Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name 93.224, 93.527; COVID 19: Health Center Program Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year H80CS24134, H8ECS37956, H8FCS40356, and H8GCS48255 2022 Pass through Entity N/A Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 200.326, the Organization must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions that are consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The Organization must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, in accorance with 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209 6, the Organization must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Condition Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarement rules. Questioned Costs $1,121,985 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed Questioned costs resulted from the Organization not maintaining or using the required procurement procedures over non payroll expenditures. Total non payroll expenditures included on the SEFA total $1,121,985. Context For all four contracts selected for testing, there were no records manintained to support procurement method, contract selection, or verification the entity was not suspended or disbared. Upon further procedures, we identified that the Organization did not follow any procurement guidelines in procuring all non payroll transactions. Cause and Effect There are no procurement, suspension, and debarement policies in place. As a result, no procedures are being completed over these compliance categories and thus the Organization did not comply with the related compliance requirements. Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance and follow those policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Organization will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name 93.224, 93.527; COVID 19: Health Center Program Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year H80CS24134, H8ECS37956, H8FCS40356, and H8GCS48255 2022 Pass through Entity N/A Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 200.326, the Organization must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions that are consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The Organization must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, in accorance with 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209 6, the Organization must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Condition Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarement rules. Questioned Costs $1,121,985 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed Questioned costs resulted from the Organization not maintaining or using the required procurement procedures over non payroll expenditures. Total non payroll expenditures included on the SEFA total $1,121,985. Context For all four contracts selected for testing, there were no records manintained to support procurement method, contract selection, or verification the entity was not suspended or disbared. Upon further procedures, we identified that the Organization did not follow any procurement guidelines in procuring all non payroll transactions. Cause and Effect There are no procurement, suspension, and debarement policies in place. As a result, no procedures are being completed over these compliance categories and thus the Organization did not comply with the related compliance requirements. Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance and follow those policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Organization will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name 93.224, 93.527; COVID 19: Health Center Program Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year H80CS24134, H8ECS37956, H8FCS40356, and H8GCS48255 2022 Pass through Entity N/A Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.318 200.326, the Organization must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions that are consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The Organization must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Additionally, in accorance with 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209 6, the Organization must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Condition Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarement rules. Questioned Costs $1,121,985 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed Questioned costs resulted from the Organization not maintaining or using the required procurement procedures over non payroll expenditures. Total non payroll expenditures included on the SEFA total $1,121,985. Context For all four contracts selected for testing, there were no records manintained to support procurement method, contract selection, or verification the entity was not suspended or disbared. Upon further procedures, we identified that the Organization did not follow any procurement guidelines in procuring all non payroll transactions. Cause and Effect There are no procurement, suspension, and debarement policies in place. As a result, no procedures are being completed over these compliance categories and thus the Organization did not comply with the related compliance requirements. Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance and follow those policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Organization will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and debarement that conform with Uniform Guidance.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-006 PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT Material Weakness Criteria The requirements for this compliance requirement are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.317- 200.326; 48 CFR parts 03, 15, 44, and the clauses at 48 CRF sections 52.244-2, 52.244-5, 52.203-13, 52.203-16 and 52.215-12; agency FAR supplements; 2 CFR part 180; OMB M-18- 18; and the terms and conditions of the federal award. There is a requirement to verify that contractors in covered transactions or any of its vendors are not federally debarred, suspended, or excluded. A covered transaction is a nonprocurement or procurement transaction in excess of $25,000 that is subject to the prohibitions noted in 2 CFR part 180. The covered transaction may be at the primary tier, between a federal agency and a person or a lower tier between a participant in a covered transaction and another person. Condition The auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and support to document their review of vendor files for covered transactions. Such failure led to noncompliance with the procurement, suspension and debarment policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended December 31, 2022. CUAHSI did not complete the verification of its 2022 vendors until 2024. Based on our testing, no contractors in covered transactions were deemed to be federally debarred, suspended or excluded.Cause & Context CUAHSI has a policy in place to meet the procurement requirements but there was no evidence of compliance with that policy. Effect As a result of noncompliance, there could be possible repayment of funds and / or possible suspension or debarment. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-007. Recommendation CUAHSI should ensure that, to the extent practicable, the use of a competitive procurement process in compliance with 2 CFR section 200/317. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-006 PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT Material Weakness Criteria The requirements for this compliance requirement are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.317- 200.326; 48 CFR parts 03, 15, 44, and the clauses at 48 CRF sections 52.244-2, 52.244-5, 52.203-13, 52.203-16 and 52.215-12; agency FAR supplements; 2 CFR part 180; OMB M-18- 18; and the terms and conditions of the federal award. There is a requirement to verify that contractors in covered transactions or any of its vendors are not federally debarred, suspended, or excluded. A covered transaction is a nonprocurement or procurement transaction in excess of $25,000 that is subject to the prohibitions noted in 2 CFR part 180. The covered transaction may be at the primary tier, between a federal agency and a person or a lower tier between a participant in a covered transaction and another person. Condition The auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and support to document their review of vendor files for covered transactions. Such failure led to noncompliance with the procurement, suspension and debarment policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended December 31, 2022. CUAHSI did not complete the verification of its 2022 vendors until 2024. Based on our testing, no contractors in covered transactions were deemed to be federally debarred, suspended or excluded.Cause & Context CUAHSI has a policy in place to meet the procurement requirements but there was no evidence of compliance with that policy. Effect As a result of noncompliance, there could be possible repayment of funds and / or possible suspension or debarment. