2022-003 Noncompliance with Procurement Requirements Federal Programs: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CFDA No. 21.027) and Special Education (CFDA No.?s 84.027 and 84.173) Criteria: Recipients are required to comply with 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327, including ensuring that the procurement method used for the contracts are appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320. The Board follows the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Education Article, and Board Policy DJB with respect to procurement. For purchases between $3,501 and $25,000, two written oral quotes must be acquired. Condition: Seven purchases between $3,501 and $25,000 were noted for which there was not documentation of two quotes or supporting documentation of single sourcing. Cause: The individuals in charge of purchasing did not document their procedures. Effect: The Board is not in compliance with the procurement requirements of the grant which could affect future funding. Repeat Finding: This finding was not a finding in FY21. Recommendation: We recommend the grants administrators communicate procurement requirements, including documentation requirements, to purchasing agents in order to avoid future misinterpretations and noncompliance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The Board will communicate procurement requirements to purchasing agents in order to avoid future misinterpretation and noncompliance. In most instances, evidence of procurement requirement compliance was observed, but not documented appropriately for compliance requirements.
Condition There is no formal documentation or evidence to support that competitive price analysis for vendors selected by CCI several years ago or that suspension and debarment verifications were performed for vendors, as required by the general procurement standards of the Uniform Guidance. Context We selected two samples which were deemed sole sourced by management and noted no written documentation for this conclusion or evidence of suspension or debarment verification being performed was maintained in the file. Based on our discussions with management, we understand that the arrangements with these vendors were established several years ago. Criteria Under Uniform Guidance Section 200.318, General Procurement Standards, a non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity?s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in Sections 200.317 through 200.327. These sections include policies and procedures related to competition, informal and formal procurement methods and noncompetitive procurement also known as sole source. Under Uniform Guidance Section 200.214, Suspension and Debarment and 2 CFR part 180, non-federal entities are required to verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred from participating in federal funds. Cause CCI?s procurement policy was not updated to include the provisions of the general procurement standards required under the Uniform Guidance. Effect Charges relating to vendor services that were charged to the federal award may not be in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs None. Repeat Finding Yes. Recommendation We recommend that CCI update its existing procurement policy governing contracts with vendors that will be reimbursed by federal grants to incorporate all of the provisions included in the general procurement standards of the Uniform Guidance Section 200.318 and the debarment and suspension regulations of Uniform Guidance Section 200.214. We also recommend that a review of all vendor contract files be performed to ensure that the documentation as required under the Uniform Guidance is maintained in the files. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Federal Award Identification Number and Year: MD0044 and 2021 Award Period: March 11, 2021 through December 31, 2024, liquidated by December 31, 2026 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2CFR ? 200.318(a), non-Federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs: None Condition/Context: The Town?s procurement policy for federal expenditures is not in accordance with ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Therefore, for one of three vendors tested, proper procurement processes of obtaining price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources was not followed. Cause: The Town?s policies and procedures did not require proper federal procurement requirements to be followed prior to paying a vendor with Federal grant funds. Effect: Funds were disbursed to vendors without following proper federal procurement requirements. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Town establish and document procurement policies and procedures in conformity with the Federal requirements ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): SY 2020-2021, SY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education based upon meals served for the month. For two of the five Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The two Claims over reported meals by 1 and 50 meals, respectively. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Reporting compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): SY 2020-2021, SY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education based upon meals served for the month. For two of the five Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The two Claims over reported meals by 1 and 50 meals, respectively. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Reporting compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): SY 2020-2021, SY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education based upon meals served for the month. For two of the five Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The two Claims over reported meals by 1 and 50 meals, respectively. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Reporting compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): SY 2020-2021, SY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education based upon meals served for the month. For two of the five Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The two Claims over reported meals by 1 and 50 meals, respectively. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Reporting compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): SY 2020-2021, SY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education based upon meals served for the month. For two of the five Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The two Claims over reported meals by 1 and 50 meals, respectively. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Reporting compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): SY 2020-2021, SY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education based upon meals served for the month. For two of the five Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The two Claims over reported meals by 1 and 50 meals, respectively. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Reporting compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Program: AL 21.023 ? COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance ? Allowability & Earmarking Grant Number & Year: N/A Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria: Per 2 CFR ? 1000.10 (January 1, 2022), the U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements set forth at 2 CFR part 200. 2 CFR ? 200.403 (January 1, 2022) states, in relevant part, the following: Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. 2 CFR ? 200.404 (January 1, 2022) states the following: A cost is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the cost. The question of reasonableness is particularly important when the non-Federal entity is predominantly federally-funded. In determining reasonableness of a given cost, consideration must be given to: (a) Whether the cost is of a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the operation of the non-Federal entity or the proper and efficient performance of the Federal award. (b) The restraints or requirements imposed by such factors as: sound business practices; arm?s-length bargaining; Federal, state, local, tribal, and other laws and regulations; and terms and conditions of the Federal award. (c) Market prices for comparable goods or services for the geographic area. (d) Whether the individuals concerned acted with prudence in the circumstances considering their responsibilities to the non-Federal entity, its employees, where applicable its students or membership, the public at large, and the Federal Government. (e) Whether the non-Federal entity significantly deviates from its established practices and policies regarding the incurrence of costs, which may unjustifiably increase the Federal award?s cost. 2 CFR ? 200.459 (January 1, 2022) states, in relevant part, the following: (a) Costs of professional and consultant services rendered by persons who are members of a particular profession or possess a special skill, and who are not officers or employees of the non-Federal entity, are allowable, subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section when reasonable in relation to the services rendered and when not contingent upon recovery of the costs from the Federal Government. . . . (b) In determining the allowability of costs in a particular case, no single factor or any special combination of factors is necessarily determinative. However, the following factors are relevant: (1) The nature and scope of the service rendered in relation to the service required. * * * * (6) Whether the service can be performed more economically by direct employment rather than contracting. (7) The qualifications of the individual or concern rendering the service and the customary fees charged, especially on non-federally funded activities. (8) Adequacy of the contractual agreement for the service (e.g., description of the service, estimate of time required, rate of compensation, and termination provisions). Division N ? Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief, Title V ? Banking, Section 501(c)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, states, in relevant part: Not less than 90 percent of the funds received by an eligible grantee from a payment made under this section shall be used to provide financial assistance to eligible households . . . . Division N ? Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief, Title V ? Banking, Section 501(c)(3) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, states, in relevant part: Not more than 10 percent of funds received by an eligible grantee from a payment made under this section may be used to provide eligible households with case management and other services related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, as defined by the Secretary, intended to help keep households stably housed. Division N ? Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief, Title V ? Banking, Section 501(c)(5)(A) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, states, in relevant part: Not more than 10 percent of the amount paid to an eligible grantee under this section may be used for administrative costs attributable to providing financial assistance and housing stability services under paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively, including for data collection and reporting requirements related to such funds. Per the amended Emergency Rental Assistance terms, dated March 26, 2021, ?The total of all administrative costs, whether direct or indirect costs, may not exceed 10 percent of the total amount of the total award.? The Reallocation Guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), dated March 30, 2022, states the following: A Grantee may spend up to 10% of its initial ERA1 allocation for administrative expenses only if the Grantee obligates at least 30% of its initial allocation for the provision of financial assistance and housing stability services on behalf of eligible households by September 30, 2022. If a Grantee has obligated less than 30% of its initial allocation providing financial assistance and housing stability services as of September 30, 2022, Treasury will presume that the Grantee?s administrative expenses were not attributable to such services ? and therefore were not permissible uses of ERA1 funds ? to the extent that the administrative expenses exceed 10% of the Grantee?s allocation after deducting amounts recaptured or reallocated as excess funds, unless the Grantee can demonstrate that those costs are related to the delivery of the program. Condition: The contractual agreement to receive and evaluate applications for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) did not have adequate limitations or provisions to ensure costs were reasonable. A similar finding was noted in the prior audit. Repeat Finding: 2021-063 Questioned Costs: $3,580,007 known Statistical Sample: No Context: The State of Nebraska was initially awarded $158,572,581 for ERA to assist eligible households that have difficulty making timely payments of rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At least 90% of funds are to be earmarked for financial aid to eligible households. Not more than 10% of funds may be used for administrative costs. The Agency entered into a contract with Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte) to provide program administration and case management. Eligibility determinations were made by Deloitte and then sent to the State for review and to process the aid payments to eligible recipients. Deloitte was paid $8,672,561 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. We tested one payment for $531,314 and noted the following: ? Adequate support was not on file to allow for a determination as to whether the contracted amount was reasonable. There were no maximums or limitations other than the $14,627,160 cap specified in the contract. The contract was paid on an hourly rate and did not have any stipulations regarding the number of hours paid per application or performance measures to be achieved. ? Per guidance from Treasury, if the State obligates less than 30% of its initial allocation providing financial aid by September 30, 2022, Treasury will presume that the State?s administrative expenses were not attributable to the program, at least to the extent that the administrative expenses exceed 10% of the Grantee?s allocation after deducting amounts recaptured or reallocated as excess funds. The State voluntarily reallocated $84,700,000 to local governments and was required to return an additional $11,716,548 for reallocation. Therefore, State administrative expenses would be limited to $6,215,603 (10% of awarded amount less reallocations). Administrative expenses in fiscal year 2021 and 2022 totaled $9,795,610. As a result, we question costs of $3,580,007 for administrative costs exceeding 10%. As of January 17, 2023, the Agency has spent $26,399,517 on financial aid, and $13,080,572 for administrative expenses, of which $12,563,227 was paid to Deloitte. This is 33.13% of the total amount paid as of January 17, 2023. Without spending 30% of its award on financial aid, the Agency will not meet the earmarking requirements per the guidance released from Treasury. Based on the amount of financial aid spent, the administrative costs appear unreasonable. Cause: The contract was not competitively bid, and contract provisions were not specific enough to ensure that amounts paid were reasonable. The Agency lacked adequate procedures to ensure adherence to earmarking requirements. Effect: Without such adequate procedures, there is an increased risk for misuse of Federal funds. The Agency did not meet earmarking requirements. Recommendation: We recommend the Agency improve its procedures for ensuring the reasonableness of contractual service payments. Management Response: The Military Department does not agree with this finding. Vendor Contract: The State performed procurement procedures soliciting Requests for Information from vendors in 2020 to support COVID-19 related tasks. A contractual agreement was completed with the vendor once the State determined the program costs, estimated level-of-effort, and key assumptions were reasonable based on the scope of services the State requested. In addition, the state complied with the procurement standards set forth in 2 CFR 200.317-200.327, including expected contract provisions, key program assumptions, and not-to-exceed thresholds. The contractual agreement was completed to enable the State to proactively monitor vendor performance and analyze detailed information on associated cost. Vendor performance was monitored through twice-weekly status meetings, bi-weekly executive status briefings with executives across multiple agencies, bi-weekly Executive Steering Committee meetings, and review of detailed invoices. The State as the Grantee is able to demonstrate that the administrative costs are related to the delivery of the program in a timely fashion and is aligned with US Treasury Guidance. APA Response: As of January 17, 2023, the Agency has spent $1 in administration costs for every $2 spent for aid. This does not appear reasonable and is not in accordance with earmarking requirements. Thus, in addition to the questioned administrative costs identified for 2022, the agency appears to be on track for incurring millions of dollars more in such questioned costs for 2023.
FINDING 2022-002, 2021-001 ? REPEAT FINDING Information on the Federal Program: Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Education Federal Programs: 84.027/84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.377 School Improvement Grants (Title 1003a IL-Empower) 93.323 Epidemiology and Lab Capacity (ELC) Pass-Through Entity: Illinois State Board of Education; City of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Pass-Through Entity Award Numbers: H027A210072; S377A160014 Criteria: Procurement Standards of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) state that all non-federal entities will follow Sections 200.318 through Section 200.327. A. Section 200.320 identifies five methods of procurement to be followed: a. Informal ? micro-purchases b. Informal ? small purchases c. Formal ? sealed bids d. Formal ? competitive proposals e. Noncompetitive proposals Section 200.318 states that non-federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with State and local laws in addition to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. B. Per Section 200.320(b) if small purchases are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. C. Title 2 CFR section 200.303 states the following regarding internal control: ?The auditee shall maintain internal control over Federal programs that provides reasonable assurance that the auditee is managing Federal awards in compliance with law, regulations, and the provisions of contracts or grant agreements that could have a material effect on each of its Federal programs.? D. The Chicago Public Schools Procurement Manual requires the collection of three quotes for any purchase between $2,000.01 and $25,000 for any purchase with federal grant funds. Condition/Context: For the three programs referenced, we tested one-hundred and five (105) purchase orders totaling $31,156,308. Thirty-four (34) purchase orders totaling $523,384 were purchases greater than $2,000 but less than $25,000, and for which CPS did not obtain and/or document an adequate number of price or rate quotations as required by CPS? procurement policies. Our samples were not statistically valid. Cause: CPS employees at the program/school level may not be following the CPS Procurement Manual due to the decentralized nature of the process and the high number of purchases that can fall under the $2,000.01-$25,000 threshold. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs, if any, are unable to be determined, however, actual purchase orders that did not comply with the small purchase requirements of the CPS Policy Manual totaled $133,788 for Assistance Listing Number 84.027/84.173, $376,459 for Assistance Listing Number 84.377, and $13,137 for Assistance Listing Number 93.323. Effect: Chicago Public Schools did not document compliance with the requirements of the CPS Policy Manual as it relates to small purchases that fall between $2,000.01 and $25,000. Recommendation: We recommend that CPS communicate and re-enforce its procurement policies and procedures and any changes thereto in order to comply with the purchase requirements of the CPS Procurement Manual. Ensure proper communication is delivered to relevant employees regarding any changes to the CPS Procurement Manual and the CPS Procurement Manual. In addition, we recommend the consideration of implementing a system control that requires the recording of three quotes for purchases between $2,000.01 and $25,000. The system may be the permanent record. Views of Responsible Officials: Based on the prior year recommendation to the FY21 finding, dated December 15, 2021, in April, 2022, CPS revised the policies in the Procurement Manual to reflect the current standard. The Oracle procurement module was tested and upgraded to implement further controls to require the collection of three quotes for any purchase using federal grant funds between $2,000.01 and $25,000 in value. In addition, communication and reenforcement of the procurement policies in the CPS Procurement Manual at the program and school level has been completed through the mandatory training and district wide announcement. On May 9, 2022, US department of Education issued the determination letter concluding this finding resolved and closed.
