federal or pass through oversight. Recommendation:. We recommend that the Town: 1. Update its written procurement policies and procedures to clearly define small purchase requirements, including quotation thresholds and documentation standards. 2. Require procurement staff to solicit and retain documentation of price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources for all small purchases. 3. Provide training to relevant personnel on federal procurement requirements under 2 CFR Part 200, including informal procurement methods. 4. Implement supervisory review of procurement files to ensure compliance prior to payment. View of Responsible Official: Management concurs with the finding.
Federal agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal program title: Continuum of Care Program FALN Number: 14.267 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Immaterial Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR section 200.320 outlines the acceptable methods of procurement. Purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold, but above the micro-purchase threshold, require that price or rate quotations be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. Furthermore, the Organization's procurement policies require the maintaining of records sufficient to detail the history of procurement including the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price Condition: The Organization did not follow the procedures outlined within its internal policies related to maintaining documentation associated with purchases made via the simplified acquisition method of procurement. Questioned costs: $31,673. Context: This condition impacted one (1) of one (1) transaction selected for testing. Cause: Oversight. Effect: The Organization could potentially use federal funds in a manner which is not the most efficient or economical. 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 method of procurement utilized. The Organization 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.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY; CRITERIA: Per 2 CFR 200.320 the auditee must use appropriate procurement methods based on dollar amounts and conditions of project-level contracts.; CONDITION: For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 one FEMA‑funded project reviewed during the audit period, the Town allowed the contractor to begin work before a written contract was executed. The contractor mobilized and started work without a signed agreement defining scope, pricing, Federal requirements, or terms and conditions.; EFFECT: Noncompliance with Federal procurement regulations increases the risk that FEMA may consider associated costs ineligible or unreasonable. The Town could be subject to disputes over scope, pricing, or performance due to the absence of formal terms agreed upon before work began. Lack of assurance that required Federal contract provisions were included carries the potential for questioned costs that could lead to deobligation or repayment of FEMA funds.; CAUSE: The Town initiated work urgently due to the nature of the emergency event and did not follow formal procurement procedures. Staff cited time constraints and the immediate need for response activities, but no emergency procurement documentation or justification was concurrently prepared as allowed under 2 CFR §200.320(c) (noncompetitive procurement during public exigency). Personnel were also not fully aware of FEMA documentation requirements.; RECOMMENDATION: The Town should update its written procurement policies to fully incorporate the current Federal procurement standards under 2 CFR §200.317–§200.327 and applicable state laws. The Town should provide staff training on the revised procurement procedures and establish a periodic review schedule to ensure ongoing compliance with Federal and state requirements.; VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS AND PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: The Town of Spruce Pine agrees with this finding. Finance procedures will be updated to include a standard form and procedure for cost and price analysis that will be implemented immediately.
2 C.F.R. § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 C.F.R. § 200. 2 C.F.R. § 200.318(a) requires that the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under the Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. 2 C.F.R. § 200.318(i) requires that the recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. 2 C.F.R § 200.320 provides three types of procurement methods: informal procurement methods (for micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions); formal procurement methods (through sealed bids or proposals); and noncompetitive procurement methods. For any of these methods, the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procurement procedures. 2 C.F.R. § 200.320(a)(2) provides the requirements for simplified acquisitions. The aggregate dollar amount of the procurement transaction is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If simplified acquisition procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. New Philadelphia City School District Federal Purchasing Procedures documents small purchases are those from $10,001 to $25,000. The policy stipulates that quotes for small purchases must be obtained from at least two vendors. Quotes may be obtained in writing, verbally, or from a website. Documentation of all quotes must be maintained. While price must be a consideration, other criteria such as quality, availability, service and expertise must also be considered. The rational for the recommended vendor must be documented on the Rubric. The School District did not have the proper internal controls in place to maintain supporting documentation for the procurement history for one of the three selected vendors. During fiscal year 2025 the School District made one procurement falling within the simplified acquisition dollar threshold (formerly referred to as a small purchase) which was for the renewal of a contract for individualized education instruction (IEP) software. However, documentation was not available to support the procurement process for this fiscal year 2025 purchase. Failing to have appropriate controls in place may result in the School District not entering procurement transactions with the most appropriate vendor. The School District should review their policies and procedures and take steps necessary to ensure that procurement procedures are properly followed. The School District should also ensure they comply with the applicable Uniform Guidance requirements, ensuring open competition through procurement.
Finding Reference Number: 2025-002 Reportable finding considered a significant deficiency - Inadequate Controls over Procurement documentation retention Program name and CFDA: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) 64.033 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) 21.027 Federal award identification number: SSVF – 23-CA-437 CSLFRF – UNKNOWN Federal award year: SSVF – 10/1/2022-9/30/2025 CSLFRF – 8/1/2024-6/30/2025 Federal awarding agency: SSVF – Department of Veterans Affairs CSLFRF – Department of the Treasury Name of pass-through entity: SSVF – None CSLFRF – Alameda County Criteria Federal procurement requirements under 2 CFR 200.318–200.320 outline expectations for maintaining documentation to show procurement activity aligns with written procedures and promotes full and open competition. Additionally, 2 CFR 180.300, incorporated by 2 CFR 200.214, requires organizations to verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred before entering into an agreement. This verification can be completed by checking SAM.gov or obtaining a vendor certification. Statement of Condition Organization has written procurement procedures and consistently performs cost analyses for rental assistance-related procurements. Audit testing also confirmed that none of the vendors involved were suspended or debarred. However, the Organization was not able to provide documentation showing that suspension/debarment checks were performed before onboarding these vendors. While the procedures appear to be followed in practice, the documentation step was not retained. Cause It appears that documentation was not transitioned between staff members when the individual who initially performed these procedures left the organization. Effect or Potential Effect Without documentation of these checks, the Organization cannot fully demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and suspension/debarment requirements. Although no ineligible vendors were used, the missing documentation increases the risk that future procurements could be questioned or require additional follow-up. Questioned Costs None Recommendation We recommend the Organization take a few steps to strengthen this process going forward: Incorporate a simple, consistent step for keeping documentation of SAM.gov checks or vendor certifications in each procurement file. Communicate this requirement to the staff performing vendor onboarding so expectations are clear. Periodically review procurement files to make sure documentation is being consistently retained. These adjustments should help ensure the strong practices already in place are fully supported by required documentation. Reportable Views of Responsible Officials See corrective action plan.
During the fiscal year, the District contracted with Trumbull County Educational Service Center (ESC) to provide purchased services. These services included expenditures of $62,545 which were paid for out of the Special Education fund and subject to the Federal procurement laws. Under 2 CFR §200.320 the District should have competitively bid the services needed or obtained price quotes from qualified sources as further defined in the School’s procurement policy. The District also has the option of procurement by noncompetitive proposal if approved by the grantor agency. The District did not provide a contract, price quotes from qualified sources, or a grantor approved noncompetitive proposal waiver. The District did not have the proper internal controls in place to ensure compliance over procurement. The District should competitively bid for services, obtain written price quotes from an adequate number of sources, or obtain approval for a noncompetitive proposal from the grantor agency. Failing to have the proper controls in place could result in questioned costs.
Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform guidance) requires non-federal entities other than States to follow their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes using the small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(b). Condition, Cause, and Effect/Potential Effect: Internal controls at the County were not sufficient to ensure full and open competition on grant-funded contracts. Individuals involved in the procurement process incorrectly relied on NRS requirements instead of the County’s procurement policy and federal procurement guidelines. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: A nonstatistical sample of the procurement transactions funded with the ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds revealed that the County did not conduct procurement transactions in a manner providing fair and open competition on two construction contracts. Recommendation: We recommend that the County provide additional training to grantoversight personnel and ensure controls are sufficiently enhanced to ensure procurement policies are followed on federal grant-funded purchases. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We agree with this finding and will enhance control procedures as recommended. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes; 2024-008.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Congressional Directives - 93.493 Award# CE152271 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g ., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e ., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. Per 2 CFR 200.303, the non-federal entities receiving federal awards (i.e ., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control design to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition – The Hospital's Procurement Policy and Procedure is not in alignment with the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.320. The policy does not document different procurement methods for documentation to be retained, etc. Additionally, formalized documentation supporting the Hospital is in compliance with policies and regulations supporting its procurement decisions did not exist. Lastly, there was no suspension and debarment check completed prior to purchases made with federal funds. Cause – The Hospital's procurement policies are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, nor are there controls in place to ensure policies are followed, and lastly, there are no controls to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on vendors receiving federal funds. Effect or Potential Effect – Federal funds could be used to make an unauthorized purchase including paying paying an entity that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs – None noted. Context – During fiscal year 2025, only one vendor was subject to procurement and suspension and debarment requirements and was therefore selected for testing. The Hospital expended $1,100,000 for goods goods and services from this vendor during the fiscal year. The Hospital was able to provide bid documentation related to vendor selection; however, the Hospital did not have formally documented written procurement policies addressing compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, including procedures for suspension and debarment verification. As part of audit testing, it was noted that the vendor had not been evaluated for suspension or debarment at the time of procurement. A subsequent check performed during the audit indicated that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not applicable. Recommendation – Policies and procedures should be modified to ensure that procurement policies are in alignment with federal regulations, support for procurement decisions are maintained and suspension and debarment checks on vendors are performed prior to making purchases with federal funds and are in alignment with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Charter Schools Assistance Listing Number: 84.282 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: S282A230008-2025 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2025-678022-DPI-WCSPWC1-360 Award Period: 7/01/2024-6/30/2025 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.320 allows for noncompetitve procurement, but requires documentation of the circumstances. Condition: The School had one procurement transaction applied to the grant in excess of the small purchase threshold and one in excess of the micro-purchase threshold that did not meet the procurement requirement regarding documentation of the circumstances for a noncompetitive procurement process. Questioned costs: None Context: We tested three procurement transactions. Two of the transactions did not comply with requirements. The School has a procurement policy that includes the necessary requirements, but this policy was not followed in all cases. Cause: Management Oversight Effect: The effect of not following procurement requirements would be noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.320. Repeat finding: No Recommendation: It is recommended that the School follow their formal procurement policy. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management will work with their staff to adopt the relevant policies.
FA 2025-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 10.553 – School Breakfast Program; 10.555 – National School Lunch Program Federal Award Numbers: 255GA324N1199 (Year: 2025) Questioned Costs: $7,536 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Child Nutrition Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background Information: The Child Nutrition Cluster (CNC) is comprised of various programs that are intended to assist states in administering and overseeing food service program operators that provide healthful, nutritious meals to eligible children in public and non-profit private schools, residential child care institutions, and summer programs. This Cluster of programs also fosters healthy eating habits in children by providing fresh fruits and fresh vegetables to children attending elementary and secondary schools and encourages the domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities. CNC funding is granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the various CNC programs. CNC funds totaling $2,718,778.68 were expended and reported on the Jeff Davis County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2025. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Additionally, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state, “(a)… the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations… (b) Recipients and subrecipients must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Procurement Methods provide guidance for informal procurement methods and state “If simplified acquisition procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.” Furthermore, Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 states in part that the recipient or subrecipient must “verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.” Condition: A sample of 40 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a nonstatistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. The following deficiencies were noted: • For twenty expenditures, documentation maintained to support the entity’s verification that the vendors were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction lacked evidence of supervisory review as required by the School District’s policies and procedures. • The School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations were obtained from qualified sources for two small purchase expenditures reviewed. Questioned Costs: Upon testing a sample of $82,497 in procurement transactions, known questioned costs of $7,536 were identified for expenditures that did not follow the School District’s procurement procedures. Using the total population of $1,613,491 in procurement transactions, we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $147,385. The following Assistance Listing Numbers were affected by known and likely questioned costs: 10.553 and 10.555. Cause: In discussing these deficiencies with the School District, they believe these issues are primarily due to the lack of proper documentation and not following its policies and procedures that govern the procurement process for federal programs. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of federal funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement methods are properly identified and followed and required procurement and suspension and debarment documentation is properly identified, safeguarded, and retained. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
2025-001 U.S. Department of Education, Assistance Listing #84.027/84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Program and U.S. Department of Treasury, Assistance Listing #21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLRF) Program for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 Criteria: Uniform Guidance section 2 CFR §200.317-200.327 Procurement Standards, requires purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold of $10,000 to follow small purchase procedures, which require obtaining price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources (§200.320) prior to entering into a contract. In addition, 2 CFR Part 180 and 2 CFR §200.214 require non-federal entities to verify if contractors are suspended or debarred (e.g., Sam.gov check or certification) and include appropriate contract clauses in applicable contracts. Condition: The School Department did not obtain price or rate quotations for two projects that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Additionally, the Department did not perform, or document required suspension and debarment procedures for the contractor (e.g., verification against SAM.gov, obtaining certifications, or including contract clauses). The City did not perform, or document required suspension and debarment procedures for the contractor (e.g., verification against SAM.gov, obtaining certifications, or including contract clauses) for three of the six contracts tested. Cause: School staff were not aware the projects would be funded with federal funds and did not ensure compliance with federal requirements for competitive pricing and suspension/debarment verification. City staff were not aware projects covered under the SLRF definition of “revenue replacement”, which excludes most procurement requirements, are still required to follow 2 CFR Part 180 and 2 CFR §200.214. Effect: Failure to obtain competitive quotes and verify contractor eligibility to receive Federal funds increases the risk of noncompliance, inefficient use of federal funds, and potential disallowance of costs. Known Questioned Costs: $61,891 for #84.027/84.173; $51,750 for #21.027 Likely Questioned Costs: $12,799 for #21.027 Recommendation: We recommend training staff on procurement and suspension/debarment requirements and implementing a pre-award compliance checklist. We also recommend increasing communication between grant personnel and facilities management personnel so all parties are aware which projects will be funded with federal funds.
FINDING 2025-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other identifying Numbers): 22611-133-PN01, 23611-133-PN01, 24611-133-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 LEWIS CASS SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The internal control system in place at the School Corporation was not effective in ensuring compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement - Small Purchases Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, the informal procurement method is permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. A total of two vendors were determined to require small purchase procedures, totaling $123,078. For the two vendors tested, the School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotations. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was absent for those two vendors. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), collecting a certification from that person or entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person or entity. A population of two covered transactions for goods or services totaling $123,078, both of which equaled or exceeded the $25,000 threshold paid from the special education funds during the audit period, were identified and selected for testing. For both transactions, the School Corporation did not verify that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or eligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities prior to issuing payment. The lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 LEWIS CASS SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.214 states: "Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. Effect The lack of an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to occur and remain undetected. Noncompliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could enable small purchases made by the School Corporation to be uncompetitive and could lead to contracting with vendors who are suspended or debarred from receiving federal grant funding. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 LEWIS CASS SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the management of the School Corporation develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are verified to not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
PRAIRIE-HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 144 07‐016‐1440‐02 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Year Ending June 30, 2025 SECTION III - FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS 1. FINDING NUMBER:14 2025 - 003 2. THIS FINDING IS: X New Repeat from Prior year? Year originally reported? 3. Federal Program Name and Year: Child Nutrition Cluster 4. Project No.: 24-4210-00, 25-4210-00, 25-4299-00, 24-4220-00, 25-4220-00, 25-4240-00 5. AL No.: 10.553, 10.555 6. Passed Through: Illinois State Board of Education 7. Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture 8. Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) The District is required to follow the Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §§ 200.320) procurement standards for purchasing goods or services with federal awards. Key requirements include documented procedures, full and open competition, cost and price analysis, conflict of interest policies, and adherence to specific purchasing thresholds (micro-purchase, small purchase, sealed bids, competitive proposals, or sole source). 9. Condition15 The District procured $285,867 from a food service vendor (Gordon) and $539,977 from another food service vendor (Sysco Business Services) and did not follow full and open competition guidelines by using a bidding process. Under (2 CFR §§ 200.320) payments to vendors in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) are required to be procured through a formal competitive bid process. 10. Questioned Costs16 The District's internal accounting records recorded $1,463,085.99 of expenditures to purchased services, supply and capital outlay accounts. Our sampled procurement population noted that $865,844 of services procurred from 2 vendors were not awarded through a competitive bid process. 11. Context17 The District is to obtain price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified vendors as well as use a competitive bidding process. During our audit procedures we were unable to obtain supporting documentation for goods procured from food service vendors during the year. The District has not implemented internal procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements as outlined in the Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §§ 200.320). 12. Effect Failure to use federal procurement standards results in noncompliance and exposes the District to potentially overpaying for food service commodities or services, potential misuse or of funds, and reduced transparency and accountability. 13. Cause The District did not implement appropriate procurement policy procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements in accordance with the Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §§ 200.320). 14. Recommendation We recommend that the District follow the procedures for the procurement of goods that meet the procurment procedures as defined by the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §§ 200.320). The District should maintain documentation to show that they complied with these requirements. 15. Management's response18 See corrective action plan
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PASSED THROUGH ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CHILD NUTRITION CLUSTER - AL NUMBERS 10.553, 10.555, AND 10.582 PASS-THROUGH NUMBER 7503 AUDIT PERIOD - YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 2025-002. Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Criteria or specific requirement: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR part 200.320 and Ark. Code Ann. § 6-21-304 establish methods of procurement to be followed by a non-federal entity when purchasing supplies or services with federal awards. Price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for purchases greater than $10,000 and up to $25,700. For purchases of supplies and services exceeding $25,700, solicitation of bids or proposals must be utilized. Condition: The District did not retain documentation for price quotations obtained from at least two qualified vendors for Child Nutrition program commodities purchased from one vendor totaling $14,766. School board approval of vendors for Child Nutrition program purchases exceeding $25,700 was not obtained. Additionally, during our review of Child Nutrition program invoices, we identified food purchases that did not agree to the vendor's bid sheet description or price. Cause: Lack of internal controls and management oversight over the procurement of supplies and services. Effect or potential effect: Failure to retain documentation of price quotations and bid approvals increases the overall risk of noncompliance with federal regulations. Questioned costs: $0 Context: An examination of non-payroll expenditures for 11 checks totaling $25,622 from a population of 109 checks totaling $432,754. Of the 11 checks examined, 3 checks were to vendors that required solicitation of quotes or bids. Our sample was not statistically valid. Identification as a repeat finding: No Recommendation: The District should implement proper controls and monitor Child Nutrition program purchases for compliance with applicable procurement requirements. Views of responsible officials: The District will gather two qualified vendors for purchases of $10,000 to $25,000. The District will have Board approval for purchases exceeding $25,700. In addition, the Food Service Director will exercise care to order items on the bid list, but will not be limited to only items on the bid list as new items become available.
III Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs FA 2025-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 10.553 – School Breakfast Program; 10.555 – National School Lunch Program 10.582 - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Federal Award Numbers: 255GA324N1199 (Year: 2025), 255GA324L1603 (Year: 2025) Questioned Costs: $6,267 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Child Nutrition Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background Information: The Child Nutrition Cluster (CNC) is comprised of various programs that are intended to assist states in administering and overseeing food service program operators that provide healthful, nutritious meals to eligible children in public and non-profit private schools, residential child care institutions, and summer programs. This Cluster of programs also fosters healthy eating habits in children by providing fresh fruits and fresh vegetables to children attending elementary and secondary schools and encourages the domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities. CNC funding is granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the various CNC programs. CNC funds totaling $3,568,611.24 were expended and reported on the Jones County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2025. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Additionally, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state, “(a)… the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations… (b) Recipients and subrecipients must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Procurement Methods provide guidance for informal procurement methods and state “If simplified acquisition procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.” Condition: A sample of 40 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a nonstatistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. The School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations were obtained from qualified sources for four small purchase expenditures reviewed. Questioned Costs: Upon testing a sample of $159,951.89 in procurement transactions, known questioned costs of $6,267 were identified for expenditures that did not follow the School District’s procurement procedures. Using the total population of $1,778,019 in procurement transactions, we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $69,659. The following Assistance Listing Numbers were affected by known and likely questioned costs: 10.553, 10.555, and 10.582. Cause: In discussing these deficiencies with the School District, they stated that the internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of federal funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement methods are properly identified and followed and required procurement and suspension and debarment documentation is properly identified, safeguarded, and retained. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2025-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Title: 84.027A – Grants to States; 84.173A – Preschool Grants Federal Award Number: H027A230073 (Year: 2024), H027A240073 (Year: 2025), H173A240081 (Year: 2025) Questioned Costs: $4,500 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background Information: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $525,466 were expended and reported on the Evans County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2025. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Additionally, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state, “(a)… the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations… (b) Recipients and subrecipients must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Procurement Methods provide guidance for informal procurement methods and state “If simplified acquisition procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.” Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320(c) – Noncompetitive Procurement states that procurement by a noncompetitive method may only be used if one of the circumstances outlined applies, including when “the procurement transaction can only be fulfilled by a single source.” Furthermore, Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 states in part that the recipient or subrecipient must “verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.” Condition: A sample of 12 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a nonstatistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. The School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations were obtained from qualified sources or documentary evidence as justification for single source procurement for one small purchase expenditure reviewed. In addition, a sample of 2 covered transactions was randomly selected for testing using a nonstatistical sampling approach. These expenditures were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Although it was determined that the vendors associated with these transactions were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction, documentation could not be provided to support the entity’s verification as required by the School District’s policies and procedures. Questioned Costs: Upon testing a sample of $10,504 in procurement transactions, known questioned costs of $4,500 were identified for expenditures that did not follow the School District’s procurement procedures. Using the total population of $101,739 in procurement transactions, we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $43,585. The following Assistance Listing Numbers were affected by known and likely questioned costs: 84.027A and 84.173A. Cause: In discussing these deficiencies with the School District, they believe these issues are primarily due to the lack of proper documentation and not following its policies and procedures that govern the procurement process for federal programs. Specifically, Management stated that rate or price quotations were not obtained because the vendor was considered a single source provider; however, documentation supporting the single source procurement method was not maintained. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of federal funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement methods are properly identified and followed and required procurement and suspension and debarment documentation is properly identified, safeguarded, and retained. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
KANKAKEE SCHOOL DISTRICT 111 32-046-1110-25 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Year Ending June 30, 2025 SECTION III - FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS 1. FINDING NUMBER:14 2025 - 002 2. THIS FINDING IS: X New Repeat from Prior year? Year originally reported? 3. Federal Program Name and Year: Child Nutrition Cluster 4. Project No.: 24-4210-00, 25-4210-00, 25-4299-00, 25-4299-00, 24-4220-00, 25-4220-00 5. AL No.: 10.553, 10.555 6. Passed Through: Illinois State Board of Education 7. Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture 8. Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) The District is required to follow the methods of procurement outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, , 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21, and the District's procurement policy when purchasing goods or services with federal awards. Key requirements include documented procedures, full and open competition, cost and price analysis, conflict of interest policies, and adherence to specific purchasing thresholds (micro-purchase, simplified acquisitions, sealed bids, competitive proposals, or sole source). Specifically, when the aggregate dollar amount of the procurement transaction exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $35,000), formal methods of procurement are required. 9. Condition The District procured $885,950 of services from a food service vendor and did not follow the formal methods of procurement outlined in 2 CFR 200.320(b)(2), 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21, and their established procurement policy as they did not procure the services through a competitive request for proposal process. 10. Questioned Costs Since the expenditures related to the procurement are pooled in the School Food Service account, the questioned costs of $885,950 relate to all the projects under assistance listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555. Our sample was not statistically valid and consisted of two vendors with a total sampled vendor payments of $1,078,742. 11. Context During our audit procedures we were unable to obtain supporting documentation for demonstrating that the district followed the formal methods of procurement outlined in 2 CFR 200.320(b) for goods procured from one food service vendor during the year that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. 12. Effect Failure to comply with federal and state procurement standards results in noncompliance and may expose the District to overpayment for food service commodities and services, increase risk of misuse of funds, and reduced transparency and accountability in the procurement process. 13. Cause The District failed to follow their established procurement policy, including inadequate review controls, to ensure compliance with procurement requirements as outlined in (2 CFR 200.320 )and 105 ILCS 5/10-20.021. 14. Recommendation We recommend that the District follow the procedures for the procurement of goods that meet the procurement procedures as defined by (2 CFR 200.320), 105 ILCS 5/10-20.021, and their established procurement policy. The District should maintain documentation to show that they complied with these requirements. 15. Management's response See corrective action plan
2 CFR 180.305 states that Non-Federal entities are prohibited from entering into a covered transaction with parties that are suspended or debarred or whose principals are suspended or debarred, unless the Federal agency responsible for the transaction grants an exception under 2 CFR § 180.135. 2 CFR 180.200 identifies “covered transactions” as nonprocurement or procurement transactions at the primary tier, between a Federal agency and a person; or at the lower tier, between a participant in a covered transaction and another person. Procurement contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) are covered transactions if the contracts are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other specified criteria outlined in 2 CFR § 180.220. All nonprocurement transactions as defined in 2 CFR § 180.970 (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless exempt by 2 CFR § 180.215. When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded. This verification may be accomplished by checking SAM exclusions (https://sam.gov/content/home); collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transactions with that entity. Furthermore, Ohio Rev. Code § 3313.843 and 3313.845 allow traditional schools to contract with Educational Service Centers (ESCs) to provide services as outlined in the agreement between the two parties. Ohio Rev. Code §3313.843(C) requires these agreements to be filed with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) by the first day of July of the school year for which the agreement is in effect. In addition, District Policy # 6325, Procurement - Federal Grants/Funds, states, in part, that A. Informal procurement methods for small purchases expedite the completion of transactions, minimize administrative burdens, and reduce costs. Informal procurement methods may be used when the value of the procurement transaction under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold or a lower threshold established by the State. The informal procurement methods include: 1. Micro-Purchases - Procurement by micro-purchase is the acquisition of supplies or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed $$10,000. To the extent practicable, the District should distribute micro-purchases equitably among qualified suppliers. Micro-purchases may be made without soliciting competitive quotations if the Superintendent considers the price to be reasonable based on research, experience, purchase history, or other relevant information, and maintains documents to support its conclusion. The District shall maintain evidence of this reasonableness in the records of all purchases made by this method. 2. Small Purchases - Small purchases include 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 of $250,000. Small purchase procedures require that price or rate quotations shall be obtained from at least two (2) qualified sources unless fewer qualified sources are available. Districts are responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk, and its documented procurement procedures which must not exceed the threshold established in the Federal Acquisition Regulations ("FAR"). When applicable, a lower simplified acquisition threshold used by the District must be authorized or not prohibited under State, local, or tribal laws or regulations. B. Formal Procurement Methods - When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold or a lower threshold established by the State, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement method can be used in accordance with the standards on competition in 200.319 or non-competitive procurement. The formal methods of procurement are: 1. Sealed Bids - Sealed, competitive bids shall be obtained when the purchase of, and contract for, single items of supplies, materials, or equipment which amounts to more than $250,000 and when the Board determines to build, repair, enlarge, improve, or demolish a school building/facility, the cost of which will exceed the amount to be determined and published by the Ohio Director of Commerce. 