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-007. Recommendation CUAHSI should ensure that, to the extent practicable, the use of a competitive procurement process in compliance with 2 CFR section 200/317. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-006 PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT Material Weakness Criteria The requirements for this compliance requirement are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.317- 200.326; 48 CFR parts 03, 15, 44, and the clauses at 48 CRF sections 52.244-2, 52.244-5, 52.203-13, 52.203-16 and 52.215-12; agency FAR supplements; 2 CFR part 180; OMB M-18- 18; and the terms and conditions of the federal award. There is a requirement to verify that contractors in covered transactions or any of its vendors are not federally debarred, suspended, or excluded. A covered transaction is a nonprocurement or procurement transaction in excess of $25,000 that is subject to the prohibitions noted in 2 CFR part 180. The covered transaction may be at the primary tier, between a federal agency and a person or a lower tier between a participant in a covered transaction and another person. Condition The auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and support to document their review of vendor files for covered transactions. Such failure led to noncompliance with the procurement, suspension and debarment policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended December 31, 2022. CUAHSI did not complete the verification of its 2022 vendors until 2024. Based on our testing, no contractors in covered transactions were deemed to be federally debarred, suspended or excluded.Cause & Context CUAHSI has a policy in place to meet the procurement requirements but there was no evidence of compliance with that policy. Effect As a result of noncompliance, there could be possible repayment of funds and / or possible suspension or debarment. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-007. Recommendation CUAHSI should ensure that, to the extent practicable, the use of a competitive procurement process in compliance with 2 CFR section 200/317. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-006 PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT Material Weakness Criteria The requirements for this compliance requirement are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.317- 200.326; 48 CFR parts 03, 15, 44, and the clauses at 48 CRF sections 52.244-2, 52.244-5, 52.203-13, 52.203-16 and 52.215-12; agency FAR supplements; 2 CFR part 180; OMB M-18- 18; and the terms and conditions of the federal award. There is a requirement to verify that contractors in covered transactions or any of its vendors are not federally debarred, suspended, or excluded. A covered transaction is a nonprocurement or procurement transaction in excess of $25,000 that is subject to the prohibitions noted in 2 CFR part 180. The covered transaction may be at the primary tier, between a federal agency and a person or a lower tier between a participant in a covered transaction and another person. Condition The auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and support to document their review of vendor files for covered transactions. Such failure led to noncompliance with the procurement, suspension and debarment policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended December 31, 2022. CUAHSI did not complete the verification of its 2022 vendors until 2024. Based on our testing, no contractors in covered transactions were deemed to be federally debarred, suspended or excluded.Cause & Context CUAHSI has a policy in place to meet the procurement requirements but there was no evidence of compliance with that policy. Effect As a result of noncompliance, there could be possible repayment of funds and / or possible suspension or debarment. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-007. Recommendation CUAHSI should ensure that, to the extent practicable, the use of a competitive procurement process in compliance with 2 CFR section 200/317. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Transportation AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.205 A18AV01093/A17AV00612 1/1/2018-12/31/2022 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster AL Number Award Number Award Period Grant Name 20.509 A18AV01093/218AV00785 1/1/2018-9/30/2023 Road Maintenance Programs Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) and (b). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 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 passthrough 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. 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 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov, (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). Condition/Context: 20.205 – Highway Planning and Construction Cluster • 1 of 8 Individually Important Items (IIIs) had bidding/solicitation documentation but did not have proper approval. • 2 of 8 IIIs had documentation of one quote obtained but no further documentation. • 5 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 8 of 8 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have documentation of a suspension and debarment search prior to payment. 20.509 – Road Maintenance Programs • 3 of 3 IIIs and 7 of 7 procurement samples had no bidding/solicitation support provided. • 3 of 3 IIIs and 2 of 2 suspension and debarment samples did not have proper documentation provided. [X] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness Cause: Due to turnover in key personnel, Joint Programs had a breakdown in internal controls during 2022. Effect: Without an effective internal control system an entity’s objective: operations, reporting, and compliance cannot be achieved. In addition, Joint Programs could be subject to questioned costs or other sanctions from funding agencies if they determine that Joint Programs did not assure full and open competition for the procurements and/or if vendors retained and paid from federal funds and are later found to be suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: Known – $971,925 AL# 20.205 Known – $563,676 AL# 20.509 Repeat Finding: Yes – 2021-005. Recommendation: We recommend that Joint Programs use the Green Book to design, implement, and operate internal controls to achieve its objectives related to operations, reporting, and compliance. We also recommend that Joint Programs conduct training for staff to review procurement and suspension and debarment policies and procedures and maintain all records in a way that allows them to be located and reviewed at any point in time. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.
Non-Federal entities other than States, including those operating Federal programs as subrecipients of States, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.327. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. A non-Federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.319. 3. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR 200.320(a)(1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR 200.320(b)). 4. For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the non-Federal entity must use one of the following procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR 200.320(b)(2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one source) but only when one or more of four circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320(c). 5. Perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications (2 CFR 200.323(a)). The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting must not be used (2 CFR 200.323(b)). 6. Ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes applicable provisions required by 2 CFR 200.326. These provisions are described in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200, “Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards.” Although the Village contracted with a consultant to assist the Village with compliance with various procurement compliance requirements, the Village does not have any formal policies in place regarding procurement requirements. We recommend that the Village adopt formal policies and procedures that address procurement requirements.
