Suspension and Debarment Not Verified Prior to Awarding Contracts(Governor?s Office of Planning and Budget)Federal Agency: Department of the TreasuryAssistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery FundsFederal Award Number: N/AQuestioned Costs: $0Pass-through Entity: N/APrior Year Single Audit Report Finding Number: 2021-022We identified 26 of 42 contract agreements sampled (61.9 percent error) where, under GOPB?s oversight, the state agency awarded SLFRF without verifying the entity was not suspended or debarred. These state agencies did not include a suspension and debarment clause in the contract with the entity as required by 2 CFR 200.327 or through a search of the suspension and debarment list on sam.gov: (See the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for the table)2 CFR part 200.303 requires non-federal entities to ?establish and maintain effective internal control?that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity [manages the program] in compliance with?terms and conditions of the federal award.? At the time of the award, GOPB did not provide guidance to these agencies that were inexperienced with federal programs to be aware of the extent that the suspension and debarment requirements were applicable. Although our procedures did not detect noncompliance, failure to properly implement controls and appropriately review each contracted party for suspension and debarment could result in federally suspended or debarred entities receiving federal funds.Recommendation:We recommend GOPB assist agencies to gain an understanding of the suspension and debarment requirements and establish internal controls to ensure compliance with these requirements.GOPB?s Response:GOPB agrees with this finding. In September 2022, GOPB distributed an ARPA Agency Checklist to remind those managing SLFR funds of compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements, which included the requirement of monitoring for suspension and debarment. This checklist tool was not consistently used. A retroactive check was performed and no entities receiving federal funds had been suspended or debarred.
Suspension and Debarment Not Verified Prior to Awarding Contracts(Governor?s Office of Planning and Budget)Federal Agency: Department of the TreasuryAssistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery FundsFederal Award Number: N/AQuestioned Costs: $0Pass-through Entity: N/APrior Year Single Audit Report Finding Number: 2021-022We identified 26 of 42 contract agreements sampled (61.9 percent error) where, under GOPB?s oversight, the state agency awarded SLFRF without verifying the entity was not suspended or debarred. These state agencies did not include a suspension and debarment clause in the contract with the entity as required by 2 CFR 200.327 or through a search of the suspension and debarment list on sam.gov: (See the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for the table)2 CFR part 200.303 requires non-federal entities to ?establish and maintain effective internal control?that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity [manages the program] in compliance with?terms and conditions of the federal award.? At the time of the award, GOPB did not provide guidance to these agencies that were inexperienced with federal programs to be aware of the extent that the suspension and debarment requirements were applicable. Although our procedures did not detect noncompliance, failure to properly implement controls and appropriately review each contracted party for suspension and debarment could result in federally suspended or debarred entities receiving federal funds.Recommendation:We recommend GOPB assist agencies to gain an understanding of the suspension and debarment requirements and establish internal controls to ensure compliance with these requirements.GOPB?s Response:GOPB agrees with this finding. In September 2022, GOPB distributed an ARPA Agency Checklist to remind those managing SLFR funds of compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements, which included the requirement of monitoring for suspension and debarment. This checklist tool was not consistently used. A retroactive check was performed and no entities receiving federal funds had been suspended or debarred.
Suspension and Debarment Not Verified Prior to Awarding Contracts(Governor?s Office of Planning and Budget)Federal Agency: Department of the TreasuryAssistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery FundsFederal Award Number: N/AQuestioned Costs: $0Pass-through Entity: N/APrior Year Single Audit Report Finding Number: 2021-022We identified 26 of 42 contract agreements sampled (61.9 percent error) where, under GOPB?s oversight, the state agency awarded SLFRF without verifying the entity was not suspended or debarred. These state agencies did not include a suspension and debarment clause in the contract with the entity as required by 2 CFR 200.327 or through a search of the suspension and debarment list on sam.gov: (See the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for the table)2 CFR part 200.303 requires non-federal entities to ?establish and maintain effective internal control?that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity [manages the program] in compliance with?terms and conditions of the federal award.? At the time of the award, GOPB did not provide guidance to these agencies that were inexperienced with federal programs to be aware of the extent that the suspension and debarment requirements were applicable. Although our procedures did not detect noncompliance, failure to properly implement controls and appropriately review each contracted party for suspension and debarment could result in federally suspended or debarred entities receiving federal funds.Recommendation:We recommend GOPB assist agencies to gain an understanding of the suspension and debarment requirements and establish internal controls to ensure compliance with these requirements.GOPB?s Response:GOPB agrees with this finding. In September 2022, GOPB distributed an ARPA Agency Checklist to remind those managing SLFR funds of compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements, which included the requirement of monitoring for suspension and debarment. This checklist tool was not consistently used. A retroactive check was performed and no entities receiving federal funds had been suspended or debarred.
Suspension and Debarment Not Verified Prior to Awarding Contracts(Governor?s Office of Planning and Budget)Federal Agency: Department of the TreasuryAssistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery FundsFederal Award Number: N/AQuestioned Costs: $0Pass-through Entity: N/APrior Year Single Audit Report Finding Number: 2021-022We identified 26 of 42 contract agreements sampled (61.9 percent error) where, under GOPB?s oversight, the state agency awarded SLFRF without verifying the entity was not suspended or debarred. These state agencies did not include a suspension and debarment clause in the contract with the entity as required by 2 CFR 200.327 or through a search of the suspension and debarment list on sam.gov: (See the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for the table)2 CFR part 200.303 requires non-federal entities to ?establish and maintain effective internal control?that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity [manages the program] in compliance with?terms and conditions of the federal award.? At the time of the award, GOPB did not provide guidance to these agencies that were inexperienced with federal programs to be aware of the extent that the suspension and debarment requirements were applicable. Although our procedures did not detect noncompliance, failure to properly implement controls and appropriately review each contracted party for suspension and debarment could result in federally suspended or debarred entities receiving federal funds.Recommendation:We recommend GOPB assist agencies to gain an understanding of the suspension and debarment requirements and establish internal controls to ensure compliance with these requirements.GOPB?s Response:GOPB agrees with this finding. In September 2022, GOPB distributed an ARPA Agency Checklist to remind those managing SLFR funds of compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements, which included the requirement of monitoring for suspension and debarment. This checklist tool was not consistently used. A retroactive check was performed and no entities receiving federal funds had been suspended or debarred.