2. Noncompetitive Purchases Through Educational Service Centers (ESCs) - Under State law, the Board may enter into a contract with an educational service center ("ESC") that authorizes the ESC to make purchases for supplies, materials, equipment, and services or the delivery of services on the District’s behalf. These contracts promote operational efficiency and cost savings, and further enhance the educational experience for our students. Purchases made through such contracts are exempt from competitive bidding. The District may apply for approval from the Department of Education and Workforce ("DEW") to use a noncompetitive purchasing method to procure personnel-based services from an ESC only when the following criteria are met: a. the ESC posts a list of all services it provides, including costs of these services, on its website; b. the ESC has been designated as "high performing'' by the DEW; and c. DEW as the pass-through state entity has determined that the ESC was substantially in compliance with all audit rules and guidelines during the most recent audit conducted by the Auditor of State. The Treasurer/CFO will submit an application and any required documentation to DEW on the designated form requesting approval for use of a noncompetitive purchasing method for personnel services. Purchases will not be made until the application is approved. Notice of approval will be maintained by the Treasurer/CFO. The School District contracted with the Findlay Interpreting Services for Deaf and High Road School of Lima to provide purchased services. These services included expenditures of $100,395 and $14,339, respectively, which were paid for out of the Special Education Cluster grants and subject to the Federal procurement laws. Under 2 CFR §200.320, the School District should have followed the simplified acquisition procedures and obtained price quotes from qualified sources. It was also noted for Findlay Interpreting Services for Deaf that the School District did not check SAM.gov, did not collect a certificate, or the contract between the School District and the above-named vendor did not contain a suspension / debarment clause. Also, during the fiscal year, the School District contracted with Allen County ESC, Midwest Regional ESC, and Montgomery County ESC to provide purchased services. These services included expenditures of $51,744, $40,817, and $30,128 respectively, which were paid for out of the Special Education Cluster and subject to the Federal procurement laws. Under 2 CFR §200.320 the School District should have competitively bid the services needed or obtained the ESC waiver allowed by Ohio law and the School District’s procurement policy. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) published a form that allows schools to request ODEW authorize a noncompetitive proposal for their ESC Services. This form is available on ODEW’s website and should be completed and maintained by schools moving forward. Failing to have the appropriate controls in place may result in the School District overpaying for service as well as vendors receiving federal funds that are suspended or debarred. Prior to contracting with vendors that will be paid with federal funds, the Board should obtain appropriate price quotes and non-competitive proposals and verify the vendor is not suspended or debarred by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from the vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor.
Finding 2025-002: Documentation of Procurement and Competitive Bidding Procedures Condition During testing of procurement transactions, we noted that a vendor was selected for services without documented evidence that competitive bidding or price quotations were obtained, and the procurement file did not include documentation describing the basis for vendor selection. While Home Start, Inc.’s fiscal policies allow for the use of oral quotes and permit vendor selection based on responsiveness and advantage to the Organization considering factors such as price, quality, and other relevant considerations, the procurement documentation maintained by the Organization did not include evidence that quotes were obtained or documentation supporting the basis for vendor selection. Criteria Under 2 CFR §200.318(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls over the procurement process to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Additionally, 2 CFR §200.318(i) requires non-federal entities to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis of the contract price. Further, 2 CFR §§200.319–200.320 require that procurements be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition, and that appropriate price or rate quotations be obtained depending on the procurement method. Cause The Organization did not consistently maintain documentation supporting the procurement process, including evidence of quotes obtained or documentation explaining the basis for vendor selection when competitive quotes were not documented. Effect The absence of procurement documentation reduces the Organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with Uniform Guidance procurement requirements and increases the risk that procurements funded with federal awards may not meet federal competition standards. Recommendation We recommend that management strengthen procurement documentation procedures to ensure that procurement files include sufficient documentation of the competitive bidding or quotation process, including: • Evidence of quotes or bids obtained, including oral quotes where permitted by policy. • Documentation supporting the evaluation and selection of vendors. • Written justification when competitive bids or quotes are not obtained, consistent with both Uniform Guidance requirements (2 CFR §200.318(i)) and the Organization’s fiscal policies. Implementing these procedures will help ensure that procurement activities funded by federal awards are adequately documented and compliant with Uniform Guidance procurement standards.
Federal Program: ALN 93.600 Head Start Program Category: Compliance/ internal control significant deficiency Compliance requirements: Procurement and Suspension/Debarment Condition: BGCPR did not follow its procurement policies in compliance with applicable State and Federal procurement requirements. Criteria: BGCPR’s Fiscal Policy Manual — VI. Cash Disbursements & Expense Allocations, Incoming Invoice Processing, item 2 established that vendors must be created in the Workflow system in accordance with established procedures. Documentation for new vendors must be obtained and reviewed for completeness and accuracy and must include, at a minimum, Form W-9, the new vendor form, and a valid Merchant Registration Certificate issued by the applicable local governmental agency. 2 CFR § 200.318(a) requires recipients and subrecipients to maintain and use documented procurement procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including the acquisition of property or services. These procedures must be consistent with applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the Federal procurement standards. 2 CFR § 200.318(h) requires recipients and subrecipients to award contracts only to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed procurement. Consideration must be given to contractor integrity, public policy compliance, proper classification of employees, past performance, and financial and technical resources. 2 CFR § 200.318(i) requires recipients and subrecipients to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Under 2 CFR § 200.319(a), procurement transactions must provide full and open competition. When simplified acquisition procedures apply, § 200.320(a)(2)(i) requires price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources; noncompetitive procurement is permitted only under the circumstances in § 200.320(c) and must be supported by the procurement record. Under 2 CFR § 200.214 and Appendix II(H) to Part 200, contract awards must not be made to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded in SAM. Section 200.327 requires contracts under Federal awards to contain the applicable provisions in Appendix II. Cause: BGCPR did not consistently apply its procurement policies and did not have an effective pre-award and supervisory review control to confirm vendor eligibility, required competition and approvals, complete procurement documentation, and applicable contract provisions before purchase commitments and payments were made. Context: Of 21 procurement transactions tested: 7 samples did not have an available supplier merchant registration certificate; 5 samples did not evidence the required quotation process and/or purchase order and did not include a documented justification; and 3 samples had contracts of which 2 samples did not include a debarment and suspension provision. Effect or potential effect: The absence of required vendor documentation, competition support, purchase orders or documented justification, and debarment and suspension controls increases the risk that purchases may be made from unauthorized or excluded vendors, may not provide full and open competition, and may be unsupported or subject to questioned costs under the Federal award. Recommendation: We recommend that management strengthen and enforce procurement controls by: (1) requiring a current Puerto Rico Merchant Registration Certificate before award or purchase; (2) documenting the required quotations and purchase order, or an approved justification citing the allowable basis for a noncompetitive procurement; (3) performing and retaining a dated SAM.gov exclusion search before contract award and renewal; (4) using standardized contracts containing all applicable Federal provisions, including debarment and suspension language; and (5) requiring documented supervisory review of a procurement checklist before approval and payment. Views of officials responsible: BGCPR agrees with the deficiency identified, mostly attributable to employee turnover within the Finance Division. As a result of this, during fiscal year 2026-2027 BGCPR will implement procedures to ensure proper procurement process including the following: a. Review the procurement check list to ensure that all required documentation is included within and ensure revision before a purchase order is issued to the vendor. b. Training to the personnel to guarantee that policy and procedures are implemented as required. c. Enforce standardized procedures to ensure that all approvals are consistently documented and maintained in accordance with policy or grant requirements. Anticipated completion date: September 30, 2026
Finding 2025-001 – Procurement (Material Weakness) Repeat Finding: No Federal Agency – National Science Foundation; National Institute of Health Research and Development Cluster Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences – Passed through New York University: 47.075, Mathematical and Physical Sciences – Passed through Loyola University of Chicago: 47.049, Biological Sciences: 47.074, Allergy and Infectious Disease Research: 93.855 Federal Award Years: Year Ended May 31, 2025 Condition The College's procurement policy does not reflect all applicable state and local laws and federal regulations. For two out of three (67%) small purchase procurements, there was not sufficient evidence to support that documentation of the noncompetitive procurement method selected was provided at the time of purchase. Criteria Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.319 and 200.320(f), price quotations should be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for procurements that meet the small purchase procurement threshold or require documentation in support of the rationale to limit competition in those cases where competition was limited. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls deigned to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure the College has a procurement policy that meets the all applicable state and local laws and regulations. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs related to this finding. Cause The College does not have a procurement policy that follows the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327. Context Two out of three vendors tested. Expenditures totaled $100,553. Effect Lack of a documented procurement policy that meets applicable state and local laws and federal regulations can result in improper procurement of goods and services which can lead to loss of future funding. Recommendation We recommend the College implement a procurement policy that conforms to federal regulations. We also recommend that the College implement policies and procedures around documentation of noncompetitive bidding. Views of Responsible Officials We agree with this finding. See corrective action plan.