Finding 2022-008 Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance – Controls over Transfers and Procurement Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Federal Program: 21.027 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Compliance Requirement: A/B – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles I – Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.303, non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the award terms. • For Allowable Costs: Transfers of CSLFRF funds to support general government services must be supported by documentation demonstrating allowability, compliance, and proper review. • For Procurement and Suspension & Debarment: Per 2 CFR §§200.318–200.326 and 2 CFR §200.213, entities must follow applicable procurement procedures, including state and local bid laws, and must verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred from federal programs. Condition: Transfers made to cover general government services were not supported by documentation of a formal review or approval process. The City did not maintain evidence of procedures to verify the appropriateness or compliance of these transfers prior to execution. In addition, for procurements related to expenditures charged to CSLFRF, the City did not maintain documentation evidencing a review to ensure compliance with state bid law or verification that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to award. Cause: The City has not implemented formal internal control procedures to document the review and approval of CSLFRF transfers used for general government services and procurement compliance checks, including bid law requirements and vendor suspension/debarment status. These gaps appear to result from limited staffing and/or a lack of awareness of specific federal documentation requirements. Effect: Without documented review and approval, there is an increased risk that CSLFRF transfers may not comply with federal requirements, leading to potential unallowable costs or questioned expenditures, and procurements may not comply with federal or state requirements, increasing the risk of awarding contracts to ineligible vendors or violating competitive procurement rules. The lack of documentation also impairs auditability and transparency in the use of federal funds. Perspective: These issues were identified during audit procedures and are considered systemic, as they affect multiple transactions and compliance requirements. These conditions reflect a lack of formal internal controls over key compliance areas. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement formal written procedures to strengthen internal controls in the following areas: • Transfers: Require documented review and approval of all transfers, including evidence of management review, verification of eligibility, and compliance with federal guidelines. • Procurement: Require and maintain documentation of procurement reviews, including verification that proper bid laws were followed and confirmation that vendors are not suspended or debarred prior to contract award. View of Responsible Official: See corrective action plan.
2022-001: Written Policies - Internal Control Finding Prior Year Findings: None Department Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Assistance Listing Number: ALN # 15.507 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency Questioned Costs: None Criteria: Uniform Guidance policies require 2 CFR Part 180 states written policies and procedures related to internal controls be written regarding SAMS.gov contractor verification of debarment and suspension. In addition, 200.326 Contract Provisions, require contractors paying over $2,000 in labor wages be compliant with Davis Bacon Labor Laws. This requirement contains written acknowledge of certified wage rate payrolls weekly and contractual language of the wage rate certification of payroll in the contract between the contractor and the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company. Condition: Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company does not have updated written policies implementing Uniform Guidance contractual and internal control procedures. Cause and Effect: While detailed testing found no unallowed costs, without lack of written internal control polices the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company could enter into transactions with debarred or suspended vendors, and not pay adequate Federal wage labors. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company update their written internal control policies to contain all Uniform Guidance regulations, relating to Sams.gov debarment and suspension and Davis Bacon Wage requirements. It is recommended that these polices and internal controls be reviewed in alignment with the Federal Award contractual agreements on a routine basis. Response: Please see the last page of this report for the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company?s response to this finding.
2022-001: Written Policies - Internal Control Finding Prior Year Findings: None Department Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Assistance Listing Number: ALN # 15.507 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency Questioned Costs: None Criteria: Uniform Guidance policies require 2 CFR Part 180 states written policies and procedures related to internal controls be written regarding SAMS.gov contractor verification of debarment and suspension. In addition, 200.326 Contract Provisions, require contractors paying over $2,000 in labor wages be compliant with Davis Bacon Labor Laws. This requirement contains written acknowledge of certified wage rate payrolls weekly and contractual language of the wage rate certification of payroll in the contract between the contractor and the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company. Condition: Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company does not have updated written policies implementing Uniform Guidance contractual and internal control procedures. Cause and Effect: While detailed testing found no unallowed costs, without lack of written internal control polices the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company could enter into transactions with debarred or suspended vendors, and not pay adequate Federal wage labors. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company update their written internal control policies to contain all Uniform Guidance regulations, relating to Sams.gov debarment and suspension and Davis Bacon Wage requirements. It is recommended that these polices and internal controls be reviewed in alignment with the Federal Award contractual agreements on a routine basis. Response: Please see the last page of this report for the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company?s response to this finding.
2022-001: Written Policies - Internal Control Finding Prior Year Findings: None Department Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Assistance Listing Number: ALN # 15.507 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency Questioned Costs: None Criteria: Uniform Guidance policies require 2 CFR Part 180 states written policies and procedures related to internal controls be written regarding SAMS.gov contractor verification of debarment and suspension. In addition, 200.326 Contract Provisions, require contractors paying over $2,000 in labor wages be compliant with Davis Bacon Labor Laws. This requirement contains written acknowledge of certified wage rate payrolls weekly and contractual language of the wage rate certification of payroll in the contract between the contractor and the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company. Condition: Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company does not have updated written policies implementing Uniform Guidance contractual and internal control procedures. Cause and Effect: While detailed testing found no unallowed costs, without lack of written internal control polices the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company could enter into transactions with debarred or suspended vendors, and not pay adequate Federal wage labors. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company update their written internal control policies to contain all Uniform Guidance regulations, relating to Sams.gov debarment and suspension and Davis Bacon Wage requirements. It is recommended that these polices and internal controls be reviewed in alignment with the Federal Award contractual agreements on a routine basis. Response: Please see the last page of this report for the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company?s response to this finding.
