Federal Agency: U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Emergency Solutions Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.231 Pass-Through Agencies: State of Connecticut Department of Housing and City of New Haven, Connecticut Pass-Through Numbers: CAPO 60210084, CAPO 40220089, and CAPO 40210089 Award Period: Various dates ending between May 18, 2022 and September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: * Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance * Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: The Organization must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Condition: The Organization?s procurement policy does not include the essential restrictive terminology requirements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted Context: Although the Organization did not have a policy in place with the restrictive terminology requirements as detailed in Uniform Guidance, the Organization did follow the federal procedures as it relates to the contracts under the procurements applicable to the Organization?s major program. Cause: The Organization was unaware of the restrictive terminology requirements required as part of the new procurement standards. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Organization is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: This was not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the terminology requirements as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Emergency Solutions Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.231 Pass-Through Agencies: State of Connecticut Department of Housing and City of New Haven, Connecticut Pass-Through Numbers: CAPO 60210084, CAPO 40220089, and CAPO 40210089 Award Period: Various dates ending between May 18, 2022 and September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: * Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance * Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: The Organization must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Condition: The Organization?s procurement policy does not include the essential restrictive terminology requirements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted Context: Although the Organization did not have a policy in place with the restrictive terminology requirements as detailed in Uniform Guidance, the Organization did follow the federal procedures as it relates to the contracts under the procurements applicable to the Organization?s major program. Cause: The Organization was unaware of the restrictive terminology requirements required as part of the new procurement standards. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Organization is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: This was not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the terminology requirements as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Emergency Solutions Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.231 Pass-Through Agencies: State of Connecticut Department of Housing and City of New Haven, Connecticut Pass-Through Numbers: CAPO 60210084, CAPO 40220089, and CAPO 40210089 Award Period: Various dates ending between May 18, 2022 and September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: * Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance * Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: The Organization must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Condition: The Organization?s procurement policy does not include the essential restrictive terminology requirements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted Context: Although the Organization did not have a policy in place with the restrictive terminology requirements as detailed in Uniform Guidance, the Organization did follow the federal procedures as it relates to the contracts under the procurements applicable to the Organization?s major program. Cause: The Organization was unaware of the restrictive terminology requirements required as part of the new procurement standards. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Organization is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: This was not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the terminology requirements as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Emergency Solutions Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.231 Pass-Through Agencies: State of Connecticut Department of Housing and City of New Haven, Connecticut Pass-Through Numbers: CAPO 60210084, CAPO 40220089, and CAPO 40210089 Award Period: Various dates ending between May 18, 2022 and September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: * Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance * Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: The Organization must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Condition: The Organization?s procurement policy does not include the essential restrictive terminology requirements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted Context: Although the Organization did not have a policy in place with the restrictive terminology requirements as detailed in Uniform Guidance, the Organization did follow the federal procedures as it relates to the contracts under the procurements applicable to the Organization?s major program. Cause: The Organization was unaware of the restrictive terminology requirements required as part of the new procurement standards. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Organization is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: This was not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the terminology requirements as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Emergency Solutions Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.231 Pass-Through Agencies: State of Connecticut Department of Housing and City of New Haven, Connecticut Pass-Through Numbers: CAPO 60210084, CAPO 40220089, and CAPO 40210089 Award Period: Various dates ending between May 18, 2022 and September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: * Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance * Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: The Organization must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Condition: The Organization?s procurement policy does not include the essential restrictive terminology requirements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted Context: Although the Organization did not have a policy in place with the restrictive terminology requirements as detailed in Uniform Guidance, the Organization did follow the federal procedures as it relates to the contracts under the procurements applicable to the Organization?s major program. Cause: The Organization was unaware of the restrictive terminology requirements required as part of the new procurement standards. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Organization is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: This was not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the terminology requirements as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Emergency Solutions Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.231 Pass-Through Agencies: State of Connecticut Department of Housing and City of New Haven, Connecticut Pass-Through Numbers: CAPO 60210084, CAPO 40220089, and CAPO 40210089 Award Period: Various dates ending between May 18, 2022 and September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: * Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance * Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or specific requirement: The Organization must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Condition: The Organization?s procurement policy does not include the essential restrictive terminology requirements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned costs: None noted Context: Although the Organization did not have a policy in place with the restrictive terminology requirements as detailed in Uniform Guidance, the Organization did follow the federal procedures as it relates to the contracts under the procurements applicable to the Organization?s major program. Cause: The Organization was unaware of the restrictive terminology requirements required as part of the new procurement standards. Effect: With the absence of a compliant policy, the Organization is at risk for noncompliance as it relates to federal procurement. Repeat Finding: This was not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its formal procurement policies and make necessary changes to comply with the terminology requirements as set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2022-001: Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds Assistance Listing Number: 84.425F Award Period: July 01, 2021 - June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: The CRF subsections 200.317 through 200.326 address procurement standards within the Uniform Guidance. These standards include elements that should be included in a written procurement policy. Additionally, 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 nonprocurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR section 180.215?. Condition: During testing, it was noted there was no documentation to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred. In addition, there was no documentation of a second review to ensure the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None Context: During testing, it was noted there was no documentation to ensure certain vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: The University?s control system to document the prevention of contracting with a suspended and barred vendor was not in place. Effect: The University could have paid a vendor who was suspended or barred at the time of payment. Repeat Finding: Yes, see 2021-001 Recommendation: We recommend documenting the vendor was checked on the SAM.gov website prior to payment. In addition, We also recommend a supervisor review the documentation prior to payment as a second review. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with finding.
2022-003 Assistance Listing Number 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Department of Education North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Special Tests and Provisions 2 CFR Part 200.326 Criteria For construction contracts and subcontracts greater than $2,000 funded with federal dollars, the District should verify prevailing wage rate clauses were included in the contract or subcontract and for each week in which work was performed under the contract or subcontract the District should monitor certified payroll registers to ensure contractors and subcontractors were paying employees the prevailing wage rates. Condition The District did not provide the wage rate clauses to contractors. In addition, the District did not obtain from contractors the certified payroll registers, nor did they perform testing to ensure contractors were paying the prevailing wage rates. Cause The District was unaware of the compliance requirements regarding the construction projects. Effect The District is not in compliance with Wage Rate Requirements, a part of the Special Tests and Provisions. Questioned Costs Undeterminable. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend the District to review the wage rate compliance requirements as part of the special tests and provisions of this program in the compliance supplement and to create and implement a process of submitting prevailing wage rates to contractors as well as obtaining the certified payroll registers to determine if contractors are in compliance. Management?s Response The District will plan to get payroll registers monthly from contractors moving forward.
2022-003 Assistance Listing Number 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Department of Education North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Special Tests and Provisions 2 CFR Part 200.326 Criteria For construction contracts and subcontracts greater than $2,000 funded with federal dollars, the District should verify prevailing wage rate clauses were included in the contract or subcontract and for each week in which work was performed under the contract or subcontract the District should monitor certified payroll registers to ensure contractors and subcontractors were paying employees the prevailing wage rates. Condition The District did not provide the wage rate clauses to contractors. In addition, the District did not obtain from contractors the certified payroll registers, nor did they perform testing to ensure contractors were paying the prevailing wage rates. Cause The District was unaware of the compliance requirements regarding the construction projects. Effect The District is not in compliance with Wage Rate Requirements, a part of the Special Tests and Provisions. Questioned Costs Undeterminable. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend the District to review the wage rate compliance requirements as part of the special tests and provisions of this program in the compliance supplement and to create and implement a process of submitting prevailing wage rates to contractors as well as obtaining the certified payroll registers to determine if contractors are in compliance. Management?s Response The District will plan to get payroll registers monthly from contractors moving forward.
2022-003 Assistance Listing Number 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Department of Education North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Special Tests and Provisions 2 CFR Part 200.326 Criteria For construction contracts and subcontracts greater than $2,000 funded with federal dollars, the District should verify prevailing wage rate clauses were included in the contract or subcontract and for each week in which work was performed under the contract or subcontract the District should monitor certified payroll registers to ensure contractors and subcontractors were paying employees the prevailing wage rates. Condition The District did not provide the wage rate clauses to contractors. In addition, the District did not obtain from contractors the certified payroll registers, nor did they perform testing to ensure contractors were paying the prevailing wage rates. Cause The District was unaware of the compliance requirements regarding the construction projects. Effect The District is not in compliance with Wage Rate Requirements, a part of the Special Tests and Provisions. Questioned Costs Undeterminable. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend the District to review the wage rate compliance requirements as part of the special tests and provisions of this program in the compliance supplement and to create and implement a process of submitting prevailing wage rates to contractors as well as obtaining the certified payroll registers to determine if contractors are in compliance. Management?s Response The District will plan to get payroll registers monthly from contractors moving forward.