CFDA Number: 93.224 Federal Program or Cluster: Health Center Program Cluster Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Award Identification: H8FCS41177 Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension or Debarment Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Questioned Costs: None Criteria: The Organization's Financial Policies and Procedures Manual, under Requisitioning, Purchasing, and Receiving Policies & Procedures, states: "If the purchase order is for any goods or service that will be paid for directly from Federal dollars then the purchasing follows Office of Management and Budget Circular 2 CFR CHAPTER I, CHAPTER II, PART 200, ET AL. guidelines. One of the following methods will be used when purchasing goods or services with federal dollars: Micro-purchase for items up to $10,000, small purchase for items up to $150,000, sealed bids for items over $150,000, competitive proposal, or non-competitive proposal. All procurements directly attributable to the federal award will be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition and will only include costs allowable, consistent with Federal Cost Principles 45 CFR Part 75 Subpart E: Cost Principles." 45 CFR Part 75, Section 75.329 Procurement procedures, states: "The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources . Condition: Organization staff and management appear to be applying their procurement policies that require bids for all purchases in general that exceed $25,000, but not the additional policies and procedures that apply to purchases that will be paid from Federal dollars, that apply for procurements greater than $10,000 but less than $150,000. Cause: Organization staff and management do not appear to be knowledgeable of the Organization's procurement policies and procedures. Effect or Potential Effect: The Organization could make procurements that do not comply with the requirements of 45 CFR Part 75 Section 75.329 and 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.320 Procurement methods. Context: We requested documentation to support that the Organization followed its procurement policies and procedures, we were told that no individual items were purchased with federal grant funds during the year that exceeded their $25,000 requirement for a bid. None of the transactions for the procurements we selected for testing occurred within the period of performance for the federal awards. Repeat finding? No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization provide grants management training to all its financial staff and management covering the Uniform Guidance/OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, as well as the Organization's Financial Policies and Procedures Manual. We also recommend that the Organization develop and implement policies and procedures that proper monitoring of its procurements is being done to ensure the Organization's policies and procedures are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials: We agree with the finding. We have never received proper training. See Corrective Action Plan for Reference 2025-006.
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior Federal Program Name: Boston Harbor Islands Partnership - World's End Carriage Road Restoration Assistance Listing Number: 15.947 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: N/A Pass-Through Agency: National Park Service Pass-Through Number(s): P24AC02282 - 2023 Award Period: 10/01/2023 09/30/2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance - Other Matter Criteria or specific requirement: Procurement methods used must be in compliance with conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320. Condition: For the acquisition of small purchases of which the aggregate dollar amount is higher than the micro-purchase threshold ($10,000) but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. Questioned costs: None. Context: Documentation over price or rate quotations was not maintained for 2 (of 5) testing selections. Cause: Documentation over price or rate quotations was not maintained, which prohibited the auditors from successfully perform testing over these transactions. Effect: Noncompliance with Uniform Guidance procurement requirements. Repeat Finding: N/A. Recommendation: We recommend documentation over price or rate quotations be maintained for all vendors with procurements that could potentially exceed the micro-purchase threshold ($10,000), rather than only those with an original purchase price exceeding $10,000, as the procurement policy is currently written. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Program: 93.493 – Congressional Directives, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, FAIN CE152180 passed through the Health Resources & Services Administration Criteria or Specific Requirement: Procurement, Suspension & Debarment, 2 CFR 200.320 Condition: The Company paid funds to a vendor that qualified under sole source procurement requirements. In the vendor’s contract with the Company, the vendor confirmed it was not suspended or debarred. The Company did not document its process for determining sole source procurement or document its search to confirm the vendor was not suspended or debarred. Cause: The Company does not have policies in place that comply with federal procurement, suspension and debarment requirements. Effect: The Company’s internal controls did not ensure proper documentation that the vendor materially complied with the federal procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Federal procurement standards require entities that receive federal awards to have specific policies that comply with 2 CFR Section 200.318-320. The requirements specify that policies must establish thresholds and procedures for micro-purchases, simplified acquisitions, and formal purchases. When vendors are selected, federal funds are prohibited from going to certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in federal awards (2 CFR 200.214). The Company did not have policies in place to ensure compliance with these federal procurement guidelines. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The Company has policies for vendor qualification in place surrounding critical vendors. We recommend considering all vendors that are awarded contracts to be paid with federal awards critical or otherwise amending the Company’s contracting review process or critical vendor policy to incorporate specific procedures when federal funds are used. These procedures should include a documented search of Sam.gov for suspension and debarment of the vendor. The Company should establish procurement thresholds and specific procedures for those thresholds as outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318-320. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – Management agrees with the finding. See attached corrective action plan.
2025-003 Procurement Program Information Federal Organizations U.S Department of Health and Human Services U.S Department of Agriculture (passed through California Department of Public Health) Assistance Listing Numbers 93.224 & 93.527 Health Center Program Cluster 10.557 WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Award Numbers H80CS00540-23, H8GCS48292, H8LCS51370, 22-10237 A05 Criteria Entities receiving federal awards must have and use their documented procurement policies. Title 2 CFR 200.320 outlines the acceptable methods of procurement and establishes the maximum thresholds allowed. Purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold, but above the micro-purchase threshold, require price or rate quotations to be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Condition The Organization did not maintain documentation that competitive price quotations or bids performed, as required by policy and the Uniform Guidance for purchases above the micro purchase threshold. This finding appears to be a systemic issue. Cause Management did not follow its established procurement policy and documentation was not maintained evidencing its compliance with the policy. Effect The Organization may overpay for goods and services due to selecting vendors without appropriate consideration of the competitive bids and cost analysis. Questioned Costs $0. Although the auditee did not retain documentation of required competition (such as bids or price quotes) for contracts, as required under the entity’s written procurement procedures and the Uniform Guidance procurement standards in 2 CFR part 200, our testing indicated that the costs charged to the federal program under this contract were otherwise allowable under the applicable cost principles, adequately supported by other documentation, and reasonable in amount. Context We tested procurement transactions from each program. Of these transactions, four of thirteen tested under assistance listing numbers 93.224 and 93.527, and six of twenty-five tested under assistance listing number 10.557, were missing evidence of proper competitive procurement procedures being performed. Recommendation We recommend the Organization retain supporting documentation of competitive procurement for all transactions greater than the micro-purchase threshold when the expenditures will be charged to a federal award. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action Management is in agreement with this finding and will take corrective action as outlined below.