2022-001: Written Policies - Internal Control Finding Prior Year Findings: None Department Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Assistance Listing Number: ALN # 15.507 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency Questioned Costs: None Criteria: Uniform Guidance policies require 2 CFR Part 180 states written policies and procedures related to internal controls be written regarding SAMS.gov contractor verification of debarment and suspension. In addition, 200.326 Contract Provisions, require contractors paying over $2,000 in labor wages be compliant with Davis Bacon Labor Laws. This requirement contains written acknowledge of certified wage rate payrolls weekly and contractual language of the wage rate certification of payroll in the contract between the contractor and the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company. Condition: Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company does not have updated written policies implementing Uniform Guidance contractual and internal control procedures. Cause and Effect: While detailed testing found no unallowed costs, without lack of written internal control polices the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company could enter into transactions with debarred or suspended vendors, and not pay adequate Federal wage labors. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company update their written internal control policies to contain all Uniform Guidance regulations, relating to Sams.gov debarment and suspension and Davis Bacon Wage requirements. It is recommended that these polices and internal controls be reviewed in alignment with the Federal Award contractual agreements on a routine basis. Response: Please see the last page of this report for the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company?s response to this finding.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) and September 30, 2020 (84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the certified payrolls being provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that 5 out of the 9 payments to contractors selected for testing did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. However, our audit disclosed no instances of unallowable costs. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) and September 30, 2020 (84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the certified payrolls being provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that 5 out of the 9 payments to contractors selected for testing did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. However, our audit disclosed no instances of unallowable costs. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) and September 30, 2020 (84.425C & 84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the certified payrolls being provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that payments to contractors did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) and September 30, 2020 (84.425C & 84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the certified payrolls being provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that payments to contractors did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) and September 30, 2020 (84.425C & 84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the certified payrolls being provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that payments to contractors did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) and September 30, 2020 (84.425C & 84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the certified payrolls being provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that payments to contractors did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Title: Public and Indian Housing Assistance Listing Number: 14.850 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: LA003, 2022 Award Period: 10/1/21-9/30/22 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. A non-federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors? performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2. Conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. Use the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micropurchase method, the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micropurchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non-federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)). If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)). 3. For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the non-federal entity must use one of the following procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section 200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one source) but only when one or more of four circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.320(c)). 4. Perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications (2 CFR section 200.323(a)). The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting must not be used (2 CFR section 200.323(b)). 5. Ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes applicable provisions required by 2 CFR section 200.326. These provisions are described in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200, ?Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards.? When a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal 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) and available at SAM.gov Home (click on Search Record, then click on Advanced Search Exclusions) (Note: The OMB guidance at 2 CFR Part 180 and agency implementing regulations still refer to the SAM Exclusions as the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)), (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). Condition: During testing, it was noted that the Authority did not have adequate internal controls over procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. Questioned Costs: $135,749 Context: During testing of a sample of 7 contracts, it was noted that 7 contracts did not comply with compliance requirements. The sample was a statistically valid sample. ? For 2 contracts tested, the Authority was unable to provide a copy of the contract, or documentation to support the contract was properly procured. ? For 3 contracts tested, the Authority was unable to provide documentation to support that a cost analysis was performed prior to entering the contract. ? For all 7 contracts tested, the Authority was unable to provide documentation that it ensured the vendor was not suspended or debarred before entering into the contract. Cause: The Authority failed to maintain proper documentation of contracts and procurement procedures to evidence compliance. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with federal regulations regarding procurement of contracts, which could lead to vendors receiving funds that are not properly vetted. Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority reviews it?s procurement policy and active contracts and future contracts to ensure that all policies and procedures regarding procurement of contracts are properly followed and documented. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022-001 ALN 14.850 ? Public & Indian Housing ? Special Tests & Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Criteria: The wage rate requirements (also known as the Davis-Bacon Act) apply to construction activities over $2,000 within public housing. As part of these requirements, non-federal entities are required to include in any applicable contracts, a provision that the contractor or subcontractor shall comply with the wage rate requirements and the Department of Labor (DOL) regulations (29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction). The requirements include a provision requiring contractors and subcontractors submit to the non-federal entity weekly, for each week where any contract work has been performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls) (29 CFR sections 5.5 and 5.6; the A-102 Common Rule (section 36(i)(5)); OMB Circular A-110 (2 CFR part 215, Appendix A, Contract Provisions); 2 CFR part 176, subpart C; and 2 CFR section 200.326). Condition: For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, we tested wage rate requirements within the Authority?s Public and Indian Housing Program and were unable to obtain the necessary documentation for the one and only ongoing contract where wage rate requirements were required. Cause: Internal controls over wage rate requirements compliance are weak. No procedure exists for Public and Indian Housing Program projects to follow up on stipulations within the contract requiring contractors to submit weekly wage reports, nor does a procedure exist whereby the Authority interviews contracted employees to ensure they are being paid fairly. Effect or Potential Effect: Contractors and subcontractors who are providing construction-related services to the Authority could be paying their employees below the local prevailing wages and fringe benefits paid on projects of a similar character, as defined by the Department of Labor. Questioned Costs: N/A Context: As a result of only one Public and Indian Housing Program contract being required to comply with wage rate requirements during the year-end September 30, 2022, 100% of the population had control deficiencies and a compliance exception, and no additional opportunities for sampling were available. Auditor?s Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority implement procedures to follow up on the obligations of contractors to produce weekly wage reports and compare them with prevailing wage rates. Also, make physical inspections and interview employees to ascertain that the information is accurate. Grantee Response: Management acknowledges the finding and will follow the auditor?s recommendation.