2022-003 Assistance Listing Number 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Department of Education North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Special Tests and Provisions 2 CFR Part 200.326 Criteria For construction contracts and subcontracts greater than $2,000 funded with federal dollars, the District should verify prevailing wage rate clauses were included in the contract or subcontract and for each week in which work was performed under the contract or subcontract the District should monitor certified payroll registers to ensure contractors and subcontractors were paying employees the prevailing wage rates. Condition The District did not provide the wage rate clauses to contractors. In addition, the District did not obtain from contractors the certified payroll registers, nor did they perform testing to ensure contractors were paying the prevailing wage rates. Cause The District was unaware of the compliance requirements regarding the construction projects. Effect The District is not in compliance with Wage Rate Requirements, a part of the Special Tests and Provisions. Questioned Costs Undeterminable. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend the District to review the wage rate compliance requirements as part of the special tests and provisions of this program in the compliance supplement and to create and implement a process of submitting prevailing wage rates to contractors as well as obtaining the certified payroll registers to determine if contractors are in compliance. Management?s Response The District will plan to get payroll registers monthly from contractors moving forward.
2022-003 Assistance Listing Number 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Department of Education North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Special Tests and Provisions 2 CFR Part 200.326 Criteria For construction contracts and subcontracts greater than $2,000 funded with federal dollars, the District should verify prevailing wage rate clauses were included in the contract or subcontract and for each week in which work was performed under the contract or subcontract the District should monitor certified payroll registers to ensure contractors and subcontractors were paying employees the prevailing wage rates. Condition The District did not provide the wage rate clauses to contractors. In addition, the District did not obtain from contractors the certified payroll registers, nor did they perform testing to ensure contractors were paying the prevailing wage rates. Cause The District was unaware of the compliance requirements regarding the construction projects. Effect The District is not in compliance with Wage Rate Requirements, a part of the Special Tests and Provisions. Questioned Costs Undeterminable. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend the District to review the wage rate compliance requirements as part of the special tests and provisions of this program in the compliance supplement and to create and implement a process of submitting prevailing wage rates to contractors as well as obtaining the certified payroll registers to determine if contractors are in compliance. Management?s Response The District will plan to get payroll registers monthly from contractors moving forward.
Statement of Condition: None of the current year ESSER construction contracts included the Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act) notification to the contractors, nor was weekly certified payroll received from contractors and their subcontractors. Criteria: 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 require the following for construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds. 1) Construction contracts shall include a provision that contractors or subcontractors comply with the provisions of the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act). 2) These provisions include a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the District weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of certified payroll. Cause of Condition: District employees involved in the construction contract writing process were unaware of this requirement. Effect of condition: All construction contract financed by the ESSER program originated during 2022 did not include the Wage Rate Requirements provision. Context: All four applicable contract were reviewed. This finding was present in all four contracts. Recommendation: To ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 that are financed by federal assistance funds include the required Wage Rate Requirements provision, additional training in ESSER requirements should be provided for employees involved in the construction contract writing process. Further, a review process should be put in place for all such contracts written in order to ensure that they comply with all the requirements within the Compliance Supplement.
Statement of Condition: None of the current year ESSER construction contracts included the Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act) notification to the contractors, nor was weekly certified payroll received from contractors and their subcontractors. Criteria: 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 require the following for construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds. 1) Construction contracts shall include a provision that contractors or subcontractors comply with the provisions of the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act). 2) These provisions include a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the District weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of certified payroll. Cause of Condition: District employees involved in the construction contract writing process were unaware of this requirement. Effect of condition: All construction contract financed by the ESSER program originated during 2022 did not include the Wage Rate Requirements provision. Context: All four applicable contract were reviewed. This finding was present in all four contracts. Recommendation: To ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 that are financed by federal assistance funds include the required Wage Rate Requirements provision, additional training in ESSER requirements should be provided for employees involved in the construction contract writing process. Further, a review process should be put in place for all such contracts written in order to ensure that they comply with all the requirements within the Compliance Supplement.
Statement of Condition: None of the current year ESSER construction contracts included the Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act) notification to the contractors, nor was weekly certified payroll received from contractors and their subcontractors. Criteria: 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 require the following for construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds. 1) Construction contracts shall include a provision that contractors or subcontractors comply with the provisions of the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act). 2) These provisions include a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the District weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of certified payroll. Cause of Condition: District employees involved in the construction contract writing process were unaware of this requirement. Effect of condition: All construction contract financed by the ESSER program originated during 2022 did not include the Wage Rate Requirements provision. Context: All four applicable contract were reviewed. This finding was present in all four contracts. Recommendation: To ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 that are financed by federal assistance funds include the required Wage Rate Requirements provision, additional training in ESSER requirements should be provided for employees involved in the construction contract writing process. Further, a review process should be put in place for all such contracts written in order to ensure that they comply with all the requirements within the Compliance Supplement.
Statement of Condition: None of the current year ESSER construction contracts included the Wage Rate Requirement (Davis-Bacon Act) notification to the contractors, nor was weekly certified payroll received from contractors and their subcontractors. Criteria: 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 require the following for construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds. 1) Construction contracts shall include a provision that contractors or subcontractors comply with the provisions of the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act). 2) These provisions include a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the District weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of certified payroll. Cause of Condition: District employees involved in the construction contract writing process were unaware of this requirement. Effect of condition: All construction contract financed by the ESSER program originated during 2022 did not include the Wage Rate Requirements provision. Context: All four applicable contract were reviewed. This finding was present in all four contracts. Recommendation: To ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 that are financed by federal assistance funds include the required Wage Rate Requirements provision, additional training in ESSER requirements should be provided for employees involved in the construction contract writing process. Further, a review process should be put in place for all such contracts written in order to ensure that they comply with all the requirements within the Compliance Supplement.