Health Center Program Cluster – Assistance Listing Nos. 93.224 and 93.527 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Award No. 6 C16CS50476-01-03 Program Year 2025 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement, Suspension, & Debarment – 2 CFR 200.320 and 2 CFR 180. Condition – The Organization completed purchases exceeding the small purchase threshold for which bid solicitation, evaluation, and selection documents were not completed. The Organization’s Procurement Policy does not explicitly identify all purchase types included in 2 CFR 200.320 and 2 CFR 180. Cause – The Procurement Policy is not consistent with Federal regulations and was not properly applied during the year. Effect or Potential Effect – Purchases were made without adhering to Federal procurement requirements. Questioned Costs – Unknown. Context – A sample of two purchases were tested from a population of eleven transactions subject to procurement requirements, representing $606,467 in federal expenditures. The sample was not, and is not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the two purchases tested, neither transaction, totaling $211,018, was documented in accordance with Federal procurement requirements. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – The Organization should revise its Procurement Policy to reflect the purchase types included in 2 CFR 200.320 and 2 CFR 180. Finance department staff should be trained on the revised policy and procedure with a system of internal controls developed to improve compliance.
Finding 2024-003: Significant Deficiency - Internal Control Over Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Program Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Federal Agency U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistance Listing Number 10.760 Repeat of Prior Year Finding 2023-003 Criteria: For federal awards after January 1, 2018, guidance provided in 2 CFR part 200.318 requires nonfederal entities to establish and follow their own documented procurement procedures that conform to applicable federal law and standards. 2 CFR part 200.320 includes different allowable methods of procurement. There are also requirements to verify the vendors are not suspended or debarred. Condition/Context: During our testing for this program in the prior year, we noted that the City did not have a written procurement policy to conform with Uniform Guidance requirements. The City contracted with a third-party administrator who provided the services related to procurement for this grant program. No additional contracts were procured with federal funds in 2024. Cause: The City was made aware of the requirement of requiring a procurement policy but has not implemented a policy at this time. Effect: Without an adequate policy in place, procurement procedures may not adhere to requirements of federal awards. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendation: Program personnel should become familiar with the procurement, suspension and debarment rules for Federal programs and implement a formal written policy to conform with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and will make efforts to implement a formal procurement policy.
2024-004 – Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP0135 – 2021 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Administration Pass-Through Number(s): ARPA-NIF-072 Award Period: March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement state that if the small purchases method is used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The City should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with those provisions. Condition: The City did not follow controls related to ensuring procurement policies were followed. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing, it was noted on one of the two items tested that the City was not following the requirements under the adopted procurement policies. Cause: The City did not follow the requirements under the adopted procurement policies. Effect: The County is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Contracts for construction, non- construction related procurements, and those over the simplified acquisition threshold may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year. Prior year finding number was 2023-004. Recommendation: We recommend the City design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to review potential contractors to determine they are not suspended or debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024-004 – Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP0135 – 2021 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Administration Pass-Through Number(s): ARPA-NIF-072 Award Period: March 3, 2021 through December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement state that if the small purchases method is used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The City should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with those provisions. Condition: The City did not follow controls related to ensuring procurement policies were followed. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing, it was noted on one of the two items tested that the City was not following the requirements under the adopted procurement policies. Cause: The City did not follow the requirements under the adopted procurement policies. Effect: The County is not in compliance with procurement requirements. Contracts for construction, non- construction related procurements, and those over the simplified acquisition threshold may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year. Prior year finding number was 2023-004. Recommendation: We recommend the City design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to review potential contractors to determine they are not suspended or debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding No. 2024-003 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency Federal Program Name: Capitalization Grants for Drinking Water State Revolving Funds Assistance Listing Number: 66.468 Federal Award Notification Number and Year: 4896-13 - 2024 Award Period: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 Compliance Requirement Affected: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement state that when a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: During our testing, we noted the Village did not have adequate internal controls designed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing, it was noted that the Village was not reviewing vendors prior to entering into a contract with a vendor to ensure the vendor was not on the suspended or debarred vendor list maintained by the General Services Administration. Cause: The Village does not have controls related to ensuring suspension and debarment are verified prior to entering into contract with vendors. Effect: The auditor noted no instances noncompliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment; however, the lack of internal ocntrols over these compliance requirements provides an opportunity for noncompliance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Village evaluate its existing policies and procedures to determine where additional enhancements should be made or new policies created. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.
Federal Program AL# 93.526 - Health Center Infrastructure Support - Significant Deficiency in internal control over federal award program and Noncompliance - Procurement Criteria - According to the Center’s procurement policy they will adhere to the procurement standards and requirements of 45 CFR Part 75, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards” Condition - During our testing of procurement transactions, we noted that the Center did not follow the Small Purchase Procedures or the Simplified Acquisition Method as required for procurements within the applicable threshold established in its own procurement policy. Specifically, transactions falling within this cost range were processed without the appropriate level of competition or documentation required under the Center’s procedures and 2 CFR § 200.320(b). Questioned Costs - 562735 Context- During our testing of procurement transactions, the Center did not provide adequate documentation to demonstrate that proper procurement procedures were followed in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320. Specifically, the documentation provided did not clearly support the method of procurement used, nor did it include evidence of efforts to ensure full and open competition, justification for non-competitive purchases, or verification of cost or price reasonableness where applicable. As a result, we were unable to verify compliance with the federal procurement standards required for recipients of federal awards. Potential Effect - As a result of not following the prescribed procurement procedures, the Center increases the risk of noncompliance with federal regulations, specifically 2 CFR § 200.320. This may lead to unallowable costs being charged to the federal program, reduced assurance that goods and services were procured at fair and reasonable prices, and potential disallowance of expenditures during a federal review or audit. Additionally, failure to maintain appropriate procurement documentation may impair transparency and weaken internal controls over federal funds. Cause - The personnel responsible for procurement did not adhere to the Center’s established procurement procedures. Instead of evaluating purchases based on their aggregate cost, as required by both internal policy and federal guideline, they assessed each transaction individually. This practice resulted in the improper application of procurement methods for transactions that cumulatively exceeded the applicable thresholds. Recommendation - We recommend that management reinforce adherence to the Center’s procurement policy by providing periodic training to all staff involved in the purchasing process, with a focus on the appropriate application of procurement methods in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320. Additionally, management should implement a formal review and oversight mechanism to ensure that all procurement transactions exceeding established thresholds are properly evaluated on an aggregate basis, fully documented, and compliant with both internal policies and federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management concurs with the finding. The Center acknowledges that procurement activities were evaluated on a per-transaction basis rather than in aggregate, as required under both its internal procurement policy and 2 CFR § 200.320. To address this issue, the Center will conduct training for all relevant staff on the proper application of procurement thresholds and documentation requirements.
