Findings Citing § 200.321

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: 1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA); 2) collecting a certification from the entity; or 3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Also, ?200.318 - ?200.321 requires that all procurement transactions be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of the section. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be utilized if the item is available only from a single source, however efforts must be made and the process fully documented in order to conclude that the use of a sole source procurement is appropriate. Condition: The School did not retain formal documentation of its testing and controls to ensure that all vendors over the $25,000 contract threshold on a School-wide basis were not suspended or debarred prior to awarding the related contracts. Also, it was noted during procurement testing that the use of a sole source procurement method was not properly documented in accordance with requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs: $579,955 was paid to the three applicable vendors. Context: The suspension and debarment compliance issue was noted with 2 of the 3 contracts tested. For procurement compliance, 3 of the 8 items tested did not have the proper documentation. Cause: It was corroborated with School staff that SAM.gov is checked before entering into any federally funded contracts, as part of the School?s standard procedures, but they did not retain any formal documentation of the completion of that process, as the School was unaware of the requirement to document all of its suspension and debarment checks. For the procurement portion of the finding, the School had challenges with regards to the availability of products and supply chain, and was not aware of the specific requirements of the documentation when utilizing the sole source procurement method. Effect: The School was not in compliance with documentation requirements of the uniform guidance with regards to procurements and suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School reviews its related policies and procedures to ensure it is retaining documentation showing that the School crosschecked the vendors with procurements over the threshold of $25,000 at the time of procurement, which could be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). It is also recommended that the School puts in place the proper procedures for sufficiently documenting all procurements and methodology used. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: 1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA); 2) collecting a certification from the entity; or 3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Also, ?200.318 - ?200.321 requires that all procurement transactions be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of the section. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be utilized if the item is available only from a single source, however efforts must be made and the process fully documented in order to conclude that the use of a sole source procurement is appropriate. Condition: The School did not retain formal documentation of its testing and controls to ensure that all vendors over the $25,000 contract threshold on a School-wide basis were not suspended or debarred prior to awarding the related contracts. Also, it was noted during procurement testing that the use of a sole source procurement method was not properly documented in accordance with requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs: $579,955 was paid to the three applicable vendors. Context: The suspension and debarment compliance issue was noted with 2 of the 3 contracts tested. For procurement compliance, 3 of the 8 items tested did not have the proper documentation. Cause: It was corroborated with School staff that SAM.gov is checked before entering into any federally funded contracts, as part of the School?s standard procedures, but they did not retain any formal documentation of the completion of that process, as the School was unaware of the requirement to document all of its suspension and debarment checks. For the procurement portion of the finding, the School had challenges with regards to the availability of products and supply chain, and was not aware of the specific requirements of the documentation when utilizing the sole source procurement method. Effect: The School was not in compliance with documentation requirements of the uniform guidance with regards to procurements and suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School reviews its related policies and procedures to ensure it is retaining documentation showing that the School crosschecked the vendors with procurements over the threshold of $25,000 at the time of procurement, which could be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). It is also recommended that the School puts in place the proper procedures for sufficiently documenting all procurements and methodology used. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: 1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA); 2) collecting a certification from the entity; or 3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Also, ?200.318 - ?200.321 requires that all procurement transactions be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of the section. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be utilized if the item is available only from a single source, however efforts must be made and the process fully documented in order to conclude that the use of a sole source procurement is appropriate. Condition: The School did not retain formal documentation of its testing and controls to ensure that all vendors over the $25,000 contract threshold on a School-wide basis were not suspended or debarred prior to awarding the related contracts. Also, it was noted during procurement testing that the use of a sole source procurement method was not properly documented in accordance with requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs: $579,955 was paid to the three applicable vendors. Context: The suspension and debarment compliance issue was noted with 2 of the 3 contracts tested. For procurement compliance, 3 of the 8 items tested did not have the proper documentation. Cause: It was corroborated with School staff that SAM.gov is checked before entering into any federally funded contracts, as part of the School?s standard procedures, but they did not retain any formal documentation of the completion of that process, as the School was unaware of the requirement to document all of its suspension and debarment checks. For the procurement portion of the finding, the School had challenges with regards to the availability of products and supply chain, and was not aware of the specific requirements of the documentation when utilizing the sole source procurement method. Effect: The School was not in compliance with documentation requirements of the uniform guidance with regards to procurements and suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School reviews its related policies and procedures to ensure it is retaining documentation showing that the School crosschecked the vendors with procurements over the threshold of $25,000 at the time of procurement, which could be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). It is also recommended that the School puts in place the proper procedures for sufficiently documenting all procurements and methodology used. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing: 21.027 Program Name: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Instance of Non-compliance Criteria: General procurement standards 2 CFR 200.318 require the non-Federal entity to 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 standards identified in this part. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR sections 200.317 through 200.326. Prior to entering into subawards and contracts with award funds, recipients must verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 2 CFR section 200.214. Condition: The following required procurement standards were not addressed in the City's policy: ? Conflict of interest, including disciplinary actions for failure to adhere (2 CFR 200.318) ? Avoid acquisition of duplicative items (2 CFR 200.318) ? Cost effective purchasing (2 CFR 200.318) ? Document retention (2 CFR 200.318) ? Provisions to ensure all solicitations (2 CFR 200.319): Incorporate clear and accurate descriptions of technical requirements, do not restrict competition, and identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and factors used in evaluation ? Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program (2 CFR 200.321) ? Recovered materials, if subject to EPA requirements (2 CFR 200.322) ? Contract price/types (2 CFR 200.323) ? Bonding requirements (2 CFR 200.325) ? Contract provisions (2 CFR 200.326) Additionally, we identified 3 instances in which the City did not verify the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded before entering into a covered transaction rather, verification was performed after entering into the transaction. The City asserted that they verified the vendors were not suspended or debarred; however, no documentation of the procedure being performed prior to entering into the transaction was presented. Cause: The City?s did not ensure it?s written procedures identified all of the required federal procurement standards. Additionally, the City?s controls did not ensure the check for suspension and debarment was performed and documented prior to entering into covered transactions. Effect: The City?s documented procurement procedures do not conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR sections 200. 318, 200.319, and 200.321 through 200.326. Additionally, the City did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.214. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: The condition noted above was identified during our procedures related to procurement, suspension, and debarment. A non-statistical sample of 4 expenditures out of a population of 12 vendors were selected for testing as a whole. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: We recommend the City modify and strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure that the required Uniform Guidance standards are addressed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees. See separately issued Corrective Action Plan.

Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 84.425F, 84.425M, 84.425N; U.S. Department of Education; HEERF Institutional Portion, HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), HEERF Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant. Federal Award Identification Number and Year - P425F204736, P425M201046-20A , P425N200748 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Significant deficiency Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.318 - The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - The Corporation's procurement procedures does not fully conform to the procurements standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - During testing we did not identify any instances of noncompliance related to procurement. However, during the review of the policies we discovered the following provisions of the standards were not in conformity with Uniform Guidance: * ? 200.318 - general procurement standard: the policy excluded a written standard of conduct covering conflicts of interest, including organizational conflicts of interest * ? 200.320 - methods of procurement: the policy does not appear to conform to the standards specific to non-construction purchases in excess of the small acquisition threshold * ?? 200.321 - 300.326 are not addressed in the policies Cause and Effect - Controls in place did not ensure the procurement policies and procedures conformed to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. The lack of controls could result in acquisition of property or services that does not provide full and open competition and could result in disallowed costs. Recommendation - The Corporation should review the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327 to identify policy deficiencies and work to establish policy that will confirm to the standards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management concurs with the finding and will be conducting a thorough review of the current policies to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, as well as providing additional training and education to those responsible for procurement.

Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 84.425F, 84.425M, 84.425N; U.S. Department of Education; HEERF Institutional Portion, HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), HEERF Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant. Federal Award Identification Number and Year - P425F204736, P425M201046-20A , P425N200748 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Significant deficiency Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.318 - The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - The Corporation's procurement procedures does not fully conform to the procurements standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - During testing we did not identify any instances of noncompliance related to procurement. However, during the review of the policies we discovered the following provisions of the standards were not in conformity with Uniform Guidance: * ? 200.318 - general procurement standard: the policy excluded a written standard of conduct covering conflicts of interest, including organizational conflicts of interest * ? 200.320 - methods of procurement: the policy does not appear to conform to the standards specific to non-construction purchases in excess of the small acquisition threshold * ?? 200.321 - 300.326 are not addressed in the policies Cause and Effect - Controls in place did not ensure the procurement policies and procedures conformed to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. The lack of controls could result in acquisition of property or services that does not provide full and open competition and could result in disallowed costs. Recommendation - The Corporation should review the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327 to identify policy deficiencies and work to establish policy that will confirm to the standards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management concurs with the finding and will be conducting a thorough review of the current policies to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, as well as providing additional training and education to those responsible for procurement.

Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 84.425F, 84.425M, 84.425N; U.S. Department of Education; HEERF Institutional Portion, HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), HEERF Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant. Federal Award Identification Number and Year - P425F204736, P425M201046-20A , P425N200748 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Significant deficiency Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.318 - The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - The Corporation's procurement procedures does not fully conform to the procurements standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - During testing we did not identify any instances of noncompliance related to procurement. However, during the review of the policies we discovered the following provisions of the standards were not in conformity with Uniform Guidance: * ? 200.318 - general procurement standard: the policy excluded a written standard of conduct covering conflicts of interest, including organizational conflicts of interest * ? 200.320 - methods of procurement: the policy does not appear to conform to the standards specific to non-construction purchases in excess of the small acquisition threshold * ?? 200.321 - 300.326 are not addressed in the policies Cause and Effect - Controls in place did not ensure the procurement policies and procedures conformed to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. The lack of controls could result in acquisition of property or services that does not provide full and open competition and could result in disallowed costs. Recommendation - The Corporation should review the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327 to identify policy deficiencies and work to establish policy that will confirm to the standards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management concurs with the finding and will be conducting a thorough review of the current policies to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, as well as providing additional training and education to those responsible for procurement.

During our review of the procurements selected we noted that 3 out of 3 did not have clauses that indicated that contractor needed to take affirmative steps listed in 2 CFR 200.321 paragraphs (b)(1) through (5). During our review of the contracts selected for testing we noted that 3 out of 3 did not have an equal opportunity clause included, were not verified as to being suspended or debarred, and did not have the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment certification

CONDITION: In connection with the Cambria Heights School District’s RTU Replacement Project, the District did not take affirmative action steps to ensure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms were used, when possible, in the procurement process. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must take all necessary affirmative action steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. Section 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance outlines the six (6) affirmative steps to follow. CAUSE: School District personnel stated that these businesses are considered but recognized that no affirmative action steps are currently employed to solicit these businesses. EFFECT: The Cambria Heights School District did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to required affirmative action steps to be employed in the procurement process. QUESTIONED COST: Hranec Sheet Metal, Inc. - $157,725, Westmoreland Electric Services – $20,837. RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District implement, as a matter of policy, the six (6) affirmative action steps as stated Section 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.