Child Nutrition Cluster ?School Nutrition Program ? Assistance Listing #10.555 and Summer Food Service Program ? Assistance Listing #10.559 2022-005 ? Significant Deficiency in Controls over Compliance and Compliance Finding: Administrative Requirements of Uniform Guidance ? Administrative Policies This is a repeat of prior year finding 2021-006 Conditions and Criteria: Written policies associated with financial management, allowable costs, cash management, procurement and compensation are in need of adoption and enhancement to meet the administrative requirements of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Cause/Context: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids have limited written policies and procedures that are applicable to federal awards and address the direct and material compliance matters important to the major federal program. In addition, there are unique policy requirements of Uniform Guidance related to financial management, allowable costs, cash management and procurement that are relevant to the Schools? federal programs. Recommendations: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids should adopt the following written policies and updates: ? Financial Management (2 CFR 200.302) The financial management policy should include records documenting compliance, and the tracking of funds to determine that expenditures are in accordance with the terms and conditions of the federal awards. The financial management and reporting system must provide the following: ? Identification - Title of the award, CFDA number ? Complete disclosure of accurate and current financial results of each federal award ? Source and application of funds for federal award activity ? Record retention and access ? define the time period for which records must be kept (can vary by grant agreement), and who has the ability access the records (?200.333 - ?200.337) ? Written procedure to implement cash management requirements (see below) ? Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs (see below) ? Cash Management (2 CFR 200.305) A written policy is required by Uniform Guidance detailing the Schools? procedures to minimize the time that elapses between draw and expenditure of federal dollars. ? Allowable Costs (2 CFR 200.302(b)(7)) The Schools must have written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E - Cost Principles of Uniform Guidance and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. This includes the determination of allowable costs and the review of this determination. The standard assumes policies and procedures are in place for disbursements, and the allowable cost policy will demonstrate how the Schools ensure compliance. The criteria for costs to be considered allowable are documented within 2 CFR 200.403. ? Procurement Standards (2 CFR 200.317 ? 200.326) The Schools must have a written policy that promotes full and open vendor competition, conflict of interest policies should cover employees as well as the organization, and general purchase requirements with specific thresholds as set forth by the Uniform Guidance. There are five allowable procurement methods as described in ?200.320. ? Policy Guide (2 CFR 200.400) In summary, the Schools must have written policies that document the efficient and effective administration of federal awards through sound management practices. The Schools have the primary responsibility for employing whatever form of sound organization and management techniques may be necessary to assure proper and efficient administration of the federal awards. The accounting practices must be consistent with Uniform Guidance cost principles, support the accumulation of costs as required, and must provide for adequate documentation to support costs charged to the federal award. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Child Nutrition Cluster ?School Nutrition Program ? Assistance Listing #10.555 and Summer Food Service Program ? Assistance Listing #10.559 2022-005 ? Significant Deficiency in Controls over Compliance and Compliance Finding: Administrative Requirements of Uniform Guidance ? Administrative Policies This is also a compliance finding, not just controls - UPDATED This is a repeat of prior year finding 2021-006 Conditions and Criteria: Written policies associated with financial management, allowable costs, cash management, procurement and compensation are in need of adoption and enhancement to meet the administrative requirements of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Cause/Context: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids have limited written policies and procedures that are applicable to federal awards and address the direct and material compliance matters important to the major federal program. In addition, there are unique policy requirements of Uniform Guidance related to financial management, allowable costs, cash management and procurement that are relevant to the Schools? federal programs. Recommendations: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids should adopt the following written policies and updates: ? Financial Management (2 CFR 200.302) The financial management policy should include records documenting compliance, and the tracking of funds to determine that expenditures are in accordance with the terms and conditions of the federal awards. The financial management and reporting system must provide the following: ? Identification - Title of the award, CFDA number ? Complete disclosure of accurate and current financial results of each federal award ? Source and application of funds for federal award activity ? Record retention and access ? define the time period for which records must be kept (can vary by grant agreement), and who has the ability access the records (?200.333 - ?200.337) ? Written procedure to implement cash management requirements (see below) ? Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs (see below) ? Cash Management (2 CFR 200.305) A written policy is required by Uniform Guidance detailing the Schools? procedures to minimize the time that elapses between draw and expenditure of federal dollars. ? Allowable Costs (2 CFR 200.302(b)(7)) The Schools must have written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E - Cost Principles of Uniform Guidance and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. This includes the determination of allowable costs and the review of this determination. The standard assumes policies and procedures are in place for disbursements, and the allowable cost policy will demonstrate how the Schools ensure compliance. The criteria for costs to be considered allowable are documented within 2 CFR 200.403. ? Procurement Standards (2 CFR 200.317 ? 200.326) The Schools must have a written policy that promotes full and open vendor competition, conflict of interest policies should cover employees as well as the organization, and general purchase requirements with specific thresholds as set forth by the Uniform Guidance. There are five allowable procurement methods as described in ?200.320. ? Policy Guide (2 CFR 200.400) In summary, the Schools must have written policies that document the efficient and effective administration of federal awards through sound management practices. The Schools have the primary responsibility for employing whatever form of sound organization and management techniques may be necessary to assure proper and efficient administration of the federal awards. The accounting practices must be consistent with Uniform Guidance cost principles, support the accumulation of costs as required, and must provide for adequate documentation to support costs charged to the federal award. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with the findings of the auditors. We have developed a plan to address the findings, and are actively working to implement that plan. The corrective action plan is attached to this report.
Child Nutrition Cluster ?School Nutrition Program ? Assistance Listing #10.555 and Summer Food Service Program ? Assistance Listing #10.559 2022-005 ? Significant Deficiency in Controls over Compliance and Compliance Finding: Administrative Requirements of Uniform Guidance ? Administrative Policies This is a repeat of prior year finding 2021-006 Conditions and Criteria: Written policies associated with financial management, allowable costs, cash management, procurement and compensation are in need of adoption and enhancement to meet the administrative requirements of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Cause/Context: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids have limited written policies and procedures that are applicable to federal awards and address the direct and material compliance matters important to the major federal program. In addition, there are unique policy requirements of Uniform Guidance related to financial management, allowable costs, cash management and procurement that are relevant to the Schools? federal programs. Recommendations: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids should adopt the following written policies and updates: ? Financial Management (2 CFR 200.302) The financial management policy should include records documenting compliance, and the tracking of funds to determine that expenditures are in accordance with the terms and conditions of the federal awards. The financial management and reporting system must provide the following: ? Identification - Title of the award, CFDA number ? Complete disclosure of accurate and current financial results of each federal award ? Source and application of funds for federal award activity ? Record retention and access ? define the time period for which records must be kept (can vary by grant agreement), and who has the ability access the records (?200.333 - ?200.337) ? Written procedure to implement cash management requirements (see below) ? Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs (see below) ? Cash Management (2 CFR 200.305) A written policy is required by Uniform Guidance detailing the Schools? procedures to minimize the time that elapses between draw and expenditure of federal dollars. ? Allowable Costs (2 CFR 200.302(b)(7)) The Schools must have written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E - Cost Principles of Uniform Guidance and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. This includes the determination of allowable costs and the review of this determination. The standard assumes policies and procedures are in place for disbursements, and the allowable cost policy will demonstrate how the Schools ensure compliance. The criteria for costs to be considered allowable are documented within 2 CFR 200.403. ? Procurement Standards (2 CFR 200.317 ? 200.326) The Schools must have a written policy that promotes full and open vendor competition, conflict of interest policies should cover employees as well as the organization, and general purchase requirements with specific thresholds as set forth by the Uniform Guidance. There are five allowable procurement methods as described in ?200.320. ? Policy Guide (2 CFR 200.400) In summary, the Schools must have written policies that document the efficient and effective administration of federal awards through sound management practices. The Schools have the primary responsibility for employing whatever form of sound organization and management techniques may be necessary to assure proper and efficient administration of the federal awards. The accounting practices must be consistent with Uniform Guidance cost principles, support the accumulation of costs as required, and must provide for adequate documentation to support costs charged to the federal award. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Child Nutrition Cluster ?School Nutrition Program ? Assistance Listing #10.555 and Summer Food Service Program ? Assistance Listing #10.559 2022-005 ? Significant Deficiency in Controls over Compliance and Compliance Finding: Administrative Requirements of Uniform Guidance ? Administrative Policies This is also a compliance finding, not just controls - UPDATED This is a repeat of prior year finding 2021-006 Conditions and Criteria: Written policies associated with financial management, allowable costs, cash management, procurement and compensation are in need of adoption and enhancement to meet the administrative requirements of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Cause/Context: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids have limited written policies and procedures that are applicable to federal awards and address the direct and material compliance matters important to the major federal program. In addition, there are unique policy requirements of Uniform Guidance related to financial management, allowable costs, cash management and procurement that are relevant to the Schools? federal programs. Recommendations: The Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids should adopt the following written policies and updates: ? Financial Management (2 CFR 200.302) The financial management policy should include records documenting compliance, and the tracking of funds to determine that expenditures are in accordance with the terms and conditions of the federal awards. The financial management and reporting system must provide the following: ? Identification - Title of the award, CFDA number ? Complete disclosure of accurate and current financial results of each federal award ? Source and application of funds for federal award activity ? Record retention and access ? define the time period for which records must be kept (can vary by grant agreement), and who has the ability access the records (?200.333 - ?200.337) ? Written procedure to implement cash management requirements (see below) ? Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs (see below) ? Cash Management (2 CFR 200.305) A written policy is required by Uniform Guidance detailing the Schools? procedures to minimize the time that elapses between draw and expenditure of federal dollars. ? Allowable Costs (2 CFR 200.302(b)(7)) The Schools must have written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E - Cost Principles of Uniform Guidance and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. This includes the determination of allowable costs and the review of this determination. The standard assumes policies and procedures are in place for disbursements, and the allowable cost policy will demonstrate how the Schools ensure compliance. The criteria for costs to be considered allowable are documented within 2 CFR 200.403. ? Procurement Standards (2 CFR 200.317 ? 200.326) The Schools must have a written policy that promotes full and open vendor competition, conflict of interest policies should cover employees as well as the organization, and general purchase requirements with specific thresholds as set forth by the Uniform Guidance. There are five allowable procurement methods as described in ?200.320. ? Policy Guide (2 CFR 200.400) In summary, the Schools must have written policies that document the efficient and effective administration of federal awards through sound management practices. The Schools have the primary responsibility for employing whatever form of sound organization and management techniques may be necessary to assure proper and efficient administration of the federal awards. The accounting practices must be consistent with Uniform Guidance cost principles, support the accumulation of costs as required, and must provide for adequate documentation to support costs charged to the federal award. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: We concur with the findings of the auditors. We have developed a plan to address the findings, and are actively working to implement that plan. The corrective action plan is attached to this report.
US Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund Program Name: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Institutional Aid Portion Assistance Listing #: 84.425F Finding: 2022 – 001 MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE / SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Procurement Condition: The College does not have documented procurement procedures. Cause: The College has not previously received funds that allowed for institutional spending that would have required documented procurement procedures. Effect: The College used their guiding principles and internal purchasing review policies to guide procurement which does not meet the requirement of 2 CFR 200.318(i) to keep record of the “rationale for the method of procurement.” Questioned Costs: $231,484 . This amount was determined by totaling all the related grant expenditures that required procurement procedures. Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.318 requires that non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. These entities must use their own documented procurement procedures which must reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations as well as the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Recommendation: Before being awarded additional federal monies available for procurement expenditure, the College should document procurement policies and procedures that meet all compliance requirements in 2 CFR Part 200. Views of responsible personnel and planned corrective actions: The College agrees with this finding while maintaining that the entirety of the questioned costs were for allowable expenditures under HEERF Institutional Aid compliance. Prior to expending federal funds for future procurement expenditures, the College will implement documented procurement procedures. Please refer to corrective action plan on page 13.
2022-004 - Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Federal Program Information: ALN - 10.760 - Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR 200.317-200.326. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Town did not have a procurement policy in place. Cause: The Town needs to adopt a procurement policy to comply with Uniform Guidance. Effect: Procurements might not conform to applicable Federal laws. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The entire population. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding of 2021-004. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town adopt a procurement policy that follows the Uniform Guidance and that the Town implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that the adopted policy is followed. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding, and a version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town of Livermore Falls.
2022-001 – Uniform Guidance Procurement Standards Criteria: One of the more significant provisions of the Uniform Guidance that affects the Town is the procurement standards under 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Under the procurement standards, the Town is required to have a documented purchasing policy, which at a minimum, incorporates the provisions of the Uniform Guidance. Statement of Condition: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revised regulations applicable to federally funded programs. The regulations are contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). The Uniform Guidance replaced OMB Circulars A-133, A-87, and A-110 and incorporates requirements for grant recipients. The Uniform Guidance includes not only protocols for program management and administration, but also updates compliance regulations for federal awards. Cause: The Town had not adopted a procurement policy that covered all aspects required by the Uniform Guidance. However, during our testing of procurement over federal expenditures, we did not notate any violations of the Uniform Guidance procurement standards. Effect: Items required by the Uniform Guidance procurement standards were not addressed in the policy followed by the Town during the fiscal year. Recommendation: We recommend that management review the applicable provisions of the Uniform Guidance procurement standards and update the Town’s procurement policy appropriately. This would include adding any missing components to the Town’s current procurement policy and updating definitions of types of procurement, i.e. micro-purchases, small purchases, and small acquisition threshold, to match the language used in the Uniform Guidance procurement standards.
Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Research and Development Cluster Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurement standards conform to the applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. Condition: The Organization has a procurement policy in place; however, the Organization is not consistently following the procurement policy. During the period of the contracts with these provisions, the Organization did not have a control structure in place to monitor compliance with procurement requirements. Consequently, for four (4) of four (4) contracts tested, the procurement policy was not followed and no documentation to reflect compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements related to procurement could be provided. Cause: The Organization did not have proper controls in place to monitor compliance with the procurement. Effect or potential effect: The procurement policy retained by the Organization has not been updated to confirm to the Organization’s current operations. The Organization could become noncompliant with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance, resulting in findings and questioned costs related to dollar amounts being expended to vendors. Additionally, the Organization could become ineligible to receive funds from federal entities or may have to issue refunds to federal entities. Questioned costs: None. Context: Our sample was not intended to be statistically valid. Recommendation: The Organization should update its procurement policy to reflect current operations. Additionally, the Organization should review the current procurement operations in conjunction with the review of the procurement policies to ensure that all practices and policies conform to the standards promulgated by the CFR. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management's response is reported in "Management's Views and Corrective Action Plan" included at the end of this report. Identification of prior year finding: 2021-005
Criteria: Non-federal entities, 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 applicablestate and local laws and regulations, provided the policies and procedures conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200.Condition/context: A sample of 2 expenditures greater than the micropurchase threshold of $10,000 but less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000 were selected from the three transactions that exceeded the micropurchase threshold of $10,000. For one of the expenditures the University did not obtain the required rate quotations; per the University?s documented policy two quotes should have been obtained. In addition, we noted the University does not have a documented standard of conduct that covers conflicts of interest and governs the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts.Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid.Questioned costs: None.Cause/Effect: The personnel completing purchases on behalf of the University were unaware of the internal procurement policies that are in conformance with federal statutes and 2 CFR Part 200. The lack of obtaining the required rate quotations increases the risk that the price paid was not competitive when compared to the market and that the transaction may not have been in a manner providing full and opencompetition. The lack of a documented standard of conduct that covers conflict of interest increases the risk that an actual or perceived conflict could occur.Repeat finding: NoRecommendation: We recommend the University implement controls to ensure all employees making federal purchases on behalf of the University are aware of the University?s documented procurement policy that is in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200. In addition, we recommend the University document its standard of conduct that covers conflicts of interest and governs the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts.Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Heritage University agrees to put procedures in place to make certain that every employee making federal purchases on the University's behalf is aware of the University's written procurement policy, which complies with 2 CFR Part 200. Additionally, the University is to formalize its code of conduct, which addresses conflicts of interest and establishes expectations for staff members involved in contract administration, selection, and award.
Criteria: Non-federal entities, 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 applicablestate and local laws and regulations, provided the policies and procedures conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200.Condition/context: A sample of 2 expenditures greater than the micropurchase threshold of $10,000 but less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000 were selected from the three transactions that exceeded the micropurchase threshold of $10,000. For one of the expenditures the University did not obtain the required rate quotations; per the University?s documented policy two quotes should have been obtained. In addition, we noted the University does not have a documented standard of conduct that covers conflicts of interest and governs the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts.Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid.Questioned costs: None.Cause/Effect: The personnel completing purchases on behalf of the University were unaware of the internal procurement policies that are in conformance with federal statutes and 2 CFR Part 200. The lack of obtaining the required rate quotations increases the risk that the price paid was not competitive when compared to the market and that the transaction may not have been in a manner providing full and opencompetition. The lack of a documented standard of conduct that covers conflict of interest increases the risk that an actual or perceived conflict could occur.Repeat finding: NoRecommendation: We recommend the University implement controls to ensure all employees making federal purchases on behalf of the University are aware of the University?s documented procurement policy that is in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200. In addition, we recommend the University document its standard of conduct that covers conflicts of interest and governs the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts.Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Heritage University agrees to put procedures in place to make certain that every employee making federal purchases on the University's behalf is aware of the University's written procurement policy, which complies with 2 CFR Part 200. Additionally, the University is to formalize its code of conduct, which addresses conflicts of interest and establishes expectations for staff members involved in contract administration, selection, and award.
Criteria: Non-federal entities, 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 applicablestate and local laws and regulations, provided the policies and procedures conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200.Condition/context: A sample of 2 expenditures greater than the micropurchase threshold of $10,000 but less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000 were selected from the three transactions that exceeded the micropurchase threshold of $10,000. For one of the expenditures the University did not obtain the required rate quotations; per the University?s documented policy two quotes should have been obtained. In addition, we noted the University does not have a documented standard of conduct that covers conflicts of interest and governs the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts.Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid.Questioned costs: None.Cause/Effect: The personnel completing purchases on behalf of the University were unaware of the internal procurement policies that are in conformance with federal statutes and 2 CFR Part 200. The lack of obtaining the required rate quotations increases the risk that the price paid was not competitive when compared to the market and that the transaction may not have been in a manner providing full and opencompetition. The lack of a documented standard of conduct that covers conflict of interest increases the risk that an actual or perceived conflict could occur.Repeat finding: NoRecommendation: We recommend the University implement controls to ensure all employees making federal purchases on behalf of the University are aware of the University?s documented procurement policy that is in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200. In addition, we recommend the University document its standard of conduct that covers conflicts of interest and governs the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts.Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Heritage University agrees to put procedures in place to make certain that every employee making federal purchases on the University's behalf is aware of the University's written procurement policy, which complies with 2 CFR Part 200. Additionally, the University is to formalize its code of conduct, which addresses conflicts of interest and establishes expectations for staff members involved in contract administration, selection, and award.