FINDING 2022-002, 2021-001 ? REPEAT FINDING Information on the Federal Program: Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Education Federal Programs: 84.027/84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.377 School Improvement Grants (Title 1003a IL-Empower) 93.323 Epidemiology and Lab Capacity (ELC) Pass-Through Entity: Illinois State Board of Education; City of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Pass-Through Entity Award Numbers: H027A210072; S377A160014 Criteria: Procurement Standards of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) state that all non-federal entities will follow Sections 200.318 through Section 200.327. A. Section 200.320 identifies five methods of procurement to be followed: a. Informal ? micro-purchases b. Informal ? small purchases c. Formal ? sealed bids d. Formal ? competitive proposals e. Noncompetitive proposals Section 200.318 states that non-federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with State and local laws in addition to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. B. Per Section 200.320(b) if small purchases are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. C. Title 2 CFR section 200.303 states the following regarding internal control: ?The auditee shall maintain internal control over Federal programs that provides reasonable assurance that the auditee is managing Federal awards in compliance with law, regulations, and the provisions of contracts or grant agreements that could have a material effect on each of its Federal programs.? D. The Chicago Public Schools Procurement Manual requires the collection of three quotes for any purchase between $2,000.01 and $25,000 for any purchase with federal grant funds. Condition/Context: For the three programs referenced, we tested one-hundred and five (105) purchase orders totaling $31,156,308. Thirty-four (34) purchase orders totaling $523,384 were purchases greater than $2,000 but less than $25,000, and for which CPS did not obtain and/or document an adequate number of price or rate quotations as required by CPS? procurement policies. Our samples were not statistically valid. Cause: CPS employees at the program/school level may not be following the CPS Procurement Manual due to the decentralized nature of the process and the high number of purchases that can fall under the $2,000.01-$25,000 threshold. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs, if any, are unable to be determined, however, actual purchase orders that did not comply with the small purchase requirements of the CPS Policy Manual totaled $133,788 for Assistance Listing Number 84.027/84.173, $376,459 for Assistance Listing Number 84.377, and $13,137 for Assistance Listing Number 93.323. Effect: Chicago Public Schools did not document compliance with the requirements of the CPS Policy Manual as it relates to small purchases that fall between $2,000.01 and $25,000. Recommendation: We recommend that CPS communicate and re-enforce its procurement policies and procedures and any changes thereto in order to comply with the purchase requirements of the CPS Procurement Manual. Ensure proper communication is delivered to relevant employees regarding any changes to the CPS Procurement Manual and the CPS Procurement Manual. In addition, we recommend the consideration of implementing a system control that requires the recording of three quotes for purchases between $2,000.01 and $25,000. The system may be the permanent record. Views of Responsible Officials: Based on the prior year recommendation to the FY21 finding, dated December 15, 2021, in April, 2022, CPS revised the policies in the Procurement Manual to reflect the current standard. The Oracle procurement module was tested and upgraded to implement further controls to require the collection of three quotes for any purchase using federal grant funds between $2,000.01 and $25,000 in value. In addition, communication and reenforcement of the procurement policies in the CPS Procurement Manual at the program and school level has been completed through the mandatory training and district wide announcement. On May 9, 2022, US department of Education issued the determination letter concluding this finding resolved and closed.
FINDING 2022-002, 2021-001 ? REPEAT FINDING Information on the Federal Program: Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Education Federal Programs: 84.027/84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.377 School Improvement Grants (Title 1003a IL-Empower) 93.323 Epidemiology and Lab Capacity (ELC) Pass-Through Entity: Illinois State Board of Education; City of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Pass-Through Entity Award Numbers: H027A210072; S377A160014 Criteria: Procurement Standards of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) state that all non-federal entities will follow Sections 200.318 through Section 200.327. A. Section 200.320 identifies five methods of procurement to be followed: a. Informal ? micro-purchases b. Informal ? small purchases c. Formal ? sealed bids d. Formal ? competitive proposals e. Noncompetitive proposals Section 200.318 states that non-federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with State and local laws in addition to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. B. Per Section 200.320(b) if small purchases are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. C. Title 2 CFR section 200.303 states the following regarding internal control: ?The auditee shall maintain internal control over Federal programs that provides reasonable assurance that the auditee is managing Federal awards in compliance with law, regulations, and the provisions of contracts or grant agreements that could have a material effect on each of its Federal programs.? D. The Chicago Public Schools Procurement Manual requires the collection of three quotes for any purchase between $2,000.01 and $25,000 for any purchase with federal grant funds. Condition/Context: For the three programs referenced, we tested one-hundred and five (105) purchase orders totaling $31,156,308. Thirty-four (34) purchase orders totaling $523,384 were purchases greater than $2,000 but less than $25,000, and for which CPS did not obtain and/or document an adequate number of price or rate quotations as required by CPS? procurement policies. Our samples were not statistically valid. Cause: CPS employees at the program/school level may not be following the CPS Procurement Manual due to the decentralized nature of the process and the high number of purchases that can fall under the $2,000.01-$25,000 threshold. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs, if any, are unable to be determined, however, actual purchase orders that did not comply with the small purchase requirements of the CPS Policy Manual totaled $133,788 for Assistance Listing Number 84.027/84.173, $376,459 for Assistance Listing Number 84.377, and $13,137 for Assistance Listing Number 93.323. Effect: Chicago Public Schools did not document compliance with the requirements of the CPS Policy Manual as it relates to small purchases that fall between $2,000.01 and $25,000. Recommendation: We recommend that CPS communicate and re-enforce its procurement policies and procedures and any changes thereto in order to comply with the purchase requirements of the CPS Procurement Manual. Ensure proper communication is delivered to relevant employees regarding any changes to the CPS Procurement Manual and the CPS Procurement Manual. In addition, we recommend the consideration of implementing a system control that requires the recording of three quotes for purchases between $2,000.01 and $25,000. The system may be the permanent record. Views of Responsible Officials: Based on the prior year recommendation to the FY21 finding, dated December 15, 2021, in April, 2022, CPS revised the policies in the Procurement Manual to reflect the current standard. The Oracle procurement module was tested and upgraded to implement further controls to require the collection of three quotes for any purchase using federal grant funds between $2,000.01 and $25,000 in value. In addition, communication and reenforcement of the procurement policies in the CPS Procurement Manual at the program and school level has been completed through the mandatory training and district wide announcement. On May 9, 2022, US department of Education issued the determination letter concluding this finding resolved and closed.