2022-002: Material Weakness ? Repeat Finding: Davis-Bacon Act Federal Assistance Listing Number 20.106 ? Airport Improvement Program Criteria: All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors to work on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by Federal assistance funds must be paid wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) (40 USC 3141?3144, 3146, and 3147). Non-Federal entities shall include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (which still may be referenced as the Davis-Bacon Act) a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with those requirements and the DOL regulations. This includes a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the Non-Federal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). (29 CFR sections 5.5 and 5.6; the A-102 Common Rule (section 36(i)(5)); OMB Circular A-110 (2 CFR Part 215, Appendix A, Contract Provisions); 2 CFR Part 176, Subpart C; and 2 CFR section 200.326). In addition, according to 2 CFR Part 200.303, the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: Proper documentation is not maintained by the Authority to verify compliance with Davis-Bacon. There were nine grant draws during fiscal year 2023, which were subject to Davis-Bacon requirements. We selected all nine payments for testing. The Authority was unable to provide the required payroll certifications for three of the nine selections, resulting in an error rate of 33%. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with Davis-Bacon requirements. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: Lack of centralized storage/ filing. There was also employee turnover and transfers from the contract compliance department. As a result, controls and procedures were not consistently applied. Repeat Finding: 2021-003 Recommendation: We recommend the Authority implement controls to improve monitoring of contractor compliance and records retention to demonstrate compliance with these requirements. Management?s response: See Corrective Action Plan
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) (84.425C) and September 30, 2020 (84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure that accurate and complete certified payrolls were provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that payments to contractors did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. However, our audit disclosed no instances of unallowable costs. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) (84.425C) and September 30, 2020 (84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure that accurate and complete certified payrolls were provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that payments to contractors did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. However, our audit disclosed no instances of unallowable costs. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
Item 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions ? Wage Rate Requirements Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) ALN# 84.425 U.S. Department of Education Passed through the State Department of Education Grant period ? Years ended September 30, 2021 (84.425U) (84.425C) and September 30, 2020 (84.425D) Criteria ? Grantees should have controls in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are notified of the requirement to pay prevailing wage rates to all laborers and mechanics employed on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds and to submit weekly certified payrolls for each week in which contract work is performed. 2 CFR 200.303 requires the non-Federal entity to ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.? 2 CFR 200.326 and 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction (DOL Regulations) require the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition ? Adequate controls were not in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors were notified of the requirements to comply with the wage rate requirements and provided timely certified payrolls throughout the construction projects. Cause ? A clause describing the Wage Rate Requirements was not added to the construction contracts. There was a lack of sufficient controls over the communication of this requirement to ensure that accurate and complete certified payrolls were provided to the Board. Effect ? Lack of notification of the wage rate requirements to the contractors and subcontractors could lead to disallowed costs. We noted that payments to contractors did not have supporting documentation of certified payrolls. However, our audit disclosed no instances of unallowable costs. Questioned Costs ? Not determinable. Recommendation ? We recommend the strengthening of controls to ensure the prevailing wage rate clauses are included in the contracts and that certified payrolls are received for each week in which construction work is performed. Management?s Response ? The Board will strengthen the controls in place to provide assurance that proper prevailing wage rate clauses are added to construction contracts and certified payrolls are received from each week in which construction work is performed.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-001 Title III Aging Cluster: Title III B Supportive Services CFDA 93.044 Title III C Nutrition Services CFDA 93.045 Title III C Nutrition Services Incentive CFDA 93.053 Grant period ? year ended September 30, 2023 Condition: The Organization did not have a written procurement policy to properly implement all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.319(c), non-federal entities must have written procedures for procurement transactions. Such policy should incorporate all requirements within 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization?s procurement policy does not incorporate all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program compliance requirements. Recommendation: Management should continue to develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to administer all federal programs. Current written policies should be evaluated for inclusion of and compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and will adopt written policies to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-001 Title III Aging Cluster: Title III B Supportive Services CFDA 93.044 Title III C Nutrition Services CFDA 93.045 Title III C Nutrition Services Incentive CFDA 93.053 Grant period ? year ended September 30, 2023 Condition: The Organization did not have a written procurement policy to properly implement all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.319(c), non-federal entities must have written procedures for procurement transactions. Such policy should incorporate all requirements within 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization?s procurement policy does not incorporate all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program compliance requirements. Recommendation: Management should continue to develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to administer all federal programs. Current written policies should be evaluated for inclusion of and compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and will adopt written policies to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-001 Title III Aging Cluster: Title III B Supportive