Suspension and Debarment Not Verified Prior to Awarding Contracts(Governor?s Office of Planning and Budget)Federal Agency: Department of the TreasuryAssistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery FundsFederal Award Number: N/AQuestioned Costs: $0Pass-through Entity: N/APrior Year Single Audit Report Finding Number: 2021-022We identified 26 of 42 contract agreements sampled (61.9 percent error) where, under GOPB?s oversight, the state agency awarded SLFRF without verifying the entity was not suspended or debarred. These state agencies did not include a suspension and debarment clause in the contract with the entity as required by 2 CFR 200.327 or through a search of the suspension and debarment list on sam.gov: (See the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for the table)2 CFR part 200.303 requires non-federal entities to ?establish and maintain effective internal control?that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity [manages the program] in compliance with?terms and conditions of the federal award.? At the time of the award, GOPB did not provide guidance to these agencies that were inexperienced with federal programs to be aware of the extent that the suspension and debarment requirements were applicable. Although our procedures did not detect noncompliance, failure to properly implement controls and appropriately review each contracted party for suspension and debarment could result in federally suspended or debarred entities receiving federal funds.Recommendation:We recommend GOPB assist agencies to gain an understanding of the suspension and debarment requirements and establish internal controls to ensure compliance with these requirements.GOPB?s Response:GOPB agrees with this finding. In September 2022, GOPB distributed an ARPA Agency Checklist to remind those managing SLFR funds of compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements, which included the requirement of monitoring for suspension and debarment. This checklist tool was not consistently used. A retroactive check was performed and no entities receiving federal funds had been suspended or debarred.
Suspension and Debarment Not Verified Prior to Awarding Contracts(Governor?s Office of Planning and Budget)Federal Agency: Department of the TreasuryAssistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery FundsFederal Award Number: N/AQuestioned Costs: $0Pass-through Entity: N/APrior Year Single Audit Report Finding Number: 2021-022We identified 26 of 42 contract agreements sampled (61.9 percent error) where, under GOPB?s oversight, the state agency awarded SLFRF without verifying the entity was not suspended or debarred. These state agencies did not include a suspension and debarment clause in the contract with the entity as required by 2 CFR 200.327 or through a search of the suspension and debarment list on sam.gov: (See the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for the table)2 CFR part 200.303 requires non-federal entities to ?establish and maintain effective internal control?that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity [manages the program] in compliance with?terms and conditions of the federal award.? At the time of the award, GOPB did not provide guidance to these agencies that were inexperienced with federal programs to be aware of the extent that the suspension and debarment requirements were applicable. Although our procedures did not detect noncompliance, failure to properly implement controls and appropriately review each contracted party for suspension and debarment could result in federally suspended or debarred entities receiving federal funds.Recommendation:We recommend GOPB assist agencies to gain an understanding of the suspension and debarment requirements and establish internal controls to ensure compliance with these requirements.GOPB?s Response:GOPB agrees with this finding. In September 2022, GOPB distributed an ARPA Agency Checklist to remind those managing SLFR funds of compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements, which included the requirement of monitoring for suspension and debarment. This checklist tool was not consistently used. A retroactive check was performed and no entities receiving federal funds had been suspended or debarred.
Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) 200.318 General Procurement Standards requires entities to have documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. Condition: The City does not have formal documented procurement policies and procedures related to expenditures of federal awards. Cause: The City Council forms a committee to review and approve disbursements of federal funds. This process is the City’s general practice but does not follow written procurement policies and procedures. Effect: The City is out of compliance with general procurement standards under 2 CFR 200.318. Recommendation: The City should adopt formal documented procurement policies and procedures related to expenditures of federal awards. Response: The City Clerk and Mayor, with help from the Treasurer, will develop and implement documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards relating to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) 200.317 through 200.327.
Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) 200.318 General Procurement Standards requires entities to have documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. Condition: The City does not have formal documented procurement policies and procedures related to expenditures of federal awards. Cause: The City Council forms a committee to review and approve disbursements of federal funds. This process is the City’s general practice but does not follow written procurement policies and procedures. Effect: The City is out of compliance with general procurement standards under 2 CFR 200.318. Recommendation: The City should adopt formal documented procurement policies and procedures related to expenditures of federal awards. Response: The City Clerk and Mayor, with help from the Treasurer, will develop and implement documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards relating to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) 200.317 through 200.327.
Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) 200.318 General Procurement Standards requires entities to have documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. Condition: The City does not have formal documented procurement policies and procedures related to expenditures of federal awards. Cause: The City Council forms a committee to review and approve disbursements of federal funds. This process is the City’s general practice but does not follow written procurement policies and procedures. Effect: The City is out of compliance with general procurement standards under 2 CFR 200.318. Recommendation: The City should adopt formal documented procurement policies and procedures related to expenditures of federal awards. Response: The City Clerk and Mayor, with help from the Treasurer, will develop and implement documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards relating to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) 200.317 through 200.327.
2022-003 Procurement Policies and Covered Transactions Compliance Requirement Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Category Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Noncompliance Federal Agency U.S. Department of the Treasury Pass-Through Entity Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority ALN 21.027 Federal Program COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Criteria 2 CFR section 200.318 General procurement standards. (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. 2 CFR section 180.220 Are any procurement contracts included as covered transactions? (a) Covered transactions under this part— (1) Do not include any procurement contracts awarded directly by a Federal agency; but (2) Do include some procurement contracts awarded by non-Federal participants in nonprocurement covered transactions. (b) Specifically, a contract for goods or services is a covered transaction if any of the following applies: (1) The contract is awarded by a participant in a nonprocurement transaction that is covered under § 180.210, and the amount of the contract is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. (2) The contract requires the consent of an official of a Federal agency. In that case, the contract, regardless of the amount, always is a covered transaction, and it does not matter who awarded it. For example, it could be a subcontract awarded by a contractor at a tier below a nonprocurement transaction, as shown in the appendix to this part. (3) The contract is for Federally-required audit services. (c) A subcontract also is a covered transaction if,— (1) It is awarded by a participant in a procurement transaction under a nonprocurement transaction of a Federal agency that extends the coverage of paragraph (b)(1) of this section to additional tiers of contracts (see the diagram in the appendix to this part showing that optional lower tier coverage); and (2) The value of the subcontract is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Condition General Procurement Standards - Written Policies The Corporation has an outdated institutional procurement manual approved in 2014 that lacks written policies to ascertain compliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of federal awards regarding procurement, suspension, and debarment requirements. Suspension and Debarment - Covered Transaction From a population of nineteen disbursements, we selected nine disbursements to ascertain compliance with 2 CFR section 180.220 by examining the procurement documents provided by the Corporation. From that sample, we identified nine instances in which the SAM.gov registration verification process was not performed. Of the nine instances, we found eight suppliers properly registered, but one supplier appears as validated as unique and existing but not registered in SAM.gov. Cause Lack of understanding of procurement compliance requirements for federal awards. Fiscal year 2023 was the first year for the Corporation to be subjected to a single audit compliance requirement for receiving and expending COVID-19 public health emergency programs. Effect Noncompliance with sections 200.318 and 180.220 of 2 CFR may lead to temporary withholding of cash payments until the deficiency is corrected, and/or withholding further federal program awards. Questioned Costs None Recommendation General Procurement Standards - Written Policies and Suspension and Debarment - Covered Transaction We recommend the Corporation update its internal procurement written policies following the provisions of current state statutes and regulations and develop separate procurement written policies following the provisions of federal laws and regulations or the terms and conditions of federal awards, which includes the Procurement Standards described in 2 CFR section 200.317 through 200.327, as applicable. By updating, developing, and implementing the required written procurement policies, the Corporation will be able to comply with the federal government compliance requirements. Views of responsible officials Refer to Corrective Action Plan section.