Reference Number: 2024-001 Program Name: 14.267 Continuum of Care Description: Procurement Criteria: 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement state that if the small purchases method is used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (at least 2). The Organization’s procurement policy also states that purchases ranging from $2,500-$24,999 require a minimum of three written bids. Condition: During our testing of procurement transactions, we sampled two purchases over $2,500 and neither of them had price quotes as required by the Organization’s procurement policy. Questioned Costs: Immaterial. Cause: The Organization did not follow their Federal Funds Procurement policy related to the appropriate methods of procurement. Effect: Obtaining price quotes or proposals from an adequate number of vendors allows the Organization to use federal funds in the most fiscally responsible way. The lack of quotes and proposals may cause the Organization to overpay for supplies or services. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is not repeat finding. Auditors’ Recommendation: We recommend the Organization review their procurement policy and either amend it to coincide with increased thresholds or adhere to current policy. Views of Responsible Officials: See attachment for the Organization’s corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement Information on the Federal Programs: 93.421 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, paragraph 318 “General Procurement Standards” states that the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards. Furthermore, paragraph 319 “Competition” states that all procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with these standards. Condition: We noted that BCHC does not have a written procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200. We also noted that although certain vendors were included in award proposals by BCHC, full and open competition was not documented for certain purchases using Federal funds. Cause: BCHC does not have a procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and is therefore not following the procedures required within 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: BCHC could incur disallowed costs for not properly procuring goods and services. Questioned Costs: $200,000 Context: BCHC is at risk of entering into contracts for goods or services under Federal awards that were not adequately procured based on the regulations in the Uniform Guidance and the awarding agency or pass-through entity could disallow the costs paid for the goods or services. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend that BCHC develop and implement a formal procurement policy that complies with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.317–200.327), specifically addressing requirements for full and open competition, documentation of procurement procedures, and selection criteria for vendors. The policy should establish thresholds for the different procurement methods (e.g., micro-purchases, small purchases, sealed bids, competitive proposals, and noncompetitive proposals) and clearly outline the circumstances under which non-competitive procurement is permissible. These exceptions include sole source availability, public exigency or emergency, explicit authorization by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, or inadequate competition despite solicitation efforts should be defined in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320(c). Additionally, the policy should require that all purchases using Federal funds are supported by appropriate documentation of the procurement process and justification for the selected method.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement Information on the Federal Programs: 93.421 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, paragraph 318 “General Procurement Standards” states that the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards. Furthermore, paragraph 319 “Competition” states that all procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with these standards. Condition: We noted that BCHC does not have a written procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200. We also noted that although certain vendors were included in award proposals by BCHC, full and open competition was not documented for certain purchases using Federal funds. Cause: BCHC does not have a procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and is therefore not following the procedures required within 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: BCHC could incur disallowed costs for not properly procuring goods and services. Questioned Costs: $200,000 Context: BCHC is at risk of entering into contracts for goods or services under Federal awards that were not adequately procured based on the regulations in the Uniform Guidance and the awarding agency or pass-through entity could disallow the costs paid for the goods or services. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend that BCHC develop and implement a formal procurement policy that complies with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.317–200.327), specifically addressing requirements for full and open competition, documentation of procurement procedures, and selection criteria for vendors. The policy should establish thresholds for the different procurement methods (e.g., micro-purchases, small purchases, sealed bids, competitive proposals, and noncompetitive proposals) and clearly outline the circumstances under which non-competitive procurement is permissible. These exceptions include sole source availability, public exigency or emergency, explicit authorization by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, or inadequate competition despite solicitation efforts should be defined in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320(c). Additionally, the policy should require that all purchases using Federal funds are supported by appropriate documentation of the procurement process and justification for the selected method.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement Information on the Federal Programs: 93.421 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, paragraph 318 “General Procurement Standards” states that the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards. Furthermore, paragraph 319 “Competition” states that all procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with these standards. Condition: We noted that BCHC does not have a written procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200. We also noted that although certain vendors were included in award proposals by BCHC, full and open competition was not documented for certain purchases using Federal funds. Cause: BCHC does not have a procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and is therefore not following the procedures required within 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: BCHC could incur disallowed costs for not properly procuring goods and services. Questioned Costs: $200,000 Context: BCHC is at risk of entering into contracts for goods or services under Federal awards that were not adequately procured based on the regulations in the Uniform Guidance and the awarding agency or pass-through entity could disallow the costs paid for the goods or services. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend that BCHC develop and implement a formal procurement policy that complies with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.317–200.327), specifically addressing requirements for full and open competition, documentation of procurement procedures, and selection criteria for vendors. The policy should establish thresholds for the different procurement methods (e.g., micro-purchases, small purchases, sealed bids, competitive proposals, and noncompetitive proposals) and clearly outline the circumstances under which non-competitive procurement is permissible. These exceptions include sole source availability, public exigency or emergency, explicit authorization by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, or inadequate competition despite solicitation efforts should be defined in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320(c). Additionally, the policy should require that all purchases using Federal funds are supported by appropriate documentation of the procurement process and justification for the selected method.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement Information on the Federal Programs: 93.421 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, paragraph 318 “General Procurement Standards” states that the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards. Furthermore, paragraph 319 “Competition” states that all procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with these standards. Condition: We noted that BCHC does not have a written procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200. We also noted that although certain vendors were included in award proposals by BCHC, full and open competition was not documented for certain purchases using Federal funds. Cause: BCHC does not have a procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and is therefore not following the procedures required within 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: BCHC could incur disallowed costs for not properly procuring goods and services. Questioned Costs: $200,000 Context: BCHC is at risk of entering into contracts for goods or services under Federal awards that were not adequately procured based on the regulations in the Uniform Guidance and the awarding agency or pass-through entity could disallow the costs paid for the goods or services. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend that BCHC develop and implement a formal procurement policy that complies with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.317–200.327), specifically addressing requirements for full and open competition, documentation of procurement procedures, and selection criteria for vendors. The policy should establish thresholds for the different procurement methods (e.g., micro-purchases, small purchases, sealed bids, competitive proposals, and noncompetitive proposals) and clearly outline the circumstances under which non-competitive procurement is permissible. These exceptions include sole source availability, public exigency or emergency, explicit authorization by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, or inadequate competition despite solicitation efforts should be defined in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320(c). Additionally, the policy should require that all purchases using Federal funds are supported by appropriate documentation of the procurement process and justification for the selected method.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement Information on the Federal Programs: 93.421 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, paragraph 318 “General Procurement Standards” states that the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards. Furthermore, paragraph 319 “Competition” states that all procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with these standards. Condition: We noted that BCHC does not have a written procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200. We also noted that although certain vendors were included in award proposals by BCHC, full and open competition was not documented for certain purchases using Federal funds. Cause: BCHC does not have a procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and is therefore not following the procedures required within 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: BCHC could incur disallowed costs for not properly procuring goods and services. Questioned Costs: $200,000 Context: BCHC is at risk of entering into contracts for goods or services under Federal awards that were not adequately procured based on the regulations in the Uniform Guidance and the awarding agency or pass-through entity could disallow the costs paid for the goods or services. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend that BCHC develop and implement a formal procurement policy that complies with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.317–200.327), specifically addressing requirements for full and open competition, documentation of procurement procedures, and selection criteria for vendors. The policy should establish thresholds for the different procurement methods (e.g., micro-purchases, small purchases, sealed bids, competitive proposals, and noncompetitive proposals) and clearly outline the circumstances under which non-competitive procurement is permissible. These exceptions include sole source availability, public exigency or emergency, explicit authorization by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, or inadequate competition despite solicitation efforts should be defined in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320(c). Additionally, the policy should require that all purchases using Federal funds are supported by appropriate documentation of the procurement process and justification for the selected method.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement Information on the Federal Programs: 93.421 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, paragraph 318 “General Procurement Standards” states that the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards. Furthermore, paragraph 319 “Competition” states that all procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with these standards. Condition: We noted that BCHC does not have a written procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200. We also noted that although certain vendors were included in award proposals by BCHC, full and open competition was not documented for certain purchases using Federal funds. Cause: BCHC does not have a procurement policy in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and is therefore not following the procedures required within 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: BCHC could incur disallowed costs for not properly procuring goods and services. Questioned Costs: $200,000 Context: BCHC is at risk of entering into contracts for goods or services under Federal awards that were not adequately procured based on the regulations in the Uniform Guidance and the awarding agency or pass-through entity could disallow the costs paid for the goods or services. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend that BCHC develop and implement a formal procurement policy that complies with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.317–200.327), specifically addressing requirements for full and open competition, documentation of procurement procedures, and selection criteria for vendors. The policy should establish thresholds for the different procurement methods (e.g., micro-purchases, small purchases, sealed bids, competitive proposals, and noncompetitive proposals) and clearly outline the circumstances under which non-competitive procurement is permissible. These exceptions include sole source availability, public exigency or emergency, explicit authorization by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, or inadequate competition despite solicitation efforts should be defined in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.320(c). Additionally, the policy should require that all purchases using Federal funds are supported by appropriate documentation of the procurement process and justification for the selected method.
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Under 2 CFR §200.320(a), micro-purchase procedures may be used for procurements up to the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000). Purchases must be distributed equitably among qualified suppliers when practical, and the price must be reasonable. Entities must follow their internal controls and maintain documentation supporting the rationale for the purchase and vendor selection. Conditions – Bids for some vendors was not performed. Context – During our testing of procurement, we sampled nine expenditures. Of the nine selections three selections did not have required bids. Cause – The Association lacks formal procedures to ensure micro-purchase requirements are met, and staff were not aware of the requirement to document price reasonableness or distribute purchases equitably among vendors. Effect – Higher than necessary costs may be have expensed.Recommendation – We recommend that management revise policies to ensure proper vendor compliance in the future. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – Procurement Policy was updated and documentation will be maintained to support vendor verification in the future.
Finding 2024-002 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Grantor: United States Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing No.: 93.817 Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Ebola Preparedness and Response Activities Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation): 2 CFR 200.303 requires that the non-Federal entity must “(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the comptroller General of the United States and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320 (a)(2) states regarding the applicability of simplified acquisition procedures: “The aggregate dollar amount of the procurement transaction is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If simplified acquisition procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. Unless specified by the Federal agency, the recipient or subrecipient may exercise judgment in determining what number is adequate. “ Section V.A.1.a.ii of the procurement policy of Fairview Health Services requires that for procurements by small purchase ($10,000–$249,000), where the aggregate dollar amount is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, price or rate quotations must be obtained from three qualified sources. If three separate qualified sources cannot be obtained the reason needs to be formally documented. Condition: For one procurement transaction tested, we noted that Fairview Health Services did not complete a sole-source justification form timely to support the vendor that was selected. Cause: Management does not have sufficient internal controls in place to ensure that Fairview Health Services’ procurement policies are followed for all procurement transactions prior to entering the procurement. Effect or potential effect: Fairview Health Services entered into a procurement that did not go through a competitive solicitation process. Questioned costs: None Context: Total Federal expenditures subject to procurement for HPP were $616,107 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Total expenditures related to the procurement at issue were $29,041. Total Federal expenditures were $1,656,727 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: The finding is not a repeat finding from the prior year. Recommendation: Management should review its policies and procedures to ensure all procurement transactions are in accordance with Fairview Health Services’ procurement policies and have the appropriate supporting documentation. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a plan to correct the finding. Fairview updated its internal control processes to better retain and document sole source procurement justification before entering vendor agreements. A standard form for sole source justification will be implemented to enhance documentation.