Services CFDA 93.044 Title III C Nutrition Services CFDA 93.045 Title III C Nutrition Services Incentive CFDA 93.053 Grant period ? year ended September 30, 2023 Condition: The Organization did not have a written procurement policy to properly implement all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.319(c), non-federal entities must have written procedures for procurement transactions. Such policy should incorporate all requirements within 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization?s procurement policy does not incorporate all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program compliance requirements. Recommendation: Management should continue to develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to administer all federal programs. Current written policies should be evaluated for inclusion of and compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and will adopt written policies to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-001 Title III Aging Cluster: Title III B Supportive Services CFDA 93.044 Title III C Nutrition Services CFDA 93.045 Title III C Nutrition Services Incentive CFDA 93.053 Grant period ? year ended September 30, 2023 Condition: The Organization did not have a written procurement policy to properly implement all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.319(c), non-federal entities must have written procedures for procurement transactions. Such policy should incorporate all requirements within 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization?s procurement policy does not incorporate all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program compliance requirements. Recommendation: Management should continue to develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to administer all federal programs. Current written policies should be evaluated for inclusion of and compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and will adopt written policies to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-001 Title III Aging Cluster: Title III B Supportive Services CFDA 93.044 Title III C Nutrition Services CFDA 93.045 Title III C Nutrition Services Incentive CFDA 93.053 Grant period ? year ended September 30, 2023 Condition: The Organization did not have a written procurement policy to properly implement all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.319(c), non-federal entities must have written procedures for procurement transactions. Such policy should incorporate all requirements within 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization?s procurement policy does not incorporate all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program compliance requirements. Recommendation: Management should continue to develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to administer all federal programs. Current written policies should be evaluated for inclusion of and compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and will adopt written policies to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-001 Title III Aging Cluster: Title III B Supportive Services CFDA 93.044 Title III C Nutrition Services CFDA 93.045 Title III C Nutrition Services Incentive CFDA 93.053 Grant period ? year ended September 30, 2023 Condition: The Organization did not have a written procurement policy to properly implement all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.319(c), non-federal entities must have written procedures for procurement transactions. Such policy should incorporate all requirements within 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization?s procurement policy does not incorporate all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program compliance requirements. Recommendation: Management should continue to develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to administer all federal programs. Current written policies should be evaluated for inclusion of and compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and will adopt written policies to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-001 Title III Aging Cluster: Title III B Supportive Services CFDA 93.044 Title III C Nutrition Services CFDA 93.045 Title III C Nutrition Services Incentive CFDA 93.053 Grant period ? year ended September 30, 2023 Condition: The Organization did not have a written procurement policy to properly implement all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.319(c), non-federal entities must have written procedures for procurement transactions. Such policy should incorporate all requirements within 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization?s procurement policy does not incorporate all the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program compliance requirements. Recommendation: Management should continue to develop comprehensive written policies and procedures to administer all federal programs. Current written policies should be evaluated for inclusion of and compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and will adopt written policies to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.
2022-002?Procurement Federal program information: Funding agency: All Title: All ALN: All Award year and number: All Pass-through entity (if applicable): All Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. According to BRINM?s Purchasing SOP?s, project purchase requests exceeding a value of $25,000 require obtaining three bids. Purchase orders are created for approved project purchase requests and reviewed and signed by the Executive Director or Assistant Director before it can be issued to a vendor. Condition: During fiscal year 2022, BRINM paid a vendor $93,808 for services related to a project. There is no evidence that three bids were obtained for selection of this vendor. Additionally, there was not an approved purchase order for one of the three invoices paid to this vendor. Questioned Costs: None Context: One of 25 nonpayroll transactions tested. Additionally, one of four vendors/subawards tested that were paid over $25,000 during fiscal year 2022. Cause: BRINM?s Grants Manager, who was responsible for all records related to purchasing, accounts payable, and credit cards, resigned in November 2021 without filing many documents. Evidence of bids obtained for use of this vendor could not be located. Effect: Procurement of vendors does not comply with BRINM SOP?s and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Auditor?s Recommendations: BRINM should implement its approved SOP?s as referenced above to ensure that purchasing SOP?s are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management?s Response: Current Management is not able to confirm nor deny that appropriate documentation was not collected prior to payment but highly doubts that it was not collected based on the reliability of the previous Grants Manager. Management notes that the vendor was specifically mentioned in the Grant submission. Management will ensure that purchasing SOP are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management has secured a project management software that will retain project documentation. This should ensure appropriate documentation is collected and available to all Management for the life of the project, until date of destruction.