Material Instance of Non-Compliance and Significant Deficiency Written Procurement Policy This finding impacts the procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirement for the major program, Assistance Listing Number 10.555, Child Nutrition Cluster, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and passed through by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Criteria: The School must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.317 through 200.327. The School also must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. Condition: During our compliance testing, we reviewed the School's procurement policy against Uniform Guidance standards. The policy did not meet all of the considerations that are required through Uniform Guidance, Federal and state regulations. The School followed their procurement policy during fiscal year 2022, but should update this policy in accordance with these regulations. Cause: The School’s existing procurement policy did not document all of the elements required by the Uniform Guidance. Effect: Non-compliance with the Uniform Guidance, potentially resulting in an increase in questioned costs. Was the finding a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year?: No Recommendation: AAFCPAs recommends that management revise their policy to comply with current standards under the Uniform Guidance. Management Response: During the audit, it was recognized that the School did not have an updated procurement policy to comply with the current standards under the Uniform Guidance. This is the first year that the School received funds that exceeded the Uniform Guidance threshold and was not aware that there was a difference between Federal policy and state policy that we operated under. During the audit, it was recognized that the School had obtained appropriate bids and performed an adequate and documented comparison of qualifications amongst vendors before selecting the current vendor. These practices, which are outlined in the Uniform Guidance Standard, although followed, are not accurately reflected in our current procurement policy. This policy will be updated during fiscal year 2023.
Finding 2022-011 - Noncompliance Over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds PASS THROUGH GRANTOR: Direct Grant FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Department of Treasury ASSISTANCE LISTING: 21.027 FEDERAL PROGRAM NAME: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER: SLFRP3720 FEDERAL AWARD YEAR: 2022 CONTROL CATEGORY: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment QUESTIONED COSTS: $203,000 Condition: During our review of the disbursement data from Muskogee County regarding procurement and suspension and debarment as per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327, we identified the following: • One (1) ambulance was purchased in the amount of $203,000 for the Muskogee County EMS. There were no bids or quotes provide by the County or found in the BOCC meeting minutes supporting expenditure documentation. • There were six (6) vendors, in which the County did not check the www.SAM.gov website to review if the vendor had been suspended or debarred for those disbursements that warranted a bid, on the 6-month bid list, or received quotes. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure compliance of expenditures for all federal awards. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance to grant requirements and could lead to a loss of federal funds to the County. Recommendation: OSAI recommends county officials and department heads gain an understanding of federal programs awarded to Muskogee County. Internal control procedures should be designed and implemented to ensure accurate procurement and suspension and debarment and to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: Muskogee County has hired an internal grant administrator to assist in keeping the county compliant with all local, state, and federal requirements. Efforts will be made going forward to ensure that all grant funds are properly expended. This includes that all expenditures are properly documented and that all vendors are federally eligible to perform services. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.317 through 200.327 General Procurement Standards reads as follows: When procuring property and services under a Federal award, a State must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will comply with §§ 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by § 200.327. All other non-Federal entities, including subrecipients of a State, must follow the procurement standards in §§ 200.318 through 200.327. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. (b) Non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders. 2 CFR 180.700 – 180.760 Suspension and 2 CFR 180.800 – 180.885 Debarment Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR section 180.215.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-002 Financial Statement Reconciliations/Tie-In Procedures Significant Deficiency CONDITION: A weakness existed in the overall reconciliation/tie-in procedures performed over the School’s financial statement accounts for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Financial accounts were either reconciled untimely or in some cases, accounts were not reconciled at all. Most of these accounts should be reconciled on a monthly basis. The major areas where reconciliation procedures were weak included:A) Beginning Balances B) Cash Balances C) Account Receivables D) Grant Receivables/Unearned Revenues E) Accounts Payable F) Grant Revenue CRITERIA: OMB Uniform Guidance states the following in section 200.302, “(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. CAUSE: Lack of written policies and procedures over financial tie-in procedures that identify who is responsible for performing these tie-in/reconciliation procedures. EFFECT: In the course of performing the audit, the auditor recommended 10 adjusting journal entries be made to the financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Many of these adjustments could have been avoided if timely reconciliation and tie-in procedures had been conducted by the finance department. Many of these audit adjustments were material in nature.
2022-008 Procurement Policy and Procedures U.S. Department of Justice, Passed through Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Crime Victim Assistance – Assistance Listing Number 16.575 Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Condition: The Corporation does not maintain a formal procurement policy and procedures that meets the requirements of the Uniform Guidance, including procedures addressing allowable costs exceeding the small purchase threshold. The lack of such a formal policy increases the risk that purchases are made that do not comply with Uniform Guidance requirements. Cause: The Corporation has not implemented a formal procurement policy and procedures that meets the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: The lack of such a formal policy increases the risk that purchases are made that do not comply with Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned costs: None Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Corporation implement a formal procurement policy and procedures that meets the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. View of responsible officials of the auditee: Management agrees with the finding and recommendation.
Condition: Upon inquiry of county personnel and a test of twenty (20) disbursement totaling $303,873, the following instances of noncompliance were noted: • The County failed to document suspension and debarment of vendors for purchases over $25,000. • The County failed to have written standards of conduct that cover conflicts of interest and that govern the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contract. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure federal disbursements are made in accordance with federal compliance requirements. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance with grant requirements and could result in a loss of federal funds. Recommendation: OSAI recommends the County gain an understanding of the grant requirements for this program and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with these grant requirements. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: These procurement issues originated during the prior County Clerk’s administration, but the current leadership is focused on corrective measures. Together, we are: • developing a SOP to ensure vendor checks for suspension and debarment are conducted on all purchases over $25,000, • establishing written standards of conduct to address conflicts of interest and set clear procurement guidelines, • and enhancing oversight and review to ensure all procurement processes are fully compliant with federal regulations. Our goal is to build a consistent, transparent procurement framework that safeguards both compliance and public trust. County Clerk: I was not the County Clerk in office at this time. To correct this issue, the County plans to develop a SOP to timely and accurately track and report on the SEFA. The SOP will be reviewed, adopted, and monitored by the Board of County Commissioners. Criteria: Compliance and Reporting Guidance, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (8. Procurement, Suspension & Debarment.) reads as follows: Recipients are responsible for ensuring that any procurement using SLFRF funds, or payments under procurement contracts using such funds, are consistent with the procurement standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327, unless stated otherwise by Treasury. As outlined in FAQ 13.15, only a subset of the Uniform Guidance requirements at 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart D (Post Federal Award Requirements) applies to recipients’ use of funds in the revenue loss eligible use category. The procurement standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CRF 200.317 through 2 CRF 200.327 are not included in FAQ 13.15’s list of applicable Subpart D requirements that apply to recipients’ use of funds in the revenue loss eligible use category. The Uniform Guidance establishes in 2 CFR 200.319 that all procurement transactions for property or services must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition, consistent with standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, which allows for non-competitive procurements only in certain circumstances. Recipients must have and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with the standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.320. In addition, the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.214, 2 CFR Part 180, and Treasury’s implementing regulations at 31 CFR Part 19, prohibit recipients from entering into contracts with suspended or debarred parties. The procurement standards outlined in the Uniform Guidance require an infrastructure for competitive bidding and contractor oversight, including maintaining written standards of conduct. Your organization must ensure adherence to all applicable local, State, and federal procurement laws and regulations. Further, 2 CFR § 200.319 Competition (d) reads as follows: The non-Federal entity must have written procedures for procurement transactions.