Finding 2022-011 - Noncompliance Over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds PASS THROUGH GRANTOR: Direct Grant FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Department of Treasury ASSISTANCE LISTING: 21.027 FEDERAL PROGRAM NAME: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER: SLFRP3720 FEDERAL AWARD YEAR: 2022 CONTROL CATEGORY: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment QUESTIONED COSTS: $203,000 Condition: During our review of the disbursement data from Muskogee County regarding procurement and suspension and debarment as per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327, we identified the following: • One (1) ambulance was purchased in the amount of $203,000 for the Muskogee County EMS. There were no bids or quotes provide by the County or found in the BOCC meeting minutes supporting expenditure documentation. • There were six (6) vendors, in which the County did not check the www.SAM.gov website to review if the vendor had been suspended or debarred for those disbursements that warranted a bid, on the 6-month bid list, or received quotes. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure compliance of expenditures for all federal awards. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance to grant requirements and could lead to a loss of federal funds to the County. Recommendation: OSAI recommends county officials and department heads gain an understanding of federal programs awarded to Muskogee County. Internal control procedures should be designed and implemented to ensure accurate procurement and suspension and debarment and to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: Muskogee County has hired an internal grant administrator to assist in keeping the county compliant with all local, state, and federal requirements. Efforts will be made going forward to ensure that all grant funds are properly expended. This includes that all expenditures are properly documented and that all vendors are federally eligible to perform services. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.317 through 200.327 General Procurement Standards reads as follows: When procuring property and services under a Federal award, a State must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will comply with §§ 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by § 200.327. All other non-Federal entities, including subrecipients of a State, must follow the procurement standards in §§ 200.318 through 200.327. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. (b) Non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders. 2 CFR 180.700 – 180.760 Suspension and 2 CFR 180.800 – 180.885 Debarment Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making 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.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table 2022-004: Procurement (Significant Deficiency) Criteria: The Authority must design internal controls to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Per 2 CFR 200.317, when procuring property and services under a Federal award, a State must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will comply with Sections 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contact includes any clauses required by Section 200.327. State means any state of the United States and any instrumentality thereof, which would include the Authority. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-102 requires that all recipients establish written procurement procedures. Condition/context: During the completion of the fiscal year 2021 audit, it was identified that the Authority did not have an internal control system in place to evaluate purchase requests for compliance with procurement requirements. In January 2022, the Authority rectified the deficiency and established a control system. However, proper controls were not in place for the first six months of the fiscal year under audit. For three out of seven vendors selected for testing with purchases greater than the Authority?s $10,000 procurement threshold, we determined that the Authority had failed to properly document the procurement of goods and services as required by 2 CFR 200.317 and OMB Circular A-102. However, per our conversations with Authority personnel, each of the three purchases met a requirement for noncompetitive (sole source) procurement as provided for under Section 200.320 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Authority was not aware of the procurement requirements and had not documented its reasons for noncompetitive procurement. Effect: If an entity fails to comply with Federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions. If the Federal awarding agency determines that noncompliance cannot be remedied by imposing additional conditions, the Federal awarding agency may take one or more of the following actions, as appropriate in the circumstances: (a) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the non-Federal entity or more severe enforcement action by the Federal awarding agency. (b) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and any applicable matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance. (c) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the Federal award. (d) Initiate suspension or debarment proceedings. (e) Withhold further Federal awards for the project or program. (f) Take other remedies that may be legally available. Questioned costs: $0 Identification as a repeat finding: Yes; see prior-year finding 2021-002. Recommendation: As the Authority has implemented a control system that evaluates all purchase requests for goods and services for compliance with the Federal procurement requirements, we recommend continued compliance with the established control system. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Finding 2022-003 ? Procurement. (ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies; ALN 84.425D ESSER I, ALN 84.425D ESSER II, ALN 84.425U ARP ESSER; ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants; and ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment programs) CRITERIA: 2 CFR 200.318 (i) states that a non-federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that when the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for the 2021-2022 year), formal procurement methods are required and may include sealed bids and/or proposals. Formal procurement methods require documenting procedures. Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. The non-federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319 or paragraph ? of 2 CFR 200.320. 2 CFR 200.321 states that the non-federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations outlined in 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. CONDITION: During our testing of nonpayroll expenditures, we noted 24 purchase orders issued under a formal request for proposal (RFP) process used to secure instructional consulting services for a three year period to include the 2021-2022 school year. There was no evidence to show that public advertising was used to solicit vendors. Instead, vendors were solicited through email communications. There was no evidence that the district took all necessary steps to assure that minority businesses and women?s business enterprises were used when possible. There was no evidence to support detailed vendor selection or rejection methods. The evaluation process was informal and not documented. There was no evidence to support that vendor suspension or debarment statuses were checked at the time of the informal evaluation of the RFP or at the time purchase orders were issued. Daily consulting rates submitted by the various vendors responding to the RFP were identical rates or nearly identical rates. We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RPF during the 2021-2022 year in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.010 Title I grants to local educational agencies - $396,876.76 ALN 84.425 Elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund (ESSER) - $266,686.62 We noted instructional consulting expenditures awarded under the RFP during the 2021-2022 year that were under the simplified acquisition threshold as follows: ALN 84.367 Supporting effective instruction ? state grants - $102,171.59 ALN 84.424 Student support and academic enrichment program - $7,654.72 CAUSE: Likely there was confusion about the RFP process and the requirements inherent in that process. EFFECT: While competition was introduced into the proposal process for procurement of instructional consulting services for the 2021-2022 school year, the process used by the district was highly informal and did not include all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement standards. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the district follow all of the requirements of 2 CFR 200 with respect to federal procurement requirements. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See the school district?s response in the auditee?s corrective action plan in this report.

Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: 1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA); 2) collecting a certification from the entity; or 3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Also, ?200.318 - ?200.321 requires that all procurement transactions be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of the section. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be utilized if the item is available only from a single source, however efforts must be made and the process fully documented in order to conclude that the use of a sole source procurement is appropriate. Condition: The School did not retain formal documentation of its testing and controls to ensure that all vendors over the $25,000 contract threshold on a School-wide basis were not suspended or debarred prior to awarding the related contracts. Also, it was noted during procurement testing that the use of a sole source procurement method was not properly documented in accordance with requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs: $579,955 was paid to the three applicable vendors. Context: The suspension and debarment compliance issue was noted with 2 of the 3 contracts tested. For procurement compliance, 3 of the 8 items tested did not have the proper documentation. Cause: It was corroborated with School staff that SAM.gov is checked before entering into any federally funded contracts, as part of the School?s standard procedures, but they did not retain any formal documentation of the completion of that process, as the School was unaware of the requirement to document all of its suspension and debarment checks. For the procurement portion of the finding, the School had challenges with regards to the availability of products and supply chain, and was not aware of the specific requirements of the documentation when utilizing the sole source procurement method. Effect: The School was not in compliance with documentation requirements of the uniform guidance with regards to procurements and suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School reviews its related policies and procedures to ensure it is retaining documentation showing that the School crosschecked the vendors with procurements over the threshold of $25,000 at the time of procurement, which could be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). It is also recommended that the School puts in place the proper procedures for sufficiently documenting all procurements and methodology used. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: 1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA); 2) collecting a certification from the entity; or 3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Also, ?200.318 - ?200.321 requires that all procurement transactions be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of the section. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be utilized if the item is available only from a single source, however efforts must be made and the process fully documented in order to conclude that the use of a sole source procurement is appropriate. Condition: The School did not retain formal documentation of its testing and controls to ensure that all vendors over the $25,000 contract threshold on a School-wide basis were not suspended or debarred prior to awarding the related contracts. Also, it was noted during procurement testing that the use of a sole source procurement method was not properly documented in accordance with requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs: $579,955 was paid to the three applicable vendors. Context: The suspension and debarment compliance issue was noted with 2 of the 3 contracts tested. For procurement compliance, 3 of the 8 items tested did not have the proper documentation. Cause: It was corroborated with School staff that SAM.gov is checked before entering into any federally funded contracts, as part of the School?s standard procedures, but they did not retain any formal documentation of the completion of that process, as the School was unaware of the requirement to document all of its suspension and debarment checks. For the procurement portion of the finding, the School had challenges with regards to the availability of products and supply chain, and was not aware of the specific requirements of the documentation when utilizing the sole source procurement method. Effect: The School was not in compliance with documentation requirements of the uniform guidance with regards to procurements and suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School reviews its related policies and procedures to ensure it is retaining documentation showing that the School crosschecked the vendors with procurements over the threshold of $25,000 at the time of procurement, which could be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). It is also recommended that the School puts in place the proper procedures for sufficiently documenting all procurements and methodology used. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 212MN061N1199 & 212MN101S9007 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: 1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA); 2) collecting a certification from the entity; or 3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Also, ?200.318 - ?200.321 requires that all procurement transactions be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of the section. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be utilized if the item is available only from a single source, however efforts must be made and the process fully documented in order to conclude that the use of a sole source procurement is appropriate. Condition: The School did not retain formal documentation of its testing and controls to ensure that all vendors over the $25,000 contract threshold on a School-wide basis were not suspended or debarred prior to awarding the related contracts. Also, it was noted during procurement testing that the use of a sole source procurement method was not properly documented in accordance with requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs: $579,955 was paid to the three applicable vendors. Context: The suspension and debarment compliance issue was noted with 2 of the 3 contracts tested. For procurement compliance, 3 of the 8 items tested did not have the proper documentation. Cause: It was corroborated with School staff that SAM.gov is checked before entering into any federally funded contracts, as part of the School?s standard procedures, but they did not retain any formal documentation of the completion of that process, as the School was unaware of the requirement to document all of its suspension and debarment checks. For the procurement portion of the finding, the School had challenges with regards to the availability of products and supply chain, and was not aware of the specific requirements of the documentation when utilizing the sole source procurement method. Effect: The School was not in compliance with documentation requirements of the uniform guidance with regards to procurements and suspension and debarment. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School reviews its related policies and procedures to ensure it is retaining documentation showing that the School crosschecked the vendors with procurements over the threshold of $25,000 at the time of procurement, which could be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). It is also recommended that the School puts in place the proper procedures for sufficiently documenting all procurements and methodology used. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing: 21.027 Program Name: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Instance of Non-compliance Criteria: General procurement standards 2 CFR 200.318 require the non-Federal entity to 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 standards identified in this part. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR sections 200.317 through 200.326. Prior to entering into subawards and contracts with award funds, recipients must verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 2 CFR section 200.214. Condition: The following required procurement standards were not addressed in the City's policy: ? Conflict of interest, including disciplinary actions for failure to adhere (2 CFR 200.318) ? Avoid acquisition of duplicative items (2 CFR 200.318) ? Cost effective purchasing (2 CFR 200.318) ? Document retention (2 CFR 200.318) ? Provisions to ensure all solicitations (2 CFR 200.319): Incorporate clear and accurate descriptions of technical requirements, do not restrict competition, and identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and factors used in evaluation ? Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program (2 CFR 200.321) ? Recovered materials, if subject to EPA requirements (2 CFR 200.322) ? Contract price/types (2 CFR 200.323) ? Bonding requirements (2 CFR 200.325) ? Contract provisions (2 CFR 200.326) Additionally, we identified 3 instances in which the City did not verify the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded before entering into a covered transaction rather, verification was performed after entering into the transaction. The City asserted that they verified the vendors were not suspended or debarred; however, no documentation of the procedure being performed prior to entering into the transaction was presented. Cause: The City?s did not ensure it?s written procedures identified all of the required federal procurement standards. Additionally, the City?s controls did not ensure the check for suspension and debarment was performed and documented prior to entering into covered transactions. Effect: The City?s documented procurement procedures do not conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR sections 200. 318, 200.319, and 200.321 through 200.326. Additionally, the City did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.214. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: The condition noted above was identified during our procedures related to procurement, suspension, and debarment. A non-statistical sample of 4 expenditures out of a population of 12 vendors were selected for testing as a whole. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: We recommend the City modify and strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure that the required Uniform Guidance standards are addressed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees. See separately issued Corrective Action Plan.

Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 84.425F, 84.425M, 84.425N; U.S. Department of Education; HEERF Institutional Portion, HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), HEERF Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant. Federal Award Identification Number and Year - P425F204736, P425M201046-20A , P425N200748 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Significant deficiency Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.318 - The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - The Corporation's procurement procedures does not fully conform to the procurements standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - During testing we did not identify any instances of noncompliance related to procurement. However, during the review of the policies we discovered the following provisions of the standards were not in conformity with Uniform Guidance: * ? 200.318 - general procurement standard: the policy excluded a written standard of conduct covering conflicts of interest, including organizational conflicts of interest * ? 200.320 - methods of procurement: the policy does not appear to conform to the standards specific to non-construction purchases in excess of the small acquisition threshold * ?? 200.321 - 300.326 are not addressed in the policies Cause and Effect - Controls in place did not ensure the procurement policies and procedures conformed to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. The lack of controls could result in acquisition of property or services that does not provide full and open competition and could result in disallowed costs. Recommendation - The Corporation should review the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327 to identify policy deficiencies and work to establish policy that will confirm to the standards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management concurs with the finding and will be conducting a thorough review of the current policies to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, as well as providing additional training and education to those responsible for procurement.

Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 84.425F, 84.425M, 84.425N; U.S. Department of Education; HEERF Institutional Portion, HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), HEERF Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant. Federal Award Identification Number and Year - P425F204736, P425M201046-20A , P425N200748 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Significant deficiency Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.318 - The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - The Corporation's procurement procedures does not fully conform to the procurements standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - During testing we did not identify any instances of noncompliance related to procurement. However, during the review of the policies we discovered the following provisions of the standards were not in conformity with Uniform Guidance: * ? 200.318 - general procurement standard: the policy excluded a written standard of conduct covering conflicts of interest, including organizational conflicts of interest * ? 200.320 - methods of procurement: the policy does not appear to conform to the standards specific to non-construction purchases in excess of the small acquisition threshold * ?? 200.321 - 300.326 are not addressed in the policies Cause and Effect - Controls in place did not ensure the procurement policies and procedures conformed to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. The lack of controls could result in acquisition of property or services that does not provide full and open competition and could result in disallowed costs. Recommendation - The Corporation should review the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327 to identify policy deficiencies and work to establish policy that will confirm to the standards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management concurs with the finding and will be conducting a thorough review of the current policies to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, as well as providing additional training and education to those responsible for procurement.

Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 84.425F, 84.425M, 84.425N; U.S. Department of Education; HEERF Institutional Portion, HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), HEERF Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant. Federal Award Identification Number and Year - P425F204736, P425M201046-20A , P425N200748 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Significant deficiency Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.318 - The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Condition - The Corporation's procurement procedures does not fully conform to the procurements standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - During testing we did not identify any instances of noncompliance related to procurement. However, during the review of the policies we discovered the following provisions of the standards were not in conformity with Uniform Guidance: * ? 200.318 - general procurement standard: the policy excluded a written standard of conduct covering conflicts of interest, including organizational conflicts of interest * ? 200.320 - methods of procurement: the policy does not appear to conform to the standards specific to non-construction purchases in excess of the small acquisition threshold * ?? 200.321 - 300.326 are not addressed in the policies Cause and Effect - Controls in place did not ensure the procurement policies and procedures conformed to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. The lack of controls could result in acquisition of property or services that does not provide full and open competition and could result in disallowed costs. Recommendation - The Corporation should review the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327 to identify policy deficiencies and work to establish policy that will confirm to the standards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - Management concurs with the finding and will be conducting a thorough review of the current policies to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, as well as providing additional training and education to those responsible for procurement.

During our review of the procurements selected we noted that 3 out of 3 did not have clauses that indicated that contractor needed to take affirmative steps listed in 2 CFR 200.321 paragraphs (b)(1) through (5). During our review of the contracts selected for testing we noted that 3 out of 3 did not have an equal opportunity clause included, were not verified as to being suspended or debarred, and did not have the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment certification

CONDITION: In connection with the Cambria Heights School District’s RTU Replacement Project, the District did not take affirmative action steps to ensure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms were used, when possible, in the procurement process. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must take all necessary affirmative action steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. Section 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance outlines the six (6) affirmative steps to follow. CAUSE: School District personnel stated that these businesses are considered but recognized that no affirmative action steps are currently employed to solicit these businesses. EFFECT: The Cambria Heights School District did not comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance with regard to required affirmative action steps to be employed in the procurement process. QUESTIONED COST: Hranec Sheet Metal, Inc. - $157,725, Westmoreland Electric Services – $20,837. RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District implement, as a matter of policy, the six (6) affirmative action steps as stated Section 2 CFR 200.321(a) of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: The School District concurs with the above noted finding and addresses this issue in the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ included within this report.