FINDING 2022-002, 2021-001 ? REPEAT FINDING Information on the Federal Program: Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Education Federal Programs: 84.027/84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) 84.377 School Improvement Grants (Title 1003a IL-Empower) 93.323 Epidemiology and Lab Capacity (ELC) Pass-Through Entity: Illinois State Board of Education; City of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Pass-Through Entity Award Numbers: H027A210072; S377A160014 Criteria: Procurement Standards of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) state that all non-federal entities will follow Sections 200.318 through Section 200.327. A. Section 200.320 identifies five methods of procurement to be followed: a. Informal ? micro-purchases b. Informal ? small purchases c. Formal ? sealed bids d. Formal ? competitive proposals e. Noncompetitive proposals Section 200.318 states that non-federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with State and local laws in addition to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. B. Per Section 200.320(b) if small purchases are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. C. Title 2 CFR section 200.303 states the following regarding internal control: ?The auditee shall maintain internal control over Federal programs that provides reasonable assurance that the auditee is managing Federal awards in compliance with law, regulations, and the provisions of contracts or grant agreements that could have a material effect on each of its Federal programs.? D. The Chicago Public Schools Procurement Manual requires the collection of three quotes for any purchase between $2,000.01 and $25,000 for any purchase with federal grant funds. Condition/Context: For the three programs referenced, we tested one-hundred and five (105) purchase orders totaling $31,156,308. Thirty-four (34) purchase orders totaling $523,384 were purchases greater than $2,000 but less than $25,000, and for which CPS did not obtain and/or document an adequate number of price or rate quotations as required by CPS? procurement policies. Our samples were not statistically valid. Cause: CPS employees at the program/school level may not be following the CPS Procurement Manual due to the decentralized nature of the process and the high number of purchases that can fall under the $2,000.01-$25,000 threshold. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs, if any, are unable to be determined, however, actual purchase orders that did not comply with the small purchase requirements of the CPS Policy Manual totaled $133,788 for Assistance Listing Number 84.027/84.173, $376,459 for Assistance Listing Number 84.377, and $13,137 for Assistance Listing Number 93.323. Effect: Chicago Public Schools did not document compliance with the requirements of the CPS Policy Manual as it relates to small purchases that fall between $2,000.01 and $25,000. Recommendation: We recommend that CPS communicate and re-enforce its procurement policies and procedures and any changes thereto in order to comply with the purchase requirements of the CPS Procurement Manual. Ensure proper communication is delivered to relevant employees regarding any changes to the CPS Procurement Manual and the CPS Procurement Manual. In addition, we recommend the consideration of implementing a system control that requires the recording of three quotes for purchases between $2,000.01 and $25,000. The system may be the permanent record. Views of Responsible Officials: Based on the prior year recommendation to the FY21 finding, dated December 15, 2021, in April, 2022, CPS revised the policies in the Procurement Manual to reflect the current standard. The Oracle procurement module was tested and upgraded to implement further controls to require the collection of three quotes for any purchase using federal grant funds between $2,000.01 and $25,000 in value. In addition, communication and reenforcement of the procurement policies in the CPS Procurement Manual at the program and school level has been completed through the mandatory training and district wide announcement. On May 9, 2022, US department of Education issued the determination letter concluding this finding resolved and closed.
Identification of the Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture ? Community Facilities Loans and Grants Cluster, Community Facilities Loans and Grants ? 10.766 Criteria: The Partnership must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the Partnership is managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.327 and 2 CFR 200.328 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with program requirements. Terms and conditions of the federal award require the audited financial statements to be provided to the federal agency annually within 150 days of fiscal year-end, as well as quarterly internal financial statements. Condition: The Partnership did not submit the audited financial statements within the prescribed period or request an extension and did not submit any quarterly reports to the federal agency. The Partnership was not asked for the information after they failed to submit it. The audited financial statements are readily available to the federal agency through the federal clearinghouse website. Cause: The Partnership did not provide the required information. Effect: The required reports were not submitted to the federal agency. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context: Sampling was not used. All required reports were tested for compliance. Recommendation: We recommend that management implement procedures to ensure that the required financial reports are submitted in a timely manner in accordance with the terms and conditions of the federal award. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan.
Identification of the Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture ? Community Facilities Loans and Grants Cluster, Community Facilities Loans and Grants ? 10.766 Criteria: The Partnership must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the Partnership is managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.327 and 2 CFR 200.328 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with program requirements. Terms and conditions of the federal award require the Hospital to maintain a debt service reserve fund as bookkeeping accounts or as separate bank accounts. Condition: During 2022, the certificate of deposit that represented the debt service reserve fund matured and the proceeds were commingled with an existing money market fund. Cause: The Partnership did not maintain a separate bank account for the debt service reserve fund. Effect: The debt service reserve funds were commingled with other operating funds within a money market fund. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context: Sampling was not used. Recommendation: We recommend that management maintain a separated bank account for the debt service reserve fund. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2022-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources and a contract must be entered into when the total cost exceeds $50,000. The School Corporation did not enter into contracts with vendors for purchases in excess of $50,000 as required by state statute for three of the six vendors tested. As a result, the School Corporation did not verify that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. In addition to the three vendors noted above, the School Corporation did not verify that vendors with contracts over $25,000 were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs for fiscal year 2021-2022. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources and a contract must be entered into when the total cost exceeds $50,000. The School Corporation did not enter into contracts with vendors for purchases in excess of $50,000 as required by state statute for three of the six vendors tested. As a result, the School Corporation did not verify that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. In addition to the three vendors noted above, the School Corporation did not verify that vendors with contracts over $25,000 were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs for fiscal year 2021-2022. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources and a contract must be entered into when the total cost exceeds $50,000. The School Corporation did not enter into contracts with vendors for purchases in excess of $50,000 as required by state statute for three of the six vendors tested. As a result, the School Corporation did not verify that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. In addition to the three vendors noted above, the School Corporation did not verify that vendors with contracts over $25,000 were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs for fiscal year 2021-2022. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources and a contract must be entered into when the total cost exceeds $50,000. The School Corporation did not enter into contracts with vendors for purchases in excess of $50,000 as required by state statute for three of the six vendors tested. As a result, the School Corporation did not verify that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. In addition to the three vendors noted above, the School Corporation did not verify that vendors with contracts over $25,000 were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs for fiscal year 2021-2022. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources and a contract must be entered into when the total cost exceeds $50,000. The School Corporation did not enter into contracts with vendors for purchases in excess of $50,000 as required by state statute for three of the six vendors tested. As a result, the School Corporation did not verify that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. In addition to the three vendors noted above, the School Corporation did not verify that vendors with contracts over $25,000 were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs for fiscal year 2021-2022. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources and a contract must be entered into when the total cost exceeds $50,000. The School Corporation did not enter into contracts with vendors for purchases in excess of $50,000 as required by state statute for three of the six vendors tested. As a result, the School Corporation did not verify that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. In addition to the three vendors noted above, the School Corporation did not verify that vendors with contracts over $25,000 were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs for fiscal year 2021-2022. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.318(a) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must confirm to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2022-001: Procurement Policy and Procedures Condition: Several purchases were made in excess of the micro purchase threshold ($10,000). The Organization could not provide documentation to show they obtained quotes, or the reason quotes were not obtained, or if they gave preference to minority or women-owned businesses. Cause: The Organization has not established a written procurement policy. Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations requires that entities receiving federal funding have a written procurement policy. The required elements of the procurement policy are detailed out in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) under Title 2, Subtitle A, Part 200, Subpart D, 200.317 thru 200.327. Several other areas require written policies: financial management (200.302), federal payment (200.305), compensation-personal services (200.430), compensation-fringe benefits (200.431), relocation costs of employees (200.464), and travel costs (200.475). Effect: Lack of such policies increases the risk of purchasing items at higher prices than may have been necessary, increases the risk of limiting competition, and increases the risk of waste and abuse. Perspective Information: The need for a procurement policy was brought to the CEO's attention in the fall of 2021. The CEO does believe the spirit of the procurement requirements were met. Recommendations: We recommend quotes are obtained whenever possible when purchases are expected to be between $10,000 and $250,000. If purchases are to equal or exceed $250,000, the proper bidding procedures should be followed. Bidding procedures, quotes, and efforts to give preference to minority or women-owned businesses should be documented, including documenting if bids or quotes could not be obtained or the reasons why bids or quotes were not obtained. We also recommend a procurement policy is established as soon as possible and an individual is assigned to monitor the implementation of the policy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Club agrees with this finding. Their intent is to create and implement a procurement policy that complies with the Code of Federal Regulations as soon as possible and add the proper documentation for purchases exceeding the micro purchase threshold beginning with fiscal year 2023. See Corrective Action Plan.