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.Condition: The College had a procurement policy that conformed to 2 CFR Part 200. Yet, during our testing, we noted that the College?s procurement policies were not followed. There was a single vendor who provided similar goods and services across two grants which had cumulative purchases over $10,000 within the fiscal year. This triggered Small Purchase compliance requirements to be followed; however, there was no documentation to support compliance.Questioned costs: None.Context: We tested a sample of five vendors and noted one vendor had the exception noted above.Cause: The College focused on the individual amounts being charged to the separate grants, not the cumulative amount paid to the vendor for the goods and services being provided.Effect: The College is not in compliance with their policy, nor are they in compliance with the prescribed methods of procurement as outlined in 2 CFR Part 200.320 to ensure reasonable price or rate.Repeat finding: No.Recommendation: We recommend that the College ensure its policies and procedures over procurement are being enforced to ensure reasonable prices and rates. Specifically, the College should consider training employees that regulations do apply when a single vendor is being used for a good or service, yet the charges are split amongst various funding sources.View of responsible official: The College agrees with the finding.
Finding 2022-003: Equipment (50000)Assistance Listing No. 84.425 ? Education Stabilization Fund,Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) FundU.S. Department of EducationPassed through California Department of EducationCriteria: Consistent with 2 CFR section 200.311 (real property), section 200.313 (equipment), and section 200.439 (equipment and other capital expenditures) ESF funds may be used to purchase equipment. Capital expenditures for general and special purpose equipment purchases are subject to prior approval by ED or the pass-through entity.Nonfederal 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 (29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contacts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction). This includes a requirement for 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) (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: The District made three expenditures above the capital threshold for federal purchases but did not obtain prior approval from the California Department of Education. Furthermore, the District was unable to provide documentation that federal wage rate requirements were included in the contracts.Question Costs: $66,608Context: These were the only capital purchases made from this federal program in the year under audit.Cause: The District was unaware of the requirements to obtain prior approval from CDE and to obtain federal wage rate data.Effect: The funds spent on these purchases may be subject to review by or return to the awarding agency.Recommendation: We recommend that the District obtain prior approval from CDE and that contracts include federal wage rate requirements for all capital purchases from the Education Stabilization Fund.Views of Responsible Officials: The District will ensure it receives prior approval from CDE prior to making expenditures utilizing ESSER funds and will update its agreements to reflect the federal wage rate requirements when utilizing this funding.
2021/2 022 Wage Rate Compliace CFDA Title: Impact Aid CFDA Number: 84.041 Federal Award Number: 2022 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity: Direct Condition: The District did not comply with the wage rate compliance related to the teacher housing civil construction project expenditures paid from Impact Aid monies. Criteria: Section 7007 construction funds, as well as any Section 7002 or 7003(b) funds spent for construction or minor remodeling, are subject to Wage Rate Requirements (20 USC 1232b). Compliance Requirement - 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 (29 CFR part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contacts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction). 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). Context: During the testing of significant claims for the Impact Aid major program related to construction, we noted claims in which the wage rate requirements would apply. Effect: Noncompliance with the Wage Rate Requirement. Cause: The District was not aware of the requirement. Recommendation: The District should implement internal controls to determine the federal compliance requirements of all federal funds received. In addition, procedures should be implemented to ensure any federal funds received in which the Wage Rate Requirement is required the following are implemented: 1. any construction vendor is by contract which includes the Prevailing Wage clauses for the contractors and subcontractors 2. the weekly certified payrolls are submitted
Finding 2022-002 – Special Education Cluster – AL No.’s 84.027 & 84.173 Department of Education Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency Related to Internal Control over Compliance of the Major Programs Criteria: Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. As governmental subrecipients of states are also required to use the same state procurement policies and procedures for federal funds as for non‐federal funds, the Town is required to follow Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b). MGL 30(b) requires the solicitation of three written or oral quotes for procurements of supplies between $10,000 and $49,999 and sealed bids or proposals for procurements of supplies $50,000 and over. Management of the Town is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context: During fiscal year 2022, the Town did not comply with the required procurement policies and procedures process for procurements that exceeded both State and Federal thresholds. Questioned Costs: Unkown Cause: Weaknesses in the design and operation of controls. Effect or Potential Effect: Due to the weaknesses in internal controls noted above, there is a risk that amounts charged to federal awards may not be in accordance with procurement, suspension, and debarment principles. No known questioned costs are reported, as it is not quantifiable. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Yes, finding number 2021-002 Recommendation: The Town should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with federal and state requirements. Managements Response: The Town and Schools have Acushnet’s Federal Grant Procedures Manual (February 2023) to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with Federal and State requirements – in particular, the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326
Finding 2022-002 – Special Education Cluster – AL No.’s 84.027 & 84.173 Department of Education Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency Related to Internal Control over Compliance of the Major Programs Criteria: Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. As governmental subrecipients of states are also required to use the same state procurement policies and procedures for federal funds as for non‐federal funds, the Town is required to follow Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b). MGL 30(b) requires the solicitation of three written or oral quotes for procurements of supplies between $10,000 and $49,999 and sealed bids or proposals for procurements of supplies $50,000 and over. Management of the Town is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context: During fiscal year 2022, the Town did not comply with the required procurement policies and procedures process for procurements that exceeded both State and Federal thresholds. Questioned Costs: Unkown Cause: Weaknesses in the design and operation of controls. Effect or Potential Effect: Due to the weaknesses in internal controls noted above, there is a risk that amounts charged to federal awards may not be in accordance with procurement, suspension, and debarment principles. No known questioned costs are reported, as it is not quantifiable. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Yes, finding number 2021-002 Recommendation: The Town should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with federal and state requirements. Managements Response: The Town and Schools have Acushnet’s Federal Grant Procedures Manual (February 2023) to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with Federal and State requirements – in particular, the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326
2022-004 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance Federal program information: Funding agency: Department of Interior and Department of Education Passed through the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Title: Indian School Equalization Program (ISEP) Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) CFDA number: 15.042 and 84.425 Award number: All major program award numbers Award period: All major program periods Criteria: The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.318-200.326 require verification of suspension and debarment as part of the procurement process. Condition: The School was unable to provide any evidence of verification of suspension and debarment on one of the vendors. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: The School did not retain evidence of verification of suspension and debarment. Effect: The School was unable to provide evidence of verification of suspension and debarment. Auditor’s Recommendations: Evidence of verification of suspension and debarment to be kept. Management’s Response: Although the PILC verifies the suspension and debarment status of every vendor for potential purchases above $150,000, we had not been routinely printing documentation verifying this process. In the future, the School will be printing off evidence of a dated keyword search to demonstrate that a vendor is not listed on the www.SAM.gov suspension/debarment list for procurement purposes.
2022-004 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance Federal program information: Funding agency: Department of Interior and Department of Education Passed through the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Title: Indian School Equalization Program (ISEP) Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) CFDA number: 15.042 and 84.425 Award number: All major program award numbers Award period: All major program periods Criteria: The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.318-200.326 require verification of suspension and debarment as part of the procurement process. Condition: The School was unable to provide any evidence of verification of suspension and debarment on one of the vendors. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: The School did not retain evidence of verification of suspension and debarment. Effect: The School was unable to provide evidence of verification of suspension and debarment. Auditor’s Recommendations: Evidence of verification of suspension and debarment to be kept. Management’s Response: Although the PILC verifies the suspension and debarment status of every vendor for potential purchases above $150,000, we had not been routinely printing documentation verifying this process. In the future, the School will be printing off evidence of a dated keyword search to demonstrate that a vendor is not listed on the www.SAM.gov suspension/debarment list for procurement purposes.