2022 ? 004 ? Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Policy Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Education Stabilization Fund ? Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ? Institutional Portion Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.425F Award Period: 7/1/21-6/30/22 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When procuring property and services under a Federal award, entities must follow the procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.218 through 200.327. Included in these requirements, a 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. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. When a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The University has implemented formal, written policies and procedures to align with the requirements for procurement and suspension and debarment but did not maintain documentation that these policies were followed during the year. Questioned costs: Unknown. Context: We selected a sample of 5 transactions for procurement and suspension and debarment testing and noted the University did not maintain any documentation to support adherence to the University?s procurement and suspension and debarment policies. Cause: The University experienced turnover during the year and documentation could not be located. Effect: Supporting documentation could not be located to support required procurement and suspension and debarment standards were followed. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University ensure a process is put in place to maintain appropriate supporting documentation as evidence that the University?s procurement, suspension and debarment policies were followed. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding.
2022 ? 004 ? Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Policy Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Education Stabilization Fund ? Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ? Institutional Portion Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.425F Award Period: 7/1/21-6/30/22 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: When procuring property and services under a Federal award, entities must follow the procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.218 through 200.327. Included in these requirements, a 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. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. When a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The University has implemented formal, written policies and procedures to align with the requirements for procurement and suspension and debarment but did not maintain documentation that these policies were followed during the year. Questioned costs: Unknown. Context: We selected a sample of 5 transactions for procurement and suspension and debarment testing and noted the University did not maintain any documentation to support adherence to the University?s procurement and suspension and debarment policies. Cause: The University experienced turnover during the year and documentation could not be located. Effect: Supporting documentation could not be located to support required procurement and suspension and debarment standards were followed. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University ensure a process is put in place to maintain appropriate supporting documentation as evidence that the University?s procurement, suspension and debarment policies were followed. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Criteria: A non-federal entity is required to have certain written policies and procedure in compliance with Uniform Guidance and must comply with the procurement standards as described in 2 CFR 200.318 through 2 CFR 200.327. Specifically, the non-federal entity must comply with the following: • 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. • If the non-Federal entity has a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization that is not a State, local government, or Indian tribe, the non-Federal entity must also maintain written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest. Organizational conflicts of interest means that because of relationships with a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary organization, the non-Federal entity is unable or appears to be unable to be impartial in conducting a procurement action involving a related organization. Condition: AIRS does not appear to have created written purchasing or procurement policies and procedures as required by 2 CFR 200.318(a). Since AIRS is an affiliate organization of the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC), it appears that the relationship between AIRS and ECDC meets the “affiliate” requirement under 2 CFR 200.318 (c) (2). It does appear that AIRS has created written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest. Cause: Management has not created or maintained certain written policies and procedures as required under 2 CFR 200.318. Effect: AIRS is not in compliance with certain written policies and procedures as required under 2 CFR 200.318. Questioned Costs: None reported Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: Management and board should create written procurement policies and procedures and written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest that comply with the procurement standards as required under 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with this audit finding.
Finding 2021-002: Material Weakness – Lack of Documentation on Sole Source Contracts and Verification of Vendors Federal grantor: Department of Commerce Condition: The Chamber contract with a vendor on a sole-source basis and did not document justification for the use of a sole source vendor. In addition, the Chamber did not verify that the vendor was not on the list of vendors suspended or debarred from federal contracting before contracting with the vendor. Criteria: Entities are required to follow the procurement standards in 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 and noncompetitive procurements. Entities also must comply with 2 CFR Part 1326 that prohibits entities that have been debarred, suspended or voluntarily excluded from participating in Federal procurement. Cause: The Chamber’s Procurement Policy allows for a sole source vendor but requires staff to document sole source procurements prior to initial purchase. It appears staff did not follow its policy. The Policy also contains a requirement to verify or receive vendor certification that they are not debarred, suspended, ineligible or voluntarily excluded from Federal procurements, but this procedure was not followed. Effect: The Department of Commerce may impose additional conditions on the receipt of a subsequent tranche of future award funds, if any, or take other available remedies as set forth in 2 C.F.C. section 200.339. Recommendation: We recommend the Chamber review policies with staff to ensure procurement requirements are followed, and that staff are familiar with federal procurement requirements. Management’s Response: Management’s response to the finding is discussed in the Corrective Action Plan.
2 CFR § 1000.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Treasury for 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 which describe specific procedures non-Federal entities must follow when entering into procurement transactions using Federal funds. 2 CFR § 200.318(a) indicates a non-Federal entity must have and use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations and the standards of 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. 2 CFR § 200.320 indicates the non-Federal entity must use the following methods of procurement: (a) Procurement by micro-purchases, which the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed the non-Federal entity’s micro-purchase dollar threshold; (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures, which are procurements of relatively simple and informal nature, which do 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; (c) Procurement by sealed bids, which requires public solicitation of bids and a firm fixed price contract (lump-sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all material terms and conditions in the invitations to bid, is the lowest in price; (d) Procurement by competitive proposals, which is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids and is a procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded; or (e) Procurement by non-competitive proposals, which are appropriate when an item can be obtained only from a single source, the non-competitive procurement is specifically authorized by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, competition is deemed adequate after solicitation through competitive means, the aggregate amount of procurement does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and/or the public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation. 2 CFR § 200.318(i) indicates 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. 31 CFR § 19.300 indicates before entering into a covered transaction as defined in 31 CFR § 19 Subpart B, the non-Federal entity must ensure the expenditure is not made to an individual or business that is excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds by checking the Excluded Party List System (EPLS), collecting a certification from the individual or business, or adding a clause or condition to the contract. The City did not establish the necessary controls or policies to ensure proper compliance with Procurement requirements. For five of five procurements in excess of the City’s micro-purchase threshold which were entered into using Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLRF), the City did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. It was not evident if the City obtained quotes or bids for the items purchased or if a cost-price analysis was performed. Additionally, the City did not have written procurement procedures that conform to applicable laws noted above. Finally, the City did not ensure the vendors paid under covered transactions using SLRF funds were not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds. The City should review the procurement requirements contained in 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 and develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance. The City should maintain sufficient documentation to detail the history of the procurement, which may vary depending on the procurement method used. As a part of the procurement process, the City should include procedures for ensuring a vendor is not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds and maintain documentation the procedure was followed.