Finding 2022-011 - Noncompliance Over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds PASS THROUGH GRANTOR: Direct Grant FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Department of Treasury ASSISTANCE LISTING: 21.027 FEDERAL PROGRAM NAME: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER: SLFRP3720 FEDERAL AWARD YEAR: 2022 CONTROL CATEGORY: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment QUESTIONED COSTS: $203,000 Condition: During our review of the disbursement data from Muskogee County regarding procurement and suspension and debarment as per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327, we identified the following: • One (1) ambulance was purchased in the amount of $203,000 for the Muskogee County EMS. There were no bids or quotes provide by the County or found in the BOCC meeting minutes supporting expenditure documentation. • There were six (6) vendors, in which the County did not check the www.SAM.gov website to review if the vendor had been suspended or debarred for those disbursements that warranted a bid, on the 6-month bid list, or received quotes. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure compliance of expenditures for all federal awards. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance to grant requirements and could lead to a loss of federal funds to the County. Recommendation: OSAI recommends county officials and department heads gain an understanding of federal programs awarded to Muskogee County. Internal control procedures should be designed and implemented to ensure accurate procurement and suspension and debarment and to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: Muskogee County has hired an internal grant administrator to assist in keeping the county compliant with all local, state, and federal requirements. Efforts will be made going forward to ensure that all grant funds are properly expended. This includes that all expenditures are properly documented and that all vendors are federally eligible to perform services. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.317 through 200.327 General Procurement Standards reads as follows: When procuring property and services under a Federal award, a State must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will comply with §§ 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by § 200.327. All other non-Federal entities, including subrecipients of a State, must follow the procurement standards in §§ 200.318 through 200.327. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. (b) Non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders. 2 CFR 180.700 – 180.760 Suspension and 2 CFR 180.800 – 180.885 Debarment Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making 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.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.

Federal Program Title(s):  ALN 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program  ALN 16.575 - Crime Victim Assistance Federal Agencies:  Department of Housing and Urban Development (ALN 14.267)  Department of Justice (ALN 16.575) Pass-Through Agencies:  New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission (ALN 16.575) Award Numbers and Periods:  NM0056L6B012001 (7/1/2021-6/30/2022) (14.267)  NM0129D6B011901 (11/1/2020-10/31/2021) (14.267)  NM0129D6B012002 (11/1/2021-10/31/2022) (14.267)  2021-VA-979 (10/1/2020-9/30/2021) (16.575)  2022-VA-180 (10/1/2021-9/30/2022) (16.575) Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award requires compliance with the provisions of suspension and debarment. VSS should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with this provision. 2 CFR 200.318-200.321 outline requirements maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, requirements for competition, methods and purchasing thresholds, as well as other requirements for contracting with organizations with using federal funds. VSS’s policies do not meet these requirements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that VSS internal controls and accounting policies were not sufficient in regard to federal requirements for procurements and for ensuring vendors and contractors used are not suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. VSS did not enter into any contracts with disallowed parties, and there were no issues with mircopurchases tested. VSS policies and procedures do not contain necessary controls to ensure compliance with the requirements for suspension and debarment or procurements. As such, they were not sufficient to ensure material compliance with this compliance requirement. Context: See Condition. Cause: Lack of established controls and procedures over requirements for procurements and federal principals for suspension and debarment. Effect: Possible noncompliance with federal requirements for procurements using federal monies. Possibility to enter into a covered transaction with a noneligible contractor or vendor. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend that VSS reviews the current financial policies and procedures in order to better serve the organization in documenting compliance with federal cost principals and requirements. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. VSS accepts this finding and has contacted an outsourced CPA for review and update of our policies to meet federal cost principals and requirements. These are currently pending approval by the Board of Directors for implementation.