2022-004 — Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance Federal program information: Funding agency: Department of Interior and Department of Education Passed through the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Title: Indian School Equalization Program (ISEP) Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) CFDA number: 15.042 and 84.425 Award number: All major program award numbers Award period: All major program periods Criteria: The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.318-200.326 require verification of suspension and debarment as part of the procurement process. Condition: The School was unable to provide any evidence of verification of suspension and debarment on one of the vendors. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: The School did not retain evidence of verification of suspension and debarment. Effect: The School was unable to provide evidence of verification of suspension and debarment. Auditor’s Recommendations: Evidence of verification of suspension and debarment to be kept. Management’s Response: Although the PILC verifies the suspension and debarment status of every vendor for potential purchases above $150,000, we had not been routinely printing documentation verifying this process. In the future, the School will be printing off evidence of a dated keyword search to demonstrate that a vendor is not listed on the www.SAM.gov suspension/debarment list for procurement purposes.
2022-004 – Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Federal Program Information Funding Agency: US Department of Education Title: Special Education Cluster AL Number: 84.027; 84.173 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. Furthermore, 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 that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Condition Upper Valley Special Education District does not have a written procurement policy in place that follows Uniform Guidance. In addition, the District is not reviewing applicable vendors for suspension and debarment. Questioned Costs None. Context During inquiry and testing we noted that UVSE did not have a procurement policy in place that follows Uniform Guidance and that they do not ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Effect Upper Valley Special Education District is not in compliance with Uniform Guidance procurement, suspension, and procurement requirements. Also, the District has an increased risk of entering into a covered transaction with a vendor who is suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Cause Management oversight. Recommendation The District’s should create and implement a procurement policy that follows federal requirements. The District should also create policies and procedures to ensure they do not enter into a covered transaction with a vendor who is suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Views of Responsible Officials See corrective action plan.
2022-004 – Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Federal Program Information Funding Agency: US Department of Education Title: Special Education Cluster AL Number: 84.027; 84.173 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. Furthermore, 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 that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Condition Upper Valley Special Education District does not have a written procurement policy in place that follows Uniform Guidance. In addition, the District is not reviewing applicable vendors for suspension and debarment. Questioned Costs None. Context During inquiry and testing we noted that UVSE did not have a procurement policy in place that follows Uniform Guidance and that they do not ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Effect Upper Valley Special Education District is not in compliance with Uniform Guidance procurement, suspension, and procurement requirements. Also, the District has an increased risk of entering into a covered transaction with a vendor who is suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Cause Management oversight. Recommendation The District’s should create and implement a procurement policy that follows federal requirements. The District should also create policies and procedures to ensure they do not enter into a covered transaction with a vendor who is suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Views of Responsible Officials See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster; Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 10.559; 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 214RI306N1099/214RI306N1199 - 2022 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement The Town and Coventry Public Schools must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). UG §200.318 General procurement standards. (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. §200.320 states that the non-Federal entity must use one of the prescribed methods of procurement. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in §200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (1) Micro-purchases. Procurement by micro-purchase is the acquisition of supplies or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (See the definition of micro-purchase in §200.1). To the maximum extent practicable, the non-Federal entity should distribute micro-purchases equitably among qualified suppliers. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price or rate quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable based on research, experience, purchase history or other information and documents it files accordingly. Purchase cards can be used for micro-purchases if procedures are documented and approved by the non-Federal entity. (2) Small purchase. Procurement by small purchase is the acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a noncompetitive procurement can be used in accordance with §200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: (1) Sealed bids. Bids are publicly solicited, and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. (2) Proposals. Either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. (c) Noncompetitive procurement. There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the allowed circumstances apply. Condition The Towns purchasing policies within Coventry Public Schools do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CRF sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 noted above. Questioned Costs None Context Although the Towns purchasing policies within Coventry Public Schools do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CRF sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326, we did not identify transactions where contracts were awarded without proper justification in 4 of 4 procurement transactions tested. Cause Management was not aware of the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Effect The Town and Coventry Public Schools are at risk for noncompliance with Federal grants as it relates to procurement. Repeat Finding Yes Recommendation We recommend that the Town and Coventry Public Schools updates its procurement policy to include all elements identified in 2 CRF sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with this finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster; Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 10.559; 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 214RI306N1099/214RI306N1199 - 2022 Award Period: Fiscal Year 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement The Town and Coventry Public Schools must comply with procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). UG §200.318 General procurement standards. (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. §200.320 states that the non-Federal entity must use one of the prescribed methods of procurement. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in §200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: (1) Micro-purchases. Procurement by micro-purchase is the acquisition of supplies or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (See the definition of micro-purchase in §200.1). To the maximum extent practicable, the non-Federal entity should distribute micro-purchases equitably among qualified suppliers. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price or rate quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable based on research, experience, purchase history or other information and documents it files accordingly. Purchase cards can be used for micro-purchases if procedures are documented and approved by the non-Federal entity. (2) Small purchase. Procurement by small purchase is the acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a noncompetitive procurement can be used in accordance with §200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: (1) Sealed bids. Bids are publicly solicited, and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. (2) Proposals. Either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. (c) Noncompetitive procurement. There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the allowed circumstances apply. Condition The Towns purchasing policies within Coventry Public Schools do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CRF sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 noted above. Questioned Costs None Context Although the Towns purchasing policies within Coventry Public Schools do not include all elements as outlined in 2 CRF sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326, we did not identify transactions where contracts were awarded without proper justification in 4 of 4 procurement transactions tested. Cause Management was not aware of the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326 within Uniform Guidance. Effect The Town and Coventry Public Schools are at risk for noncompliance with Federal grants as it relates to procurement. Repeat Finding Yes Recommendation We recommend that the Town and Coventry Public Schools updates its procurement policy to include all elements identified in 2 CRF sections 200.303 and 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with this finding.
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior Federal Programs: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges and Universities Assistance Listing Numbers: 15.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: A19AP00118-09 Award Period: July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.326 there are procurement standards within the Uniform Guidance. These standards include elements that should be followed pre-contract. Specifically, UG §200.318 states that the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include but are not necessarily limited to the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The College did not have proper documentation to support one procurement transaction. Questioned Costs: None. Context: During our testing of 8 procurement transactions, it was noted the College did not retain proper documentation related to 1 procurement transaction. Cause: The College did not retain proper documentation of one procurement transaction. Effect: The College was not in compliance with procurement regulations. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the College implement policies and procedures to ensure all procurement documentation is complete and retained. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a plan to correct the finding.
Federal Program Name: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency: National Science Foundation Federal Assistance Listing Title and Number: 47.074 Award Year: June 1, 2021 ? May 31, 2022 Criteria or Specific Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Condition: The University?s procurement policy does not contain adequate documentation to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement regulations. (Deficiency) Questioned Costs: None. Context: The University?s documented procurement policies do not contain all the specified requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Effect: The risks exist that the University could follow their procurement policy and procure an item with federal funds, which would not meet the federal procurement regulations. Cause: The writing of the policy did not take into account federal procurement regulations which are required to be incorporated for items procured with federal funds. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the University revise procurement policies to incorporate all required elements of federal procurement regulations.
General procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.318(a) state that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to the applicable Federal law and the standards identified by the Uniform Guidance (sections 200.318 ? 200.326). The Uniform Guidance outlines requirements over the proper oversight of contractors, having written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts to responsible contractors, maintaining records documenting the history of procurements including cost price analysis, conducting all transactions in a manner which provides full and open competition, having procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded, utilizing the methods of procurement outlined in the Uniform Guidance, and ensuring every purchase order or contract includes the applicable provisions in Appendix II. Condition: The College?s policies and procedures over procurement generally conform to the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance with an exception bonding requirements, contracting with small and minority businesses, and items from Appendix II to Part 200. The auditors compared the College?s policies and procedures to the applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance by reviewing two vendors of a total of four vendors with expenditure for the ESF funds and obtained the associated supporting documentation for our selections. Additionally, the auditors noted that the Institution?s procedures were not followed with regard to ensuring full and open competition, obtaining bids/quotes for the items above the micro-purchase threshold, or retaining documentation for the requirement for verifying for vendor suspension or debarment prior to contracting. The College did check for suspension/disbarment following our identification of the finding and there were no issues. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. Cause: The College's policies were not compared to Uniform Guidance to ensure all elements were incorporated prior to entering into a contract with vendors for which federal funds were the source of the expenditure. Additionally, the College?s procedures were not followed appropriately with regard to vendor bids/selection or to check for suspension and debarment of the contractor to be utilized. Effect: The College is at risk of procuring goods and services that are not in compliance with the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance, which increases the risk of federal expenditures being used improperly or the College entering into a covered transaction with a vendor that is debarred or suspended. Questioned costs: Not applicable Context: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the College revise its policies and procedures to conform to the requirements of Uniform Guidance and ensure procedures and controls are followed for all vendors to verify that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Relevant employees should be trained on these new policies and procedures.Management?s Response: Management did not appropriately follow federal procurement guidelines related to costs that were included in the institutional reimbursement portion of HEERF funding. This was an oversight and occurred as a result of the timing of when the purchases were made, or the contracts were entered into, and when the HEERF funding and applicable guidance was communicated by the Department of Education. Management did appropriately review all contracts and the related costs for reasonableness to ensure that the College was being prudent with its financial resources, whether from the federal government or not.