Criteria: A non-federal entity is required to have certain written policies and procedure in compliance with Uniform Guidance and must comply with the procurement standards as described in 2 CFR 200.318 through 2 CFR 200.327. Specifically, the non-federal entity must comply with the following: • 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. • If the non-Federal entity has a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization that is not a State, local government, or Indian tribe, the non-Federal entity must also maintain written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest. Organizational conflicts of interest means that because of relationships with a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary organization, the non-Federal entity is unable or appears to be unable to be impartial in conducting a procurement action involving a related organization. Condition: AIRS does not appear to have created written purchasing or procurement policies and procedures as required by 2 CFR 200.318(a). Since AIRS is an affiliate organization of the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC), it appears that the relationship between AIRS and ECDC meets the “affiliate” requirement under 2 CFR 200.318 (c) (2). It does appear that AIRS has created written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest. Cause: Management has not created or maintained certain written policies and procedures as required under 2 CFR 200.318. Effect: AIRS is not in compliance with certain written policies and procedures as required under 2 CFR 200.318. Questioned Costs: None reported Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: Management and board should create written procurement policies and procedures and written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest that comply with the procurement standards as required under 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with this audit finding.
Finding 2021-002: Material Weakness – Lack of Documentation on Sole Source Contracts and Verification of Vendors Federal grantor: Department of Commerce Condition: The Chamber contract with a vendor on a sole-source basis and did not document justification for the use of a sole source vendor. In addition, the Chamber did not verify that the vendor was not on the list of vendors suspended or debarred from federal contracting before contracting with the vendor. Criteria: Entities are required to follow the procurement standards in 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 and noncompetitive procurements. Entities also must comply with 2 CFR Part 1326 that prohibits entities that have been debarred, suspended or voluntarily excluded from participating in Federal procurement. Cause: The Chamber’s Procurement Policy allows for a sole source vendor but requires staff to document sole source procurements prior to initial purchase. It appears staff did not follow its policy. The Policy also contains a requirement to verify or receive vendor certification that they are not debarred, suspended, ineligible or voluntarily excluded from Federal procurements, but this procedure was not followed. Effect: The Department of Commerce may impose additional conditions on the receipt of a subsequent tranche of future award funds, if any, or take other available remedies as set forth in 2 C.F.C. section 200.339. Recommendation: We recommend the Chamber review policies with staff to ensure procurement requirements are followed, and that staff are familiar with federal procurement requirements. Management’s Response: Management’s response to the finding is discussed in the Corrective Action Plan.
2 CFR § 1000.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Treasury for 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 which describe specific procedures non-Federal entities must follow when entering into procurement transactions using Federal funds. 2 CFR § 200.318(a) indicates a non-Federal entity must have and use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations and the standards of 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. 2 CFR § 200.320 indicates the non-Federal entity must use the following methods of procurement: (a) Procurement by micro-purchases, which the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed the non-Federal entity’s micro-purchase dollar threshold; (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures, which are procurements of relatively simple and informal nature, which do 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; (c) Procurement by sealed bids, which requires public solicitation of bids and a firm fixed price contract (lump-sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all material terms and conditions in the invitations to bid, is the lowest in price; (d) Procurement by competitive proposals, which is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids and is a procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded; or (e) Procurement by non-competitive proposals, which are appropriate when an item can be obtained only from a single source, the non-competitive procurement is specifically authorized by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, competition is deemed adequate after solicitation through competitive means, the aggregate amount of procurement does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and/or the public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation. 2 CFR § 200.318(i) indicates 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. 31 CFR § 19.300 indicates before entering into a covered transaction as defined in 31 CFR § 19 Subpart B, the non-Federal entity must ensure the expenditure is not made to an individual or business that is excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds by checking the Excluded Party List System (EPLS), collecting a certification from the individual or business, or adding a clause or condition to the contract. The City did not establish the necessary controls or policies to ensure proper compliance with Procurement requirements. For five of five procurements in excess of the City’s micro-purchase threshold which were entered into using Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLRF), the City did not maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. It was not evident if the City obtained quotes or bids for the items purchased or if a cost-price analysis was performed. Additionally, the City did not have written procurement procedures that conform to applicable laws noted above. Finally, the City did not ensure the vendors paid under covered transactions using SLRF funds were not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds. The City should review the procurement requirements contained in 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 and develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance. The City should maintain sufficient documentation to detail the history of the procurement, which may vary depending on the procurement method used. As a part of the procurement process, the City should include procedures for ensuring a vendor is not excluded or disqualified from receiving Federal funds and maintain documentation the procedure was followed.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
Condition and Context: ITCN filed the final amended report for grant no. 90CI010041-01 outside the required timeframe under the Head Start grant. ITCN also did not file Form SF-429(A), required by the Head Start program. Also, ITCN’s single audit reporting package for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was not submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within nine months after ITCN’s year-end. Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.327, Financial Reporting, information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The grants require the filing of quarterly reports within 30 days after the quarter-end. Cause and Effect: The cause is the lack of resources and turnover in personnel at ITCN. The effect is the late filing of the quarterly reports and the annual single audit reporting package, and, for Head Start, not reporting the real property status on the Form SF-429(A). Recommendation: We recommend that ITCN devote the necessary resources to the financial reporting process and establish a system of monitoring for the filing of all required reporting and that the executive director review the monitoring list on a regular basis consistent with the timing of report filings. Management’s Response: ITCN’s responsible officials’ views and planned corrective action are in its corrective action plan at the end of the report.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Financial Statement Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment #2021-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, PROPER APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS, GRANT CLOSE-OUT PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED REGULATORY REPORTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SHOULD IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat Finding) As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Authority. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to help to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, other internal shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, allocation of indirect costs and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. Various regulatory reports were not filed accurately and in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425's for the Head Start Programs and DHS’s State budget reports for the LIHEAP programs). Specifically, revenue was recorded in excess of expenditures for the LIHEAP programs. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually), which is consistent with our audit findings for the year ended June 30, 2020. The systemic cause appears to be a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of accounting controls, monitoring and policies and procedures not followed consistently. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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)(2)] Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Authority has a chief financial officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. The workload on the CFO is overwhelming. New staff hired should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. We believe that the CFO with the grant accountant and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocation and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. New policies and procedures should be established that conforms to the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and fully agrees with the need for improved internal controls over financial statement preparation. Management believes that the proper approval of disbursements was adhered to during the reporting period with minimal deviation and continues to ensure proper policies are followed. Federal reports (SF425’s, LIHEAP) were filed during this period and may not have been properly reviewed during the course of this audit. For example, the LIHEAP reports were reconciled with the assistance of the State Program Specialist to ensure proper return of funds as requested by the funding agency. Management reserves the right to discuss this further as needed for the purpose of this finding. Adequate fiscal personnel staff has continued to be a challenge for the agency as management has done an exhaustive search for additional fiscal personnel and made job offers to qualified individuals only to have them decline the offer at the last moment. We have just offered the position of General Ledger Accountant to an individual and they are expected to start in two weeks. This will assist the CFO in the area of financial controls and reporting. It should also be noted that all bank reconciliations are current and being completed in a timely manner as dictated by our policies and procedures. Management continues to ensure all federal, state, and local and local regulatory reports and completed and submitted in a timely manner. As stated previously, the CFO worked directly with the State LIHEAP Program Staff to ensure proper reporting and reconciliation before returning unused funds.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Financial Statement Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment #2021-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, PROPER APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS, GRANT CLOSE-OUT PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED REGULATORY REPORTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SHOULD IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat Finding) As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Authority. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to help to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, other internal shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, allocation of indirect costs and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. Various regulatory reports were not filed accurately and in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425's for the Head Start Programs and DHS’s State budget reports for the LIHEAP programs). Specifically, revenue was recorded in excess of expenditures for the LIHEAP programs. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually), which is consistent with our audit findings for the year ended June 30, 2020. The systemic cause appears to be a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of accounting controls, monitoring and policies and procedures not followed consistently. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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)(2)] Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Authority has a chief financial officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. The workload on the CFO is overwhelming. New staff hired should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. We believe that the CFO with the grant accountant and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocation and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. New policies and procedures should be established that conforms to the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and fully agrees with the need for improved internal controls over financial statement preparation. Management believes that the proper approval of disbursements was adhered to during the reporting period with minimal deviation and continues to ensure proper policies are followed. Federal reports (SF425’s, LIHEAP) were filed during this period and may not have been properly reviewed during the course of this audit. For example, the LIHEAP reports were reconciled with the assistance of the State Program Specialist to ensure proper return of funds as requested by the funding agency. Management reserves the right to discuss this further as needed for the purpose of this finding. Adequate fiscal personnel staff has continued to be a challenge for the agency as management has done an exhaustive search for additional fiscal personnel and made job offers to qualified individuals only to have them decline the offer at the last moment. We have just offered the position of General Ledger Accountant to an individual and they are expected to start in two weeks. This will assist the CFO in the area of financial controls and reporting. It should also be noted that all bank reconciliations are current and being completed in a timely manner as dictated by our policies and procedures. Management continues to ensure all federal, state, and local and local regulatory reports and completed and submitted in a timely manner. As stated previously, the CFO worked directly with the State LIHEAP Program Staff to ensure proper reporting and reconciliation before returning unused funds.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment # 2021-005 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER DISBURSEMENTS OF FEDERAL FUNDS MUST BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS Federal Assistance Listing # 93.600 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: In connection with audit of the Authority, we performed risk assessment of the Authority’s significant financial transactions, material account balances, and other significant risk areas and each applicable relevant assertion of each area, and we designed and perform substantive procedures and test of internal controls to determine what level of reliance that could be placed on the system of internal control of the Authority. Using auditor’s judgment, we selected various transactions for testings the system of internal control and the appropriateness and reasonableness of the expenditures. During our audit, we performed the following procedures: We selected twenty- five (25) transactions using auditor’s judgement with the following exceptions noted as respects to the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs: 1. There were fifteen (15) transactions with missing check request documents and\or purchase orders to support the disbursements. 2 Four (4) transactions with only one signature on the cancelled checks. 3. There were fourteen (14) transactions missing evidence of support as required by the procurement policies and procedures of the Authority. 4. There was one (1) transaction for the purchase of a truck that was not in agreement with bid documentation provided by the Authority. Further, we noted no specific authorization of such transaction in the notice of award for the purchase during the budget period of the acquisition. We selected fifteen (15) transactions using auditor’s judgement with the following exceptions noted as respect to the indirect cost pool: 1. There were fourteen (14) transactions with missing check request documents and\or purchase orders to support the disbursements. 2 Two (2) transactions with only one signature on the cancelled checks. 3. There were one (1) transactions missing evidence of support as required by the procurement policies and procedures of the Authority. The aforementioned exceptions were not resolved as of the date the audit report, September 8, 2023. Context: We selected 25 transactions haphazardly from the disbursement records of the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. We selected 15 transactions haphazardly from the disbursement records of the indirect cost pool Criteria: Internal policy of the Authority, generally accepted accounting principles, Government Auditing Standards and the Uniform Guidance. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of the Uniform Guidance (UG), 2 CFR §200.318 General procurement standards 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. Effect: The transaction could result in cost not allowed under federal and state regulations and the provisions of the grant agreement. Cause: The failure of the Authority to follow its written procurement policies and procedures and to update the existing procedures to conform to federal and state laws. Management and the board of directors must have proper oversight and governance of the purchase and procurement procedures. Recommendation: We recommend that the board of directors and management immediately review all the transactions outlined in this finding and determine if the exceptions noted can be resolved and corrected. Further action should be taken to prevent, eliminate and properly remediate other exceptions similar in nature as those described in this finding. Policies and procedures should be reviewed and updated to conform to 2 CFR §200.318 General procurement standards. The Authority should add additional staff with the proper accounting skills, knowledge and experience with grant accounting. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and takes exception to several of the items listed. For example, some of the transactions listed that were missing check requests (both Head Start/Early Head Start and Indirect Cost Pool) were for monthly expenditures like utility bills, insurance, rent and other contractual obligations. Management has not in the past issued a check request each month for these transactions as they are part of the ongoing operation of the programs listed. Transactions listed with only one signature occurred as an oversight as the banking authority only requires one signature while our policy may indicate two signatures. Management feels the purchase of the truck was procured in agreement with approvals from the funding agency and board as required. Proper documentation was provided and is currently available for further review. Management continues to follow the proper guidelines regarding procurement and purchases related to the policies and procedures of the agency as well as micro purchase guidelines set forth by the Federal awarding agency. The Board of Directors also approved a revision to the policies and procedures requiring two “live” signatures on all checks issued by the agency. There is also an ongoing review of the current policies and procedures and recommendations for changes and updates are forthcoming. Management reserves the right for further review of these findings with the audit firm for additional documentation and resolution.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment # 2021-005 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER DISBURSEMENTS OF FEDERAL FUNDS MUST BE IMPROVED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS Federal Assistance Listing # 93.600 (Questioned Costs - Undetermined) Condition: In connection with audit of the Authority, we performed risk assessment of the Authority’s significant financial transactions, material account balances, and other significant risk areas and each applicable relevant assertion of each area, and we designed and perform substantive procedures and test of internal controls to determine what level of reliance that could be placed on the system of internal control of the Authority. Using auditor’s judgment, we selected various transactions for testings the system of internal control and the appropriateness and reasonableness of the expenditures. During our audit, we performed the following procedures: We selected twenty- five (25) transactions using auditor’s judgement with the following exceptions noted as respects to the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs: 1. There were fifteen (15) transactions with missing check request documents and\or purchase orders to support the disbursements. 