2022-002?Procurement Federal program information: Funding agency: All Title: All ALN: All Award year and number: All Pass-through entity (if applicable): All Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. According to BRINM?s Purchasing SOP?s, project purchase requests exceeding a value of $25,000 require obtaining three bids. Purchase orders are created for approved project purchase requests and reviewed and signed by the Executive Director or Assistant Director before it can be issued to a vendor. Condition: During fiscal year 2022, BRINM paid a vendor $93,808 for services related to a project. There is no evidence that three bids were obtained for selection of this vendor. Additionally, there was not an approved purchase order for one of the three invoices paid to this vendor. Questioned Costs: None Context: One of 25 nonpayroll transactions tested. Additionally, one of four vendors/subawards tested that were paid over $25,000 during fiscal year 2022. Cause: BRINM?s Grants Manager, who was responsible for all records related to purchasing, accounts payable, and credit cards, resigned in November 2021 without filing many documents. Evidence of bids obtained for use of this vendor could not be located. Effect: Procurement of vendors does not comply with BRINM SOP?s and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Auditor?s Recommendations: BRINM should implement its approved SOP?s as referenced above to ensure that purchasing SOP?s are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management?s Response: Current Management is not able to confirm nor deny that appropriate documentation was not collected prior to payment but highly doubts that it was not collected based on the reliability of the previous Grants Manager. Management notes that the vendor was specifically mentioned in the Grant submission. Management will ensure that purchasing SOP are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management has secured a project management software that will retain project documentation. This should ensure appropriate documentation is collected and available to all Management for the life of the project, until date of destruction.
2022-002?Procurement Federal program information: Funding agency: All Title: All ALN: All Award year and number: All Pass-through entity (if applicable): All Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. According to BRINM?s Purchasing SOP?s, project purchase requests exceeding a value of $25,000 require obtaining three bids. Purchase orders are created for approved project purchase requests and reviewed and signed by the Executive Director or Assistant Director before it can be issued to a vendor. Condition: During fiscal year 2022, BRINM paid a vendor $93,808 for services related to a project. There is no evidence that three bids were obtained for selection of this vendor. Additionally, there was not an approved purchase order for one of the three invoices paid to this vendor. Questioned Costs: None Context: One of 25 nonpayroll transactions tested. Additionally, one of four vendors/subawards tested that were paid over $25,000 during fiscal year 2022. Cause: BRINM?s Grants Manager, who was responsible for all records related to purchasing, accounts payable, and credit cards, resigned in November 2021 without filing many documents. Evidence of bids obtained for use of this vendor could not be located. Effect: Procurement of vendors does not comply with BRINM SOP?s and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Auditor?s Recommendations: BRINM should implement its approved SOP?s as referenced above to ensure that purchasing SOP?s are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management?s Response: Current Management is not able to confirm nor deny that appropriate documentation was not collected prior to payment but highly doubts that it was not collected based on the reliability of the previous Grants Manager. Management notes that the vendor was specifically mentioned in the Grant submission. Management will ensure that purchasing SOP are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management has secured a project management software that will retain project documentation. This should ensure appropriate documentation is collected and available to all Management for the life of the project, until date of destruction.
2022-002?Procurement Federal program information: Funding agency: All Title: All ALN: All Award year and number: All Pass-through entity (if applicable): All Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. According to BRINM?s Purchasing SOP?s, project purchase requests exceeding a value of $25,000 require obtaining three bids. Purchase orders are created for approved project purchase requests and reviewed and signed by the Executive Director or Assistant Director before it can be issued to a vendor. Condition: During fiscal year 2022, BRINM paid a vendor $93,808 for services related to a project. There is no evidence that three bids were obtained for selection of this vendor. Additionally, there was not an approved purchase order for one of the three invoices paid to this vendor. Questioned Costs: None Context: One of 25 nonpayroll transactions tested. Additionally, one of four vendors/subawards tested that were paid over $25,000 during fiscal year 2022. Cause: BRINM?s Grants Manager, who was responsible for all records related to purchasing, accounts payable, and credit cards, resigned in November 2021 without filing many documents. Evidence of bids obtained for use of this vendor could not be located. Effect: Procurement of vendors does not comply with BRINM SOP?s and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Auditor?s Recommendations: BRINM should implement its approved SOP?s as referenced above to ensure that purchasing SOP?s are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management?s Response: Current Management is not able to confirm nor deny that appropriate documentation was not collected prior to payment but highly doubts that it was not collected based on the reliability of the previous Grants Manager. Management notes that the vendor was specifically mentioned in the Grant submission. Management will ensure that purchasing SOP are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management has secured a project management software that will retain project documentation. This should ensure appropriate documentation is collected and available to all Management for the life of the project, until date of destruction.
2022-002?Procurement Federal program information: Funding agency: All Title: All ALN: All Award year and number: All Pass-through entity (if applicable): All Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. According to BRINM?s Purchasing SOP?s, project purchase requests exceeding a value of $25,000 require obtaining three bids. Purchase orders are created for approved project purchase requests and reviewed and signed by the Executive Director or Assistant Director before it can be issued to a vendor. Condition: During fiscal year 2022, BRINM paid a vendor $93,808 for services related to a project. There is no evidence that three bids were obtained for selection of this vendor. Additionally, there was not an approved purchase order for one of the three invoices paid to this vendor. Questioned Costs: None Context: One of 25 nonpayroll transactions tested. Additionally, one of four vendors/subawards tested that were paid over $25,000 during fiscal year 2022. Cause: BRINM?s Grants Manager, who was responsible for all records related to purchasing, accounts payable, and credit cards, resigned in November 2021 without filing many documents. Evidence of bids obtained for use of this vendor could not be located. Effect: Procurement of vendors does not comply with BRINM SOP?s and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Auditor?s Recommendations: BRINM should implement its approved SOP?s as referenced above to ensure that purchasing SOP?s are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management?s Response: Current Management is not able to confirm nor deny that appropriate documentation was not collected prior to payment but highly doubts that it was not collected based on the reliability of the previous Grants Manager. Management notes that the vendor was specifically mentioned in the Grant submission. Management will ensure that purchasing SOP are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management has secured a project management software that will retain project documentation. This should ensure appropriate documentation is collected and available to all Management for the life of the project, until date of destruction.