Finding 2022-002: Significant Deficiency: COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund, Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Program: COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Not Applicable Assistance Listing Number: 84.425F Federal Award Number: P425E200445 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: General procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.318(a) state that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to the applicable Federal law and the standards identified by the Uniform Guidance (sections 200.318 ? 200.326). The Uniform Guidance outlines requirements over the proper oversight of contractors, having written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts to responsible contractors, maintaining records documenting the history of procurements including cost price analysis, conducting all transactions in a manner which provides full and open competition, having procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded, utilizing the methods of procurement outlined in the Uniform Guidance, and ensuring every purchase order or contract includes the applicable provisions in Appendix II. Condition/Context: The College?s policies and procedures over procurement generally conform to the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance. The auditors compared the College?s policies and procedures to the applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance by reviewing two vendors of a total of eleven vendors with expenditure for the ESF funds and obtained the associated supporting documentation for our selections. For one of the vendors, it was determined that the College did not obtain multiple quotes before engaging in the contract. Additionally, the auditors noted that the Institution?s procedures were not followed with regard to ensuring full and open competition, obtaining bids/quotes for the items above the micro-purchase threshold, or retaining documentation for the requirement for verifying for vendor suspension or debarment prior to contracting. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. Cause: The College's policies were not compared to Uniform Guidance to ensure all elements were incorporated prior to entering into a contract with vendors for which federal funds were the source of the expenditure. Additionally, the College?s procedures were not followed appropriately with regard to vendor bids/selection or to check for suspension and debarment of the contractor to be utilized. Effect: The College is at risk of procuring goods and services that are not in compliance with the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance, which increases the risk of federal expenditures being used improperly or the College entering into a covered transaction with a vendor that is debarred or suspended. Questioned costs: Unknown Recommendation: We recommend the College revise its policies and procedures to conform to the requirements of Uniform Guidance and ensure procedures and controls are followed for all vendors to verify that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Relevant employees should be trained on these new policies and procedures. Response: Vendor in question frequently supplied similar materials to MCAD due to known reliability and price competitiveness. Routine procurement procedures would not require verifying vendor for suspension or debarment. After noting this finding, a search was performed at SAM.gov and no exclusions were found for the cited vendors. Going forward, vendors used for this program will undergo verification before services or materials are contracted.
Federal Program Name: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency: National Science Foundation Federal Assistance Listing Title and Number: 47.074 Award Year: June 1, 2021 ? May 31, 2022 Criteria or Specific Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Condition: The University?s procurement policy does not contain adequate documentation to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement regulations. (Deficiency) Questioned Costs: None. Context: The University?s documented procurement policies do not contain all the specified requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Effect: The risks exist that the University could follow their procurement policy and procure an item with federal funds, which would not meet the federal procurement regulations. Cause: The writing of the policy did not take into account federal procurement regulations which are required to be incorporated for items procured with federal funds. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the University revise procurement policies to incorporate all required elements of federal procurement regulations.
General procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.318(a) state that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to the applicable Federal law and the standards identified by the Uniform Guidance (sections 200.318 ? 200.326). The Uniform Guidance outlines requirements over the proper oversight of contractors, having written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts to responsible contractors, maintaining records documenting the history of procurements including cost price analysis, conducting all transactions in a manner which provides full and open competition, having procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded, utilizing the methods of procurement outlined in the Uniform Guidance, and ensuring every purchase order or contract includes the applicable provisions in Appendix II. Condition: The College?s policies and procedures over procurement generally conform to the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance with an exception bonding requirements, contracting with small and minority businesses, and items from Appendix II to Part 200. The auditors compared the College?s policies and procedures to the applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance by reviewing two vendors of a total of four vendors with expenditure for the ESF funds and obtained the associated supporting documentation for our selections. Additionally, the auditors noted that the Institution?s procedures were not followed with regard to ensuring full and open competition, obtaining bids/quotes for the items above the micro-purchase threshold, or retaining documentation for the requirement for verifying for vendor suspension or debarment prior to contracting. The College did check for suspension/disbarment following our identification of the finding and there were no issues. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. Cause: The College's policies were not compared to Uniform Guidance to ensure all elements were incorporated prior to entering into a contract with vendors for which federal funds were the source of the expenditure. Additionally, the College?s procedures were not followed appropriately with regard to vendor bids/selection or to check for suspension and debarment of the contractor to be utilized. Effect: The College is at risk of procuring goods and services that are not in compliance with the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance, which increases the risk of federal expenditures being used improperly or the College entering into a covered transaction with a vendor that is debarred or suspended. Questioned costs: Not applicable Context: Not applicable Recommendation: We recommend the College revise its policies and procedures to conform to the requirements of Uniform Guidance and ensure procedures and controls are followed for all vendors to verify that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Relevant employees should be trained on these new policies and procedures.Management?s Response: Management did not appropriately follow federal procurement guidelines related to costs that were included in the institutional reimbursement portion of HEERF funding. This was an oversight and occurred as a result of the timing of when the purchases were made, or the contracts were entered into, and when the HEERF funding and applicable guidance was communicated by the Department of Education. Management did appropriately review all contracts and the related costs for reasonableness to ensure that the College was being prudent with its financial resources, whether from the federal government or not.
Finding 2022-002: Significant Deficiency: COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund, Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Program: COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Not Applicable Assistance Listing Number: 84.425F Federal Award Number: P425E200445 Federal Award Year: June 30, 2022 Criteria: General procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.318(a) state that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to the applicable Federal law and the standards identified by the Uniform Guidance (sections 200.318 ? 200.326). The Uniform Guidance outlines requirements over the proper oversight of contractors, having written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts to responsible contractors, maintaining records documenting the history of procurements including cost price analysis, conducting all transactions in a manner which provides full and open competition, having procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded, utilizing the methods of procurement outlined in the Uniform Guidance, and ensuring every purchase order or contract includes the applicable provisions in Appendix II. Condition/Context: The College?s policies and procedures over procurement generally conform to the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance. The auditors compared the College?s policies and procedures to the applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance by reviewing two vendors of a total of eleven vendors with expenditure for the ESF funds and obtained the associated supporting documentation for our selections. For one of the vendors, it was determined that the College did not obtain multiple quotes before engaging in the contract. Additionally, the auditors noted that the Institution?s procedures were not followed with regard to ensuring full and open competition, obtaining bids/quotes for the items above the micro-purchase threshold, or retaining documentation for the requirement for verifying for vendor suspension or debarment prior to contracting. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. Cause: The College's policies were not compared to Uniform Guidance to ensure all elements were incorporated prior to entering into a contract with vendors for which federal funds were the source of the expenditure. Additionally, the College?s procedures were not followed appropriately with regard to vendor bids/selection or to check for suspension and debarment of the contractor to be utilized. Effect: The College is at risk of procuring goods and services that are not in compliance with the requirements outlined by the Uniform Guidance, which increases the risk of federal expenditures being used improperly or the College entering into a covered transaction with a vendor that is debarred or suspended. Questioned costs: Unknown Recommendation: We recommend the College revise its policies and procedures to conform to the requirements of Uniform Guidance and ensure procedures and controls are followed for all vendors to verify that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Relevant employees should be trained on these new policies and procedures. Response: Vendor in question frequently supplied similar materials to MCAD due to known reliability and price competitiveness. Routine procurement procedures would not require verifying vendor for suspension or debarment. After noting this finding, a search was performed at SAM.gov and no exclusions were found for the cited vendors. Going forward, vendors used for this program will undergo verification before services or materials are contracted.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-002 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Program Name of Federal Program (CFDA Number) Health Centers Cluster: Consolidated Health Centers (93.224) Grants for Newly Expanded Services under the Health Care Program (93.527) Criteria - Recipients of federal awards must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR section 200.317 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State laws and regulations, provided that the procedures conform to applicable Federal law and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. Recipients ?must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price? 2 CFR section 200.318(i). The Center?s procurement procedures include the requirement to maintain sufficient documentation of the history of procurement. The Center also has procedures to identify procurement transactions requiring competitive bids or proposals. Context and Condition - We selected four contracts/purchases to test for compliance with procurement standards. Records for two contracts lacked documentation sufficient to detail procurement history. Cause - The Center did not follow its documentation policy for obtaining contracts or bids. Effect - A potential failure to conduct procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition exists. Questioned Costs - No costs were questioned. Repeat Finding - No. Statistically valid - Yes. Recommendation - We recommend the Center ensure it 1) maintains documentation of the history of procurement and 2) monitors compliance with documentation requirements. Views of responsible officials - The Center will review its procurement policies and internal controls and ensure timely action is taken when noncompliance is identified.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-002 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Program Name of Federal Program (CFDA Number) Health Centers Cluster: Consolidated Health Centers (93.224) Grants for Newly Expanded Services under the Health Care Program (93.527) Criteria - Recipients of federal awards must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR section 200.317 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State laws and regulations, provided that the procedures conform to applicable Federal law and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. Recipients ?must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price? 2 CFR section 200.318(i). The Center?s procurement procedures include the requirement to maintain sufficient documentation of the history of procurement. The Center also has procedures to identify procurement transactions requiring competitive bids or proposals. Context and Condition - We selected four contracts/purchases to test for compliance with procurement standards. Records for two contracts lacked documentation sufficient to detail procurement history. Cause - The Center did not follow its documentation policy for obtaining contracts or bids. Effect - A potential failure to conduct procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition exists. Questioned Costs - No costs were questioned. Repeat Finding - No. Statistically valid - Yes. Recommendation - We recommend the Center ensure it 1) maintains documentation of the history of procurement and 2) monitors compliance with documentation requirements. Views of responsible officials - The Center will review its procurement policies and internal controls and ensure timely action is taken when noncompliance is identified.