Finding 2024-003 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Identification of the federal program: Federal Grantor: United States Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing No.: 93.817 Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Ebola Preparedness and Response Activities Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation): 2 CFR 200.303 requires that the non-Federal entity must “(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the comptroller General of the United States and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320 (a)(2) states regarding the applicability of simplified acquisition procedures: “The aggregate dollar amount of the procurement transaction is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If simplified acquisition procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. Unless specified by the Federal agency, the recipient or subrecipient may exercise judgment in determining what number is adequate. “ Section V.A.1.a.ii of the procurement policy of Fairview Health Services requires that for procurements by small purchase ($10,000-$249,000), where the aggregate dollar amount is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, price or rate quotations must be obtained from three qualified sources. If three separate qualified sources cannot be obtained the reason needs to be formally documented. Condition: The data used in evaluating the vendors for suspension and debarment was not reviewed and approved. Cause: Management does not have internal controls in place to require the review and approval of the data used in evaluation of vendors for suspension and debarment. Effect or potential effect: Suspension and debarment results may not be accurate. As a result, federal funds may be used to pay a contractor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None Context: Total Federal expenditures subject to suspension and debarment were $947,686, representing 57% of total federal expenditures of $1,656,727 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: The finding is not a repeat finding from the prior year. Recommendation: Management should implement internal controls over the review and approval of the data used in suspension and debarment analysis. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a plan to correct the finding. Starting June 2025, the monthly suspension and debarment file will be reviewed. A signed statement confirming its accuracy will be included post-review. The accounts payable standard work document will be updated accordingly.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Programs: Research and Development Cluster Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, states that 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. Furthermore: §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, states that procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when certain requirements have been met. Additionally, §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) checking SAM Exclusions; (b) collecting a certification from that person; (c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: During our audit, we noted that while FASEB has formal procurement policies under §200.318(i) and §200.320(f), it did not provide sufficient records detailing the procurement history or justification for noncompetitive selections in our sample. Additionally, FASEB lacks formal policies on suspension and debarment, and SAM exclusion screening documentation was not provided for the sampled contracts and vendors. Cause: FASEB’s procedures did not provide for the formalization and retention of procurement records and vendor screenings consistent with the expectations outlined in 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: Purchases of goods and services could be made above the prevailing market rates if the prescribed procurement procedures are not adhered to. Finally, FASEB could inadvertently enter into a contractual relationship with an entity that is suspended, debarred or otherwise included on the US Federal sanction list. Questioned Costs: N/A. Context: Our audit work in this area consisted of internal control testwork over a random sample of expenditures. We consider our samples to be representative of the respective populations, and thus, are statistically valid samples. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: N/A Recommendation: We then recommend that FASEB develop and adhere to formal policies (as applicable) related to § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, as well as §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award. All procurement actions and SAM exclusion screenings should be clearly documented in writing and maintained in the vendor or contractor files.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Programs: Research and Development Cluster Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, states that 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. Furthermore: §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, states that procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when certain requirements have been met. Additionally, §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) checking SAM Exclusions; (b) collecting a certification from that person; (c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: During our audit, we noted that while FASEB has formal procurement policies under §200.318(i) and §200.320(f), it did not provide sufficient records detailing the procurement history or justification for noncompetitive selections in our sample. Additionally, FASEB lacks formal policies on suspension and debarment, and SAM exclusion screening documentation was not provided for the sampled contracts and vendors. Cause: FASEB’s procedures did not provide for the formalization and retention of procurement records and vendor screenings consistent with the expectations outlined in 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: Purchases of goods and services could be made above the prevailing market rates if the prescribed procurement procedures are not adhered to. Finally, FASEB could inadvertently enter into a contractual relationship with an entity that is suspended, debarred or otherwise included on the US Federal sanction list. Questioned Costs: N/A. Context: Our audit work in this area consisted of internal control testwork over a random sample of expenditures. We consider our samples to be representative of the respective populations, and thus, are statistically valid samples. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: N/A Recommendation: We then recommend that FASEB develop and adhere to formal policies (as applicable) related to § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, as well as §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award. All procurement actions and SAM exclusion screenings should be clearly documented in writing and maintained in the vendor or contractor files.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Programs: Research and Development Cluster Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, states that 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. Furthermore: §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, states that procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when certain requirements have been met. Additionally, §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) checking SAM Exclusions; (b) collecting a certification from that person; (c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: During our audit, we noted that while FASEB has formal procurement policies under §200.318(i) and §200.320(f), it did not provide sufficient records detailing the procurement history or justification for noncompetitive selections in our sample. Additionally, FASEB lacks formal policies on suspension and debarment, and SAM exclusion screening documentation was not provided for the sampled contracts and vendors. Cause: FASEB’s procedures did not provide for the formalization and retention of procurement records and vendor screenings consistent with the expectations outlined in 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: Purchases of goods and services could be made above the prevailing market rates if the prescribed procurement procedures are not adhered to. Finally, FASEB could inadvertently enter into a contractual relationship with an entity that is suspended, debarred or otherwise included on the US Federal sanction list. Questioned Costs: N/A. Context: Our audit work in this area consisted of internal control testwork over a random sample of expenditures. We consider our samples to be representative of the respective populations, and thus, are statistically valid samples. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: N/A Recommendation: We then recommend that FASEB develop and adhere to formal policies (as applicable) related to § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, as well as §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award. All procurement actions and SAM exclusion screenings should be clearly documented in writing and maintained in the vendor or contractor files.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Programs: Research and Development Cluster Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, states that 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. Furthermore: §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, states that procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when certain requirements have been met. Additionally, §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) checking SAM Exclusions; (b) collecting a certification from that person; (c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: During our audit, we noted that while FASEB has formal procurement policies under §200.318(i) and §200.320(f), it did not provide sufficient records detailing the procurement history or justification for noncompetitive selections in our sample. Additionally, FASEB lacks formal policies on suspension and debarment, and SAM exclusion screening documentation was not provided for the sampled contracts and vendors. Cause: FASEB’s procedures did not provide for the formalization and retention of procurement records and vendor screenings consistent with the expectations outlined in 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: Purchases of goods and services could be made above the prevailing market rates if the prescribed procurement procedures are not adhered to. Finally, FASEB could inadvertently enter into a contractual relationship with an entity that is suspended, debarred or otherwise included on the US Federal sanction list. Questioned Costs: N/A. Context: Our audit work in this area consisted of internal control testwork over a random sample of expenditures. We consider our samples to be representative of the respective populations, and thus, are statistically valid samples. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: N/A Recommendation: We then recommend that FASEB develop and adhere to formal policies (as applicable) related to § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, as well as §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award. All procurement actions and SAM exclusion screenings should be clearly documented in writing and maintained in the vendor or contractor files.
Finding 2024-001 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Programs: Research and Development Cluster Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, states that 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. Furthermore: §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, states that procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when certain requirements have been met. Additionally, §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) checking SAM Exclusions; (b) collecting a certification from that person; (c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: During our audit, we noted that while FASEB has formal procurement policies under §200.318(i) and §200.320(f), it did not provide sufficient records detailing the procurement history or justification for noncompetitive selections in our sample. Additionally, FASEB lacks formal policies on suspension and debarment, and SAM exclusion screening documentation was not provided for the sampled contracts and vendors. Cause: FASEB’s procedures did not provide for the formalization and retention of procurement records and vendor screenings consistent with the expectations outlined in 2 CFR 200. Effect or Potential Effect: Purchases of goods and services could be made above the prevailing market rates if the prescribed procurement procedures are not adhered to. Finally, FASEB could inadvertently enter into a contractual relationship with an entity that is suspended, debarred or otherwise included on the US Federal sanction list. Questioned Costs: N/A. Context: Our audit work in this area consisted of internal control testwork over a random sample of expenditures. We consider our samples to be representative of the respective populations, and thus, are statistically valid samples. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: N/A Recommendation: We then recommend that FASEB develop and adhere to formal policies (as applicable) related to § 200.318 (i) General procurement standards, §200.320 (f) Methods of procurement to be followed, as well as §200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award. All procurement actions and SAM exclusion screenings should be clearly documented in writing and maintained in the vendor or contractor files.