2022-002?Procurement Federal program information: Funding agency: All Title: All ALN: All Award year and number: All Pass-through entity (if applicable): All Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. According to BRINM?s Purchasing SOP?s, project purchase requests exceeding a value of $25,000 require obtaining three bids. Purchase orders are created for approved project purchase requests and reviewed and signed by the Executive Director or Assistant Director before it can be issued to a vendor. Condition: During fiscal year 2022, BRINM paid a vendor $93,808 for services related to a project. There is no evidence that three bids were obtained for selection of this vendor. Additionally, there was not an approved purchase order for one of the three invoices paid to this vendor. Questioned Costs: None Context: One of 25 nonpayroll transactions tested. Additionally, one of four vendors/subawards tested that were paid over $25,000 during fiscal year 2022. Cause: BRINM?s Grants Manager, who was responsible for all records related to purchasing, accounts payable, and credit cards, resigned in November 2021 without filing many documents. Evidence of bids obtained for use of this vendor could not be located. Effect: Procurement of vendors does not comply with BRINM SOP?s and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Auditor?s Recommendations: BRINM should implement its approved SOP?s as referenced above to ensure that purchasing SOP?s are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management?s Response: Current Management is not able to confirm nor deny that appropriate documentation was not collected prior to payment but highly doubts that it was not collected based on the reliability of the previous Grants Manager. Management notes that the vendor was specifically mentioned in the Grant submission. Management will ensure that purchasing SOP are implemented and selection of vendors is adequately documented. Management has secured a project management software that will retain project documentation. This should ensure appropriate documentation is collected and available to all Management for the life of the project, until date of destruction.
Reference No. 2022-002 Condition: The City did not obtain the required certified payrolls for contractor or subcontractor work performed during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The contractor submitted payroll and timesheets, but they were not certified payroll reports. In addition, the City did not have internal controls in place to identify that these certified payrolls were not being obtained. Criteria: All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors to work on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by Federal assistance funds must be paid wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) (40 USC 3141-3144, 3146, and 3147). Non-Federal entities shall include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (which still may be referenced as the Davis-Bacon Act) a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with those requirements and the DOL regulations. This includes a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the Non-Federal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). (29 CFR sections 5.5 and 5.6; the A-102 Common Rule (section 36(i)(5)); OMB Circular A-110 (2 CFR Part 215, Appendix A, Contract Provisions); 2 CFR Part 176, Subpart C; and 2 CFR section 200.326). In addition, according to 2 CFR Part 200.303, the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Reference No. 2022-002 - continued Questioned Costs: Unknown Context: The City did not obain any certified payrolls for contractor or subcontractor work performed from the construction contractor for the project for this program. This contractor accounted for 61% of the construction expenditures during the fiscal year 2022. Effect: Certified payrolls were not obtained or reviewed for the project so laborers and mechanics employed by the contractor or subcontractor may not have been paid prevailing wage rates. Cause: The City did not ensure that all required certified payrolls were being obtained. There was no one person or group assigned to monitor, review and obtain certified payrolls during the year from the contractor and subcontractor. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend that the City design and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with the program's wage rates requirements. These controls should include monitoring construction contracts, tracking weekly certified payrolls or no work performed and reviewing to ensure that the payrolls are properly certified for all contractor and subcontractor work performed. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
2022-001 - Procurement Federal Program Information: Department of Transportation ALN ? 20.507 ? Federal Transit Cluster Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR section 200.318 through 200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the District?s procurement policy did not include some of the elements required by the above federal regulations. Cause: The District does not have the necessary language over the procurement policy in regard to federal regulations. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal regulations. Identification of Questioned Costs: Based upon procurement items sampled, no noncompliance matters were noted. Context: A review was conducted of the District?s procurement policy and the policy was not in compliance with federal regulations. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the District adopt a procurement policy that is in compliance with federal regulations and that the District implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that procurement policies are always in compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: Client agrees with finding.
2022-001 - Procurement Federal Program Information: Department of Transportation ALN ? 20.507 ? Federal Transit Cluster Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR section 200.318 through 200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the District?s procurement policy did not include some of the elements required by the above federal regulations. Cause: The District does not have the necessary language over the procurement policy in regard to federal regulations. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal regulations. Identification of Questioned Costs: Based upon procurement items sampled, no noncompliance matters were noted. Context: A review was conducted of the District?s procurement policy and the policy was not in compliance with federal regulations. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the District adopt a procurement policy that is in compliance with federal regulations and that the District implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that procurement policies are always in compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: Client agrees with finding.
2022-001 - Procurement Federal Program Information: Department of Transportation ALN ? 20.507 ? Federal Transit Cluster Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR section 200.318 through 200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the District?s procurement policy did not include some of the elements required by the above federal regulations. Cause: The District does not have the necessary language over the procurement policy in regard to federal regulations. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal regulations. Identification of Questioned Costs: Based upon procurement items sampled, no noncompliance matters were noted. Context: A review was conducted of the District?s procurement policy and the policy was not in compliance with federal regulations. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the District adopt a procurement policy that is in compliance with federal regulations and that the District implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that procurement policies are always in compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: Client agrees with finding.