2022-001: Procurement Policy and Procedures Condition: Several purchases were made in excess of the micro purchase threshold ($10,000). The Organization could not provide documentation to show they obtained quotes, or the reason quotes were not obtained, or if they gave preference to minority or women-owned businesses. Cause: The Organization has not established a written procurement policy. Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations requires that entities receiving federal funding have a written procurement policy. The required elements of the procurement policy are detailed out in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) under Title 2, Subtitle A, Part 200, Subpart D, 200.317 thru 200.327. Several other areas require written policies: financial management (200.302), federal payment (200.305), compensation-personal services (200.430), compensation-fringe benefits (200.431), relocation costs of employees (200.464), and travel costs (200.475). Effect: Lack of such policies increases the risk of purchasing items at higher prices than may have been necessary, increases the risk of limiting competition, and increases the risk of waste and abuse. Perspective Information: The need for a procurement policy was brought to the CEO's attention in the fall of 2021. The CEO does believe the spirit of the procurement requirements were met. Recommendations: We recommend quotes are obtained whenever possible when purchases are expected to be between $10,000 and $250,000. If purchases are to equal or exceed $250,000, the proper bidding procedures should be followed. Bidding procedures, quotes, and efforts to give preference to minority or women-owned businesses should be documented, including documenting if bids or quotes could not be obtained or the reasons why bids or quotes were not obtained. We also recommend a procurement policy is established as soon as possible and an individual is assigned to monitor the implementation of the policy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Club agrees with this finding. Their intent is to create and implement a procurement policy that complies with the Code of Federal Regulations as soon as possible and add the proper documentation for purchases exceeding the micro purchase threshold beginning with fiscal year 2023. See Corrective Action Plan.
2022-001: Procurement Policy and Procedures Condition: Several purchases were made in excess of the micro purchase threshold ($10,000). The Organization could not provide documentation to show they obtained quotes, or the reason quotes were not obtained, or if they gave preference to minority or women-owned businesses. Cause: The Organization has not established a written procurement policy. Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations requires that entities receiving federal funding have a written procurement policy. The required elements of the procurement policy are detailed out in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) under Title 2, Subtitle A, Part 200, Subpart D, 200.317 thru 200.327. Several other areas require written policies: financial management (200.302), federal payment (200.305), compensation-personal services (200.430), compensation-fringe benefits (200.431), relocation costs of employees (200.464), and travel costs (200.475). Effect: Lack of such policies increases the risk of purchasing items at higher prices than may have been necessary, increases the risk of limiting competition, and increases the risk of waste and abuse. Perspective Information: The need for a procurement policy was brought to the CEO's attention in the fall of 2021. The CEO does believe the spirit of the procurement requirements were met. Recommendations: We recommend quotes are obtained whenever possible when purchases are expected to be between $10,000 and $250,000. If purchases are to equal or exceed $250,000, the proper bidding procedures should be followed. Bidding procedures, quotes, and efforts to give preference to minority or women-owned businesses should be documented, including documenting if bids or quotes could not be obtained or the reasons why bids or quotes were not obtained. We also recommend a procurement policy is established as soon as possible and an individual is assigned to monitor the implementation of the policy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Club agrees with this finding. Their intent is to create and implement a procurement policy that complies with the Code of Federal Regulations as soon as possible and add the proper documentation for purchases exceeding the micro purchase threshold beginning with fiscal year 2023. See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2021, FY 2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-012. Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micropurchase threshold may be increased, but the School Corporation did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. The School Corporation did not obtain a contract for these two vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Additionally, documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for both purchases made using the small purchases and micro-purchases procurement methods. Suspension and Debarment There were no internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors paid with federal grant monies were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs before entering into a covered transaction. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases - (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-011 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Cash Management, Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-138-PN01, 21619-138-PN01, 22611-138-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with the requirements related to the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. The School Corporation had not established an effective system of internal controls to ensure that proper documentation was retained for audit. The School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for 12 of the 15 reimbursement requests tested. Due to the lack of documentation, we were unable to verify the amounts reported on the reimbursement requests to the School Corporation's records. In addition, we were unable to determine if program funds were expended prior to requesting reimbursement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 43 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and failure to retain supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.333 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.207 Specific conditions, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 44 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause Management had not developed nor implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, or that supporting documentation would have been maintained and made available for audit, with the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with compliance requirements listed above. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure documentation will be maintained and made available for audit and comply with the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-011 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Cash Management, Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-138-PN01, 21619-138-PN01, 22611-138-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with the requirements related to the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. The School Corporation had not established an effective system of internal controls to ensure that proper documentation was retained for audit. The School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for 12 of the 15 reimbursement requests tested. Due to the lack of documentation, we were unable to verify the amounts reported on the reimbursement requests to the School Corporation's records. In addition, we were unable to determine if program funds were expended prior to requesting reimbursement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 43 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and failure to retain supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.333 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.207 Specific conditions, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 44 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause Management had not developed nor implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, or that supporting documentation would have been maintained and made available for audit, with the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with compliance requirements listed above. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure documentation will be maintained and made available for audit and comply with the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-011 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Cash Management, Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-138-PN01, 21619-138-PN01, 22611-138-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with the requirements related to the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. The School Corporation had not established an effective system of internal controls to ensure that proper documentation was retained for audit. The School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for 12 of the 15 reimbursement requests tested. Due to the lack of documentation, we were unable to verify the amounts reported on the reimbursement requests to the School Corporation's records. In addition, we were unable to determine if program funds were expended prior to requesting reimbursement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 43 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls and failure to retain supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.333 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.207 Specific conditions, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 44 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting and 200.328 Monitoring and reporting program performance. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause Management had not developed nor implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, or that supporting documentation would have been maintained and made available for audit, with the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with compliance requirements listed above. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure documentation will be maintained and made available for audit and comply with the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Cash Management and Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014, S010A200014, S010A210014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding related to Reporting from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-007. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with the requirements related to the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. The School Corporation filed the required special reports with the Indiana Department of Education; however, none of the reports were supported by the School Corporation's records. Although the Title I Director reviewed the requests for reimbursement and the Final Expenditure Reports, the reviews did not ensure that the reports agreed to the School Corporation's financial records. The 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Final Expenditure Reports and the four reimbursement requests tested could not be traced to the School Corporation's records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.333 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: . . . "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.207 Specific conditions, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with requirements related to the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish an effective system of internal controls to ensure documentation be maintained and made available for audit related to the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Cash Management and Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014, S010A200014, S010A210014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding related to Reporting from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-007. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with the requirements related to the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. The School Corporation filed the required special reports with the Indiana Department of Education; however, none of the reports were supported by the School Corporation's records. Although the Title I Director reviewed the requests for reimbursement and the Final Expenditure Reports, the reviews did not ensure that the reports agreed to the School Corporation's financial records. The 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Final Expenditure Reports and the four reimbursement requests tested could not be traced to the School Corporation's records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.333 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: . . . "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.327 Financial reporting. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.207 Specific conditions, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b) (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. . . . (3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per ? 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. . . ." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with requirements related to the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish an effective system of internal controls to ensure documentation be maintained and made available for audit related to the grant agreement and the Cash Management and the Reporting compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund ? Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - Institutional Portion (Assistance Listing No. 84.425F)Grant Award Period: July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 Grant Identification Numbers: P425F203954 ? 20A Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Criteria: 2 CFR 200.318(a) requires the non-Federal entity to have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity?s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. 2 CFR 200.214 states that non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implemented at 2 CFR 180.300. 2 CFR 180.300 specifies that before entering into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, the entity must verify that the counterparty with whom they intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. 