Finding No. 2022-006 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They may use their own documented procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements confirm to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Further, KCHC’s procurement policy requires the following: • For small purchases between $10,001 to $250,000, price or rate quotes must be obtained from an adequate number of sources (at least two) and all quotes, including phone calls, web searches, etc., must be documented and kept on file. • To be allowable under a federal award, costs must be reasonable, allocable, and adequately documented and consistent with federal cost principles. Condition: Of forty non-payroll expenditures tested, aggregating $234,183 of a total population of $770,029, the following were noted: 1. For six (or 15%), supporting procurement package was not sufficient to demonstrate price or rate quotes had been obtained from an adequate number of sources. Finding No. 2022-006, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Condition, continued: 2. For one (or 3%), no contractual agreement between KCHC and the vendor was provided to the audit team (invoice nos. 1235 and 1351 totaling $3,000 and $1,200, respectively). 3. For one (or 3%), supporting procurement package was not sufficient to support open and fair competition for document no. 2834 totaling $1,215. 4. For 11 (or 28%), no purchase order was provided. Cause: KCHC did not enforce recordkeeping and monitoring controls over compliance with applicable procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. Effect: KCHC is in noncompliance with applicable procurement requirements and questioned costs of $126,567 result. Finding No. 2022-006, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Effect, continued: Identification as a Repeat Finding: Finding No. 2021-006 Recommendation: Responsible personnel should establish a recordkeeping system whereby underlying support for each transaction is processed timely and is filed to facilitate easy retrieval substantiating procurement compliance. In addition, responsible personnel should enforce compliance with procurement regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a plan to correct the finding. Refer to separate Corrective Action Plan.
Finding No. 2022-006 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They may use their own documented procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements confirm to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Further, KCHC’s procurement policy requires the following: • For small purchases between $10,001 to $250,000, price or rate quotes must be obtained from an adequate number of sources (at least two) and all quotes, including phone calls, web searches, etc., must be documented and kept on file. • To be allowable under a federal award, costs must be reasonable, allocable, and adequately documented and consistent with federal cost principles. Condition: Of forty non-payroll expenditures tested, aggregating $234,183 of a total population of $770,029, the following were noted: 1. For six (or 15%), supporting procurement package was not sufficient to demonstrate price or rate quotes had been obtained from an adequate number of sources. Finding No. 2022-006, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Condition, continued: 2. For one (or 3%), no contractual agreement between KCHC and the vendor was provided to the audit team (invoice nos. 1235 and 1351 totaling $3,000 and $1,200, respectively). 3. For one (or 3%), supporting procurement package was not sufficient to support open and fair competition for document no. 2834 totaling $1,215. 4. For 11 (or 28%), no purchase order was provided. Cause: KCHC did not enforce recordkeeping and monitoring controls over compliance with applicable procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. Effect: KCHC is in noncompliance with applicable procurement requirements and questioned costs of $126,567 result. Finding No. 2022-006, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Effect, continued: Identification as a Repeat Finding: Finding No. 2021-006 Recommendation: Responsible personnel should establish a recordkeeping system whereby underlying support for each transaction is processed timely and is filed to facilitate easy retrieval substantiating procurement compliance. In addition, responsible personnel should enforce compliance with procurement regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a plan to correct the finding. Refer to separate Corrective Action Plan.
Finding No. 2022-006 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They may use their own documented procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements confirm to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Further, KCHC’s procurement policy requires the following: • For small purchases between $10,001 to $250,000, price or rate quotes must be obtained from an adequate number of sources (at least two) and all quotes, including phone calls, web searches, etc., must be documented and kept on file. • To be allowable under a federal award, costs must be reasonable, allocable, and adequately documented and consistent with federal cost principles. Condition: Of forty non-payroll expenditures tested, aggregating $234,183 of a total population of $770,029, the following were noted: 1. For six (or 15%), supporting procurement package was not sufficient to demonstrate price or rate quotes had been obtained from an adequate number of sources. Finding No. 2022-006, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Condition, continued: 2. For one (or 3%), no contractual agreement between KCHC and the vendor was provided to the audit team (invoice nos. 1235 and 1351 totaling $3,000 and $1,200, respectively). 3. For one (or 3%), supporting procurement package was not sufficient to support open and fair competition for document no. 2834 totaling $1,215. 4. For 11 (or 28%), no purchase order was provided. Cause: KCHC did not enforce recordkeeping and monitoring controls over compliance with applicable procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. Effect: KCHC is in noncompliance with applicable procurement requirements and questioned costs of $126,567 result. Finding No. 2022-006, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AL Program: 93.224 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) Federal Award No.: H8031624, H8F41048, H8D36529 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $126,567 Effect, continued: Identification as a Repeat Finding: Finding No. 2021-006 Recommendation: Responsible personnel should establish a recordkeeping system whereby underlying support for each transaction is processed timely and is filed to facilitate easy retrieval substantiating procurement compliance. In addition, responsible personnel should enforce compliance with procurement regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a plan to correct the finding. Refer to separate Corrective Action Plan.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-002 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Program Name of Federal Program (CFDA Number) Health Centers Cluster: Consolidated Health Centers (93.224) Grants for Newly Expanded Services under the Health Care Program (93.527) Criteria - Recipients of federal awards must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR section 200.317 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State laws and regulations, provided that the procedures conform to applicable Federal law and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. Recipients ?must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price? 2 CFR section 200.318(i). The Center?s procurement procedures include the requirement to maintain sufficient documentation of the history of procurement. The Center also has procedures to identify procurement transactions requiring competitive bids or proposals. Context and Condition - We selected four contracts/purchases to test for compliance with procurement standards. Records for two contracts lacked documentation sufficient to detail procurement history. Cause - The Center did not follow its documentation policy for obtaining contracts or bids. Effect - A potential failure to conduct procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition exists. Questioned Costs - No costs were questioned. Repeat Finding - No. Statistically valid - Yes. Recommendation - We recommend the Center ensure it 1) maintains documentation of the history of procurement and 2) monitors compliance with documentation requirements. Views of responsible officials - The Center will review its procurement policies and internal controls and ensure timely action is taken when noncompliance is identified.