2 Four (4) transactions with only one signature on the cancelled checks. 3. There were fourteen (14) transactions missing evidence of support as required by the procurement policies and procedures of the Authority. 4. There was one (1) transaction for the purchase of a truck that was not in agreement with bid documentation provided by the Authority. Further, we noted no specific authorization of such transaction in the notice of award for the purchase during the budget period of the acquisition. We selected fifteen (15) transactions using auditor’s judgement with the following exceptions noted as respect to the indirect cost pool: 1. There were fourteen (14) transactions with missing check request documents and\or purchase orders to support the disbursements. 2 Two (2) transactions with only one signature on the cancelled checks. 3. There were one (1) transactions missing evidence of support as required by the procurement policies and procedures of the Authority. The aforementioned exceptions were not resolved as of the date the audit report, September 8, 2023. Context: We selected 25 transactions haphazardly from the disbursement records of the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. We selected 15 transactions haphazardly from the disbursement records of the indirect cost pool Criteria: Internal policy of the Authority, generally accepted accounting principles, Government Auditing Standards and the Uniform Guidance. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of the Uniform Guidance (UG), 2 CFR §200.318 General procurement standards 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. Effect: The transaction could result in cost not allowed under federal and state regulations and the provisions of the grant agreement. Cause: The failure of the Authority to follow its written procurement policies and procedures and to update the existing procedures to conform to federal and state laws. Management and the board of directors must have proper oversight and governance of the purchase and procurement procedures. Recommendation: We recommend that the board of directors and management immediately review all the transactions outlined in this finding and determine if the exceptions noted can be resolved and corrected. Further action should be taken to prevent, eliminate and properly remediate other exceptions similar in nature as those described in this finding. Policies and procedures should be reviewed and updated to conform to 2 CFR §200.318 General procurement standards. The Authority should add additional staff with the proper accounting skills, knowledge and experience with grant accounting. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and takes exception to several of the items listed. For example, some of the transactions listed that were missing check requests (both Head Start/Early Head Start and Indirect Cost Pool) were for monthly expenditures like utility bills, insurance, rent and other contractual obligations. Management has not in the past issued a check request each month for these transactions as they are part of the ongoing operation of the programs listed. Transactions listed with only one signature occurred as an oversight as the banking authority only requires one signature while our policy may indicate two signatures. Management feels the purchase of the truck was procured in agreement with approvals from the funding agency and board as required. Proper documentation was provided and is currently available for further review. Management continues to follow the proper guidelines regarding procurement and purchases related to the policies and procedures of the agency as well as micro purchase guidelines set forth by the Federal awarding agency. The Board of Directors also approved a revision to the policies and procedures requiring two “live” signatures on all checks issued by the agency. There is also an ongoing review of the current policies and procedures and recommendations for changes and updates are forthcoming. Management reserves the right for further review of these findings with the audit firm for additional documentation and resolution.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Financial Statement Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment #2021-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, PROPER APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS, GRANT CLOSE-OUT PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED REGULATORY REPORTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SHOULD IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat Finding) As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Authority. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to help to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, other internal shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, allocation of indirect costs and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. Various regulatory reports were not filed accurately and in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425's for the Head Start Programs and DHS’s State budget reports for the LIHEAP programs). Specifically, revenue was recorded in excess of expenditures for the LIHEAP programs. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually), which is consistent with our audit findings for the year ended June 30, 2020. The systemic cause appears to be a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of accounting controls, monitoring and policies and procedures not followed consistently. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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)(2)] Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Authority has a chief financial officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. The workload on the CFO is overwhelming. New staff hired should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. We believe that the CFO with the grant accountant and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocation and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. New policies and procedures should be established that conforms to the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and fully agrees with the need for improved internal controls over financial statement preparation. Management believes that the proper approval of disbursements was adhered to during the reporting period with minimal deviation and continues to ensure proper policies are followed. Federal reports (SF425’s, LIHEAP) were filed during this period and may not have been properly reviewed during the course of this audit. For example, the LIHEAP reports were reconciled with the assistance of the State Program Specialist to ensure proper return of funds as requested by the funding agency. Management reserves the right to discuss this further as needed for the purpose of this finding. Adequate fiscal personnel staff has continued to be a challenge for the agency as management has done an exhaustive search for additional fiscal personnel and made job offers to qualified individuals only to have them decline the offer at the last moment. We have just offered the position of General Ledger Accountant to an individual and they are expected to start in two weeks. This will assist the CFO in the area of financial controls and reporting. It should also be noted that all bank reconciliations are current and being completed in a timely manner as dictated by our policies and procedures. Management continues to ensure all federal, state, and local and local regulatory reports and completed and submitted in a timely manner. As stated previously, the CFO worked directly with the State LIHEAP Program Staff to ensure proper reporting and reconciliation before returning unused funds.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Financial Statement Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment #2021-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, PROPER APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS, GRANT CLOSE-OUT PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED REGULATORY REPORTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SHOULD IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat Finding) As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Authority. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to help to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, other internal shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, allocation of indirect costs and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. Various regulatory reports were not filed accurately and in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425's for the Head Start Programs and DHS’s State budget reports for the LIHEAP programs). Specifically, revenue was recorded in excess of expenditures for the LIHEAP programs. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually), which is consistent with our audit findings for the year ended June 30, 2020. The systemic cause appears to be a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of accounting controls, monitoring and policies and procedures not followed consistently. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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)(2)] Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Authority has a chief financial officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. The workload on the CFO is overwhelming. New staff hired should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. We believe that the CFO with the grant accountant and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocation and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. New policies and procedures should be established that conforms to the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and fully agrees with the need for improved internal controls over financial statement preparation. Management believes that the proper approval of disbursements was adhered to during the reporting period with minimal deviation and continues to ensure proper policies are followed. Federal reports (SF425’s, LIHEAP) were filed during this period and may not have been properly reviewed during the course of this audit. For example, the LIHEAP reports were reconciled with the assistance of the State Program Specialist to ensure proper return of funds as requested by the funding agency. Management reserves the right to discuss this further as needed for the purpose of this finding. Adequate fiscal personnel staff has continued to be a challenge for the agency as management has done an exhaustive search for additional fiscal personnel and made job offers to qualified individuals only to have them decline the offer at the last moment. We have just offered the position of General Ledger Accountant to an individual and they are expected to start in two weeks. This will assist the CFO in the area of financial controls and reporting. It should also be noted that all bank reconciliations are current and being completed in a timely manner as dictated by our policies and procedures. Management continues to ensure all federal, state, and local and local regulatory reports and completed and submitted in a timely manner. As stated previously, the CFO worked directly with the State LIHEAP Program Staff to ensure proper reporting and reconciliation before returning unused funds.