2 CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, 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. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure compliance with procurement, suspension and debarment standards. Conditions Found: During the audit, it was identified that the College did not have a procurement policy in order to comply with 2 CFR 200.318(a). As a result of the lack of a policy, expenditures were made that were not in compliance with the procurement requirements of 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327. Additionally, it was identified that the College did not obtain evidence that the expenditures made during the period were in compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements of 2 CFR 200.214 and 2 CFR 180.300. Further, it was identified that the College did not have effective internal controls over procurement, suspension and debarment in accordance with 2 CFR 200.303. Total expenditures for 84.425F that were subject to procurement, suspension and debarment compliance requirements were $847,652. Statistical Sampling: The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Questioned Costs: Not determinable Repeat Finding: This finding is a repeat finding in the immediately prior audit. In the prior year, this was reported as finding 2021-001. Cause and Effect: The College did not perform procedures to evidence that the transactions entered into were with counterparties which met the requirements of 2 CFR 200.214 and 2 CFR 180.300. The College did not have an effective system of internal control in place to ensure the procurement, suspension and debarment compliance requirements in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327 and 2 CFR 200.214 and 2 CFR 180.300. The College does not typically expend federal awards that are subject to the Uniform Guidance procurement requirements, and as such, management did not have policies in place prior to receiving these federal awards to comply with procurement, suspension and debarment compliance requirements. In response to the prior year finding, management is in process of implementing procurement policies to meet the requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. Recommendation: We recommend the College enhance its internal control to ensure that the College has a policy and effective internal controls in place to ensure that the College conforms to required federal procurement, suspension and debarment procedures. View of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding and are in the process of finalizing policies and procedures to comply with procurement, suspension and debarment standards. Beginning in April 2022, in response to the prior year finding, the College began to ensure vendors were not suspended and debarred for all HEERF funds, including reviewing prior vendors with which HEERF funds were expended. Further, management began obtaining quotes for certain purchases that are being reimbursed by HEERF funds. Consistent with our corrective action plan, we implemented formal written policies and procedures during fiscal year 2023.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.752 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: MD 1701-A64, 2020 Award Period: July 1, 2020 ? July 1, 2025 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2CFR ? 200.318(a), non-Federal entities must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Questioned Costs: None Condition/Context: The Commission?s procurement policy for federal expenditures is not in accordance with ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Cause/Effect: The Commission does not have sufficient documented policies and procedures over procurement to ensure federal procurement requirements are met. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Commission establish and document procurement policies and procedures in conformity with the Federal requirements ?? 200.317 through 200.327. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding.
2022-004 Wage Rate Requirement US Department of Education Passed Through NYS Education Dept. Education Stabilization Fund COVID 19 CRRSA ESSER 3 AL 84.425U Criteria: According to 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction and 2 CFR Section 200.327 Appendix IID to 2 CFR Part 200, nonfederal entities must include in construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with those requirements and DOL regulations. Regulations include 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). Condition: The District expended funds from the CRRSA ESSER 3 grant to make various land improvements such as outdoor classrooms and a basketball court. The District had no construction contract with the contractors. The District did not obtain the required certified payrolls on a weekly basis as work was being performed. Context: The District personnel were under the impression that the projects were emergency projects due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Federal funding has typically not been used for construction projects. Effect: If payroll records are not reviewed, the District does not know that they were properly billed by the contractor. Noncompliance with Federal guidelines could result in the grantee declining to pay for these costs. Cause: District personnel were under the impression that these were emergency projects due to the COVID pandemic, therefore, formal contracts were not executed. There was no system in place for making sure that the proper payroll reports were obtained as work was being done. There was a lack of communication and an assumption that the accounts payable department took care of this. Accounts payable asked for the reports after the fact upon receipt of the bill. Recommendation: We recommend that the District develop a system to make sure that proper contracts are obtained for all pertinent work and that all reporting is obtained in a timely manner. Personnel should become familiar with the Federal regulations.
FINDING 2022-009 FEDERAL PROGRAM DISASTER GRANT-PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ( ASSISTANCE LISTING NO. 97.036) DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CATEGORY INTERNAL CONTROL NONCOMPLIANCE PROCUREMENT-CONTRACT PROVISION CONDITIONS As part of our allowability test we verified if the contract contained the clauses required by FEMA. During our audit, we identified that the revised contracts did not contain the following required clauses: Retention of records for three years; Equal Employment Opportunity; Compliance with the Clean Air Act and Water Act; Compliance with Suspension and Debarment; Compliance with Byrd Anti Lobbying Amendment. CRITERIA 2 CFR, Section 200.327 states that the non-Federal entity's contracts must contain the applicable provisions described in appendix II, which includes the clauses mentioned above. CAUSE The Program Director and the City Clerk's Office failed to take internal control measures to ensure that FEMA-funded contracts included all clauses required by applicable regulations. EFFECT In case of noncompliance with the federal procurement rules, FEMA may apply a remedy, as appropriate, in accordance with its authorities found at 2 C.F.R. § 200.339 Remedies for Noncompliance. RECOMMENDATION The Program Director and the City Clerk’s Office should implement adequate internal control procedures to ensure that the contracts contain all the clauses required by FEMA. QUESTIONED COSTS None PRIOR YEAR Not Applicable VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS AND PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION Corrective action was taken on contracts 2023 and beyond. The 2023 contracts already awarded were amended to include them and the new contracts that are being formalized in 2024 are including FEMA's mandatory clauses. RESPONSIBLE PERSON Mr. Jose González-Program Director 787-894-9191
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-034-PN01, 22611-034-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases and simplified acquisitions were followed. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the five vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The School Corporation also did not follow procurement requirements for contracted services which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. Additionally, the School Corporation did not adequately maintain documentation detailing the history of the procurement or the rationale to limit competition. Finally, the School Corporation did not verify that this vendor was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (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. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases — (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. (ii) Simplified acquisition thresholds. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk and its documented procurement procedures which must not exceed the threshold established in the FAR. When applicable, a lower simplified acquisition threshold used by the non-Federal entity must be authorized or not prohibited under State, local, or tribal laws or regulations. (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal 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 non-competitive 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. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. (i) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present: (A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available; (B) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and (C) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price. (ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (A) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources, providing them sufficient response time prior to the date set for opening the bids, for local, and tribal governments, the invitation for bids must be publicly advertised; (B) The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications and pertinent attachments, must define the items or services in order for the bidder to properly respond; (C) All bids will be opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids, and for local and tribal governments, the bids must be opened publicly; (D) A firm fixed price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life cycle costs must be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of; and. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Finding Number 2022-008 Prior Year Finding Number N/A Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Program: U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies ALN #: 84.010 Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) ALN #: 84.425C Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) Fund ALN #: 84.425D Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSR) ALN #: 84.425U Award #: 211941 Award Period: 03/24/2021 – 09/30/2023 COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth ALN #: 84.425W Award #: Various Award Period: Various Criteria – In accordance with §200.302 Financial Management, a non-federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: 1. Identification, in its accounts, of all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. 2. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.327 Financial Reporting and §200.328 Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance. 3. Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. 4. Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, CFR Section 200.510 (b) requires the auditee must also prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal awards (SEFA) for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.502, Basis for determining Federal awards expended. Condition – The amounts recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) agree to the total amount recorded in the general ledger. The summary level payroll transactions recorded in the general ledger could not be reconciled to the transaction level detail provided from the payroll system. When comparing the two populations, we identified the following differences: • ALN 84.425 - For ALN 84.425 sub-program D, we noted a variance of $1,828,609. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $18,437,724 whereas payroll expenditures per SEFA amounted to $16,609,116. In addition to the above, for ALN 84.425 sub-program U, we noted a variance of $301,432. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $3,607,738 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $3,909,170. • ALN 84.010 - We noted a variance of $752,503. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $40,549,584 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $39,797,081. Questioned Costs – Not Determinable. Context – This is a condition identified per review of the School System’s population completeness over the compliance requirements for each program. The prevalence of these findings is detailed in the condition section above. Effect – The SEFA may not be completely and accurately stated. In addition, the lack of established internal controls policies and procedures to ensure the SEFA is completely and accurately stated can lead to noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and provisions of grant agreements. Cause – The School System did not adhere to their internal policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the SEFA. Recommendation – We recommend that the School System develop policies and procedures and enhance their existing reconciliation process to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the SEFA, and that amounts reported on the SEFA are supported by transaction level detail. Views of Responsible Officials – The School System does not concur with the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The total expenditures for all federal programs recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures for Federal Awards are accurately presented and tie to the general ledger. The payroll sub-ledger is corrected before posting to the general ledger every two weeks. The resulting differences are most often immaterial but can be traced to corrections made by the Accounting Office after payroll is reviewed by the grants Restricted Funds Supervisor to ensure payroll is not posted to expired grants. The planned corrective actions are presented in the School System’s Corrective Action Plan attached as Appendix B to the Single Audit Report. BDO Response – We have reviewed management’s response and our finding remains as indicated, since we could not validate the details of the differences.
Finding Number 2022-008 Prior Year Finding Number N/A Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Program: U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies ALN #: 84.010 Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) ALN #: 84.425C Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) Fund ALN #: 84.425D Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSR) ALN #: 84.425U Award #: 211941 Award Period: 03/24/2021 – 09/30/2023 COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth ALN #: 84.425W Award #: Various Award Period: Various Criteria – In accordance with §200.302 Financial Management, a non-federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: 1. Identification, in its accounts, of all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. 2. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.327 Financial Reporting and §200.328 Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance. 3. Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. 4. Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, CFR Section 200.510 (b) requires the auditee must also prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal awards (SEFA) for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.502, Basis for determining Federal awards expended. Condition – The amounts recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) agree to the total amount recorded in the general ledger. The summary level payroll transactions recorded in the general ledger could not be reconciled to the transaction level detail provided from the payroll system. When comparing the two populations, we identified the following differences: • ALN 84.425 - For ALN 84.425 sub-program D, we noted a variance of $1,828,609. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $18,437,724 whereas payroll expenditures per SEFA amounted to $16,609,116. In addition to the above, for ALN 84.425 sub-program U, we noted a variance of $301,432. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $3,607,738 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $3,909,170. • ALN 84.010 - We noted a variance of $752,503. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $40,549,584 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $39,797,081. Questioned Costs – Not Determinable. Context – This is a condition identified per review of the School System’s population completeness over the compliance requirements for each program. The prevalence of these findings is detailed in the condition section above. Effect – The SEFA may not be completely and accurately stated. In addition, the lack of established internal controls policies and procedures to ensure the SEFA is completely and accurately stated can lead to noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and provisions of grant agreements. Cause – The School System did not adhere to their internal policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the SEFA. Recommendation – We recommend that the School System develop policies and procedures and enhance their existing reconciliation process to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the SEFA, and that amounts reported on the SEFA are supported by transaction level detail. Views of Responsible Officials – The School System does not concur with the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The total expenditures for all federal programs recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures for Federal Awards are accurately presented and tie to the general ledger. The payroll sub-ledger is corrected before posting to the general ledger every two weeks. The resulting differences are most often immaterial but can be traced to corrections made by the Accounting Office after payroll is reviewed by the grants Restricted Funds Supervisor to ensure payroll is not posted to expired grants. The planned corrective actions are presented in the School System’s Corrective Action Plan attached as Appendix B to the Single Audit Report. BDO Response – We have reviewed management’s response and our finding remains as indicated, since we could not validate the details of the differences.
Finding Number 2022-008 Prior Year Finding Number N/A Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Program: U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies ALN #: 84.010 Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) ALN #: 84.425C Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) Fund ALN #: 84.425D Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSR) ALN #: 84.425U Award #: 211941 Award Period: 03/24/2021 – 09/30/2023 COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth ALN #: 84.425W Award #: Various Award Period: Various Criteria – In accordance with §200.302 Financial Management, a non-federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: 1. Identification, in its accounts, of all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. 2. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.327 Financial Reporting and §200.328 Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance. 3. Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. 4. Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, CFR Section 200.510 (b) requires the auditee must also prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal awards (SEFA) for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.502, Basis for determining Federal awards expended. Condition – The amounts recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) agree to the total amount recorded in the general ledger. The summary level payroll transactions recorded in the general ledger could not be reconciled to the transaction level detail provided from the payroll system. When comparing the two populations, we identified the following differences: • ALN 84.425 - For ALN 84.425 sub-program D, we noted a variance of $1,828,609. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $18,437,724 whereas payroll expenditures per SEFA amounted to $16,609,116. In addition to the above, for ALN 84.425 sub-program U, we noted a variance of $301,432. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $3,607,738 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $3,909,170. • ALN 84.010 - We noted a variance of $752,503. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $40,549,584 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $39,797,081. Questioned Costs – Not Determinable. Context – This is a condition identified per review of the School System’s population completeness over the compliance requirements for each program. The prevalence of these findings is detailed in the condition section above. Effect – The SEFA may not be completely and accurately stated. In addition, the lack of established internal controls policies and procedures to ensure the SEFA is completely and accurately stated can lead to noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and provisions of grant agreements. Cause – The School System did not adhere to their internal policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the SEFA. Recommendation – We recommend that the School System develop policies and procedures and enhance their existing reconciliation process to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the SEFA, and that amounts reported on the SEFA are supported by transaction level detail. Views of Responsible Officials – The School System does not concur with the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The total expenditures for all federal programs recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures for Federal Awards are accurately presented and tie to the general ledger. The payroll sub-ledger is corrected before posting to the general ledger every two weeks. The resulting differences are most often immaterial but can be traced to corrections made by the Accounting Office after payroll is reviewed by the grants Restricted Funds Supervisor to ensure payroll is not posted to expired grants. The planned corrective actions are presented in the School System’s Corrective Action Plan attached as Appendix B to the Single Audit Report. BDO Response – We have reviewed management’s response and our finding remains as indicated, since we could not validate the details of the differences.