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Financial Statement Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment #2021-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, PROPER APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS, GRANT CLOSE-OUT PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED REGULATORY REPORTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SHOULD IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat Finding) As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Authority. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to help to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, other internal shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, allocation of indirect costs and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. Various regulatory reports were not filed accurately and in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425's for the Head Start Programs and DHS’s State budget reports for the LIHEAP programs). Specifically, revenue was recorded in excess of expenditures for the LIHEAP programs. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually), which is consistent with our audit findings for the year ended June 30, 2020. The systemic cause appears to be a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of accounting controls, monitoring and policies and procedures not followed consistently. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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)(2)] Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Authority has a chief financial officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. The workload on the CFO is overwhelming. New staff hired should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. We believe that the CFO with the grant accountant and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocation and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. New policies and procedures should be established that conforms to the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and fully agrees with the need for improved internal controls over financial statement preparation. Management believes that the proper approval of disbursements was adhered to during the reporting period with minimal deviation and continues to ensure proper policies are followed. Federal reports (SF425’s, LIHEAP) were filed during this period and may not have been properly reviewed during the course of this audit. For example, the LIHEAP reports were reconciled with the assistance of the State Program Specialist to ensure proper return of funds as requested by the funding agency. Management reserves the right to discuss this further as needed for the purpose of this finding. Adequate fiscal personnel staff has continued to be a challenge for the agency as management has done an exhaustive search for additional fiscal personnel and made job offers to qualified individuals only to have them decline the offer at the last moment. We have just offered the position of General Ledger Accountant to an individual and they are expected to start in two weeks. This will assist the CFO in the area of financial controls and reporting. It should also be noted that all bank reconciliations are current and being completed in a timely manner as dictated by our policies and procedures. Management continues to ensure all federal, state, and local and local regulatory reports and completed and submitted in a timely manner. As stated previously, the CFO worked directly with the State LIHEAP Program Staff to ensure proper reporting and reconciliation before returning unused funds.
CLAYTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES AUTHORITY, INC. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Financial Statement Findings and Questioned Costs June 30, 2021 Comment #2021-001 INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION, PROPER APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS, GRANT CLOSE-OUT PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED REGULATORY REPORTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SHOULD IMPROVED GENERAL (Repeat Finding) As part of our auditing procedures, we assisted in the preparation of the financial statements, related disclosures, and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards of the Authority. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is the responsibility of the grantee. The authoritative and regulatory standards state in summary, that management should authorize, process, reconcile and close-out each grant and contract in a timely manner to ensure proper accounting and reporting of such activity in accordance with the specific professional standards and regulatory requirements. The closeout process is designed to help to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, material misstatement of financial and compliance reporting and recognition of expenditures (or revenue) in the proper period. We noted that the current system of internal controls over financial statements and compliance is not designed to ensure that the objectives are achieved. Further, the capacity of the current staff does not allow for adequate analysis of grants and contracts, other internal shared costs and support services provided, grantor receivables, deferred revenue, allocation of indirect costs and the reconciliation of bank accounts accurately and in a timely manner. Various regulatory reports were not filed accurately and in a timely manner (i.e., SF-425's for the Head Start Programs and DHS’s State budget reports for the LIHEAP programs). Specifically, revenue was recorded in excess of expenditures for the LIHEAP programs. Therefore, the risk exists that grant receivables and/or cash from the various programs are not recorded properly during the reporting period (interim and annually), which is consistent with our audit findings for the year ended June 30, 2020. The systemic cause appears to be a lack of personnel with the skills, knowledge, and experience with grant accounting and a weakness in the overall system of accounting controls, monitoring and policies and procedures not followed consistently. Context: Review of internal control structure of the organization in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Criteria: Controls should be in place to ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The auditee shall prepare financial statements that reflect its financial position, results of operations or changes in net assets, and, where appropriate, cash flows for the fiscal year audited. The auditee shall also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements. [2 CFR §200.510(a) and (b)] 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)(2)] Effect: Management may not be able to obtain complete and accurate financial statements on an interim or fiscal year basis to be used for internal or external reporting purposes. Cause: Limited personnel with knowledge and/or the ability to assist and provide needed information to aid in financial statement preparation. The implementation of a new accounting system without an adequate close-out of the old system. Recommendation: The degree to which the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures are prepared by the independent auditor is a control deficiency is determined by the knowledge, skills and experience of those in the organization who are charged with the responsibility of its financial reporting. The Authority has a chief financial officer (CFO) and should hire additional staff (grant accountant and a general ledger accountant) to assist the new fiscal officer. The workload on the CFO is overwhelming. New staff hired should have the adequate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and/or perform the necessary accounting functions each month. We believe that the CFO with the grant accountant and general ledger accountant should have the overall responsibility of properly reconciling and closing out the accounting system and grant activity each month in an efficient and timely manner so as to eliminate the risk of significant errors occurring. Budget-to-actual schedules should be an integral part of the grant accountant’s basic responsibilities. We further recommend that training be provided to all staff engaged in the financial reporting, allocation and reconciliation functions to ensure that a complete and accurate financial statements close-out process is achieved each month and annually. New policies and procedures should be established that conforms to the Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The management of Clayton County Community Services Authority, Inc. has reviewed the above referenced finding and fully agrees with the need for improved internal controls over financial statement preparation. Management believes that the proper approval of disbursements was adhered to during the reporting period with minimal deviation and continues to ensure proper policies are followed. Federal reports (SF425’s, LIHEAP) were filed during this period and may not have been properly reviewed during the course of this audit. For example, the LIHEAP reports were reconciled with the assistance of the State Program Specialist to ensure proper return of funds as requested by the funding agency. Management reserves the right to discuss this further as needed for the purpose of this finding. Adequate fiscal personnel staff has continued to be a challenge for the agency as management has done an exhaustive search for additional fiscal personnel and made job offers to qualified individuals only to have them decline the offer at the last moment. We have just offered the position of General Ledger Accountant to an individual and they are expected to start in two weeks. This will assist the CFO in the area of financial controls and reporting. It should also be noted that all bank reconciliations are current and being completed in a timely manner as dictated by our policies and procedures. Management continues to ensure all federal, state, and local and local regulatory reports and completed and submitted in a timely manner. As stated previously, the CFO worked directly with the State LIHEAP Program Staff to ensure proper reporting and reconciliation before returning unused funds.