Finding Number 2022-008 Prior Year Finding Number N/A Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Program: U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies ALN #: 84.010 Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) ALN #: 84.425C Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) Fund ALN #: 84.425D Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSR) ALN #: 84.425U Award #: 211941 Award Period: 03/24/2021 – 09/30/2023 COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth ALN #: 84.425W Award #: Various Award Period: Various Criteria – In accordance with §200.302 Financial Management, a non-federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: 1. Identification, in its accounts, of all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. 2. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.327 Financial Reporting and §200.328 Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance. 3. Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. 4. Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, CFR Section 200.510 (b) requires the auditee must also prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal awards (SEFA) for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.502, Basis for determining Federal awards expended. Condition – The amounts recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) agree to the total amount recorded in the general ledger. The summary level payroll transactions recorded in the general ledger could not be reconciled to the transaction level detail provided from the payroll system. When comparing the two populations, we identified the following differences: • ALN 84.425 - For ALN 84.425 sub-program D, we noted a variance of $1,828,609. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $18,437,724 whereas payroll expenditures per SEFA amounted to $16,609,116. In addition to the above, for ALN 84.425 sub-program U, we noted a variance of $301,432. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $3,607,738 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $3,909,170. • ALN 84.010 - We noted a variance of $752,503. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $40,549,584 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $39,797,081. Questioned Costs – Not Determinable. Context – This is a condition identified per review of the School System’s population completeness over the compliance requirements for each program. The prevalence of these findings is detailed in the condition section above. Effect – The SEFA may not be completely and accurately stated. In addition, the lack of established internal controls policies and procedures to ensure the SEFA is completely and accurately stated can lead to noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and provisions of grant agreements. Cause – The School System did not adhere to their internal policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the SEFA. Recommendation – We recommend that the School System develop policies and procedures and enhance their existing reconciliation process to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the SEFA, and that amounts reported on the SEFA are supported by transaction level detail. Views of Responsible Officials – The School System does not concur with the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The total expenditures for all federal programs recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures for Federal Awards are accurately presented and tie to the general ledger. The payroll sub-ledger is corrected before posting to the general ledger every two weeks. The resulting differences are most often immaterial but can be traced to corrections made by the Accounting Office after payroll is reviewed by the grants Restricted Funds Supervisor to ensure payroll is not posted to expired grants. The planned corrective actions are presented in the School System’s Corrective Action Plan attached as Appendix B to the Single Audit Report. BDO Response – We have reviewed management’s response and our finding remains as indicated, since we could not validate the details of the differences.
Finding Number 2022-008 Prior Year Finding Number N/A Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Program: U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies ALN #: 84.010 Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) ALN #: 84.425C Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) Fund ALN #: 84.425D Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSR) ALN #: 84.425U Award #: 211941 Award Period: 03/24/2021 – 09/30/2023 COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth ALN #: 84.425W Award #: Various Award Period: Various Criteria – In accordance with §200.302 Financial Management, a non-federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: 1. Identification, in its accounts, of all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. 2. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.327 Financial Reporting and §200.328 Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance. 3. Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. 4. Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, CFR Section 200.510 (b) requires the auditee must also prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal awards (SEFA) for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.502, Basis for determining Federal awards expended. Condition – The amounts recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) agree to the total amount recorded in the general ledger. The summary level payroll transactions recorded in the general ledger could not be reconciled to the transaction level detail provided from the payroll system. When comparing the two populations, we identified the following differences: • ALN 84.425 - For ALN 84.425 sub-program D, we noted a variance of $1,828,609. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $18,437,724 whereas payroll expenditures per SEFA amounted to $16,609,116. In addition to the above, for ALN 84.425 sub-program U, we noted a variance of $301,432. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $3,607,738 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $3,909,170. • ALN 84.010 - We noted a variance of $752,503. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $40,549,584 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $39,797,081. Questioned Costs – Not Determinable. Context – This is a condition identified per review of the School System’s population completeness over the compliance requirements for each program. The prevalence of these findings is detailed in the condition section above. Effect – The SEFA may not be completely and accurately stated. In addition, the lack of established internal controls policies and procedures to ensure the SEFA is completely and accurately stated can lead to noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and provisions of grant agreements. Cause – The School System did not adhere to their internal policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the SEFA. Recommendation – We recommend that the School System develop policies and procedures and enhance their existing reconciliation process to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the SEFA, and that amounts reported on the SEFA are supported by transaction level detail. Views of Responsible Officials – The School System does not concur with the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The total expenditures for all federal programs recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures for Federal Awards are accurately presented and tie to the general ledger. The payroll sub-ledger is corrected before posting to the general ledger every two weeks. The resulting differences are most often immaterial but can be traced to corrections made by the Accounting Office after payroll is reviewed by the grants Restricted Funds Supervisor to ensure payroll is not posted to expired grants. The planned corrective actions are presented in the School System’s Corrective Action Plan attached as Appendix B to the Single Audit Report. BDO Response – We have reviewed management’s response and our finding remains as indicated, since we could not validate the details of the differences.
Finding Number 2022-008 Prior Year Finding Number N/A Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Program: U.S. Department of Education Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies ALN #: 84.010 Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) ALN #: 84.425C Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) Fund ALN #: 84.425D Award #: Various Award Period: Various COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSR) ALN #: 84.425U Award #: 211941 Award Period: 03/24/2021 – 09/30/2023 COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth ALN #: 84.425W Award #: Various Award Period: Various Criteria – In accordance with §200.302 Financial Management, a non-federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: 1. Identification, in its accounts, of all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. 2. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §200.327 Financial Reporting and §200.328 Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance. 3. Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. 4. Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, CFR Section 200.510 (b) requires the auditee must also prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal awards (SEFA) for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.502, Basis for determining Federal awards expended. Condition – The amounts recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) agree to the total amount recorded in the general ledger. The summary level payroll transactions recorded in the general ledger could not be reconciled to the transaction level detail provided from the payroll system. When comparing the two populations, we identified the following differences: • ALN 84.425 - For ALN 84.425 sub-program D, we noted a variance of $1,828,609. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $18,437,724 whereas payroll expenditures per SEFA amounted to $16,609,116. In addition to the above, for ALN 84.425 sub-program U, we noted a variance of $301,432. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $3,607,738 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $3,909,170. • ALN 84.010 - We noted a variance of $752,503. Total payroll expenditures per the payroll system details amounted to $40,549,584 whereas payroll expenditures per the SEFA amounted to $39,797,081. Questioned Costs – Not Determinable. Context – This is a condition identified per review of the School System’s population completeness over the compliance requirements for each program. The prevalence of these findings is detailed in the condition section above. Effect – The SEFA may not be completely and accurately stated. In addition, the lack of established internal controls policies and procedures to ensure the SEFA is completely and accurately stated can lead to noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and provisions of grant agreements. Cause – The School System did not adhere to their internal policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the SEFA. Recommendation – We recommend that the School System develop policies and procedures and enhance their existing reconciliation process to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the SEFA, and that amounts reported on the SEFA are supported by transaction level detail. Views of Responsible Officials – The School System does not concur with the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The total expenditures for all federal programs recorded in the Schedule of Expenditures for Federal Awards are accurately presented and tie to the general ledger. The payroll sub-ledger is corrected before posting to the general ledger every two weeks. The resulting differences are most often immaterial but can be traced to corrections made by the Accounting Office after payroll is reviewed by the grants Restricted Funds Supervisor to ensure payroll is not posted to expired grants. The planned corrective actions are presented in the School System’s Corrective Action Plan attached as Appendix B to the Single Audit Report. BDO Response – We have reviewed management’s response and our finding remains as indicated, since we could not validate the details of the differences.