Strengthening Institutions Program – Department of Education Federal Financial Assistance Listing #84.031 P031A080196 Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with the program requirements. Condition: Section 3 of the Title III Endowment Report for the year ending June 30, 2024, was completed materially incorrect for Type of Savings Account Security line items and Total Invested line item. Cause: There was a lapse within the internal control process ensuring the report was completed materially correct. Effect: The annual report was completed materially incorrect and filed with the Department of Education. Questioned Costs: None. Context/Sampling: No sampling was utilized. The only report required to be filed in the fiscal year was tested. Repeat Finding from Prior Years: Yes. Recommendation: The University should review their current internal control process to ensure required reports are completed materially correct. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2025-002 Lack of Internal Controls over Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster ALN: 84.351 Award Numbers: S351A210129 Award Years: 2021-2026 Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance and noncompliance. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.329, the grant recipient must monitor their activities under Federal Awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Per the grant award, performance reports should contain current performance and financial expenditure information for the grant. Condition and context: During our testing of reporting, we noted that the total expenditures reported on the November performance report exceeded the expenditure account detail for the reporting period by about $60,000. Per the grant director, this was due to purchase order requisitions being cancelled by the business manager that were still accrued as expenditures on the November report by the grant director. Cause: The district did not have internal controls in place to avoid overstating expenditures in the grant report. Effect: Failure to accurately report expenditures could result in noncompliance with federal grant requirements and a loss of Federal grant funding. Questioned Costs: None. Repeat Finding: No. We believe this to be an isolated occurrence. Recommendation: We recommend that the District follow internal control procedures to confirm that grant expenditures are accurately reported. Management’s Response: Management concurs with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2025-003 Lack of Internal Controls over Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program(s): Indian Education – Tribal Leaders of Tomorrow Assistance Listing Number(s):84.299A Award Number(s): S299A200024-24 Award Years: 2024 Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance and noncompliance. Criteria: All recipients are required to submit an annual Grant Performance Report providing the most current performance and financial expenditure information that is sufficient to meet the reporting requirements of 2 CFR 200.328, 200.329 and 34 CFR 75.720. Yukon Flats is required to submit quarterly performance reports within 30 days after the end of each quarter. Condition and Context: The client was unable to locate the annual report that was submitted for the program. Additionally, they were unable to show that the annual report or the quarterly reports were submitted timely. Cause: Lack of internal controls related to reporting requirements and employee turnover at the District. Effect: Lack of internal controls over reporting could allow requirements to be missed that could in turn lead to a loss of funding. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Questioned Costs: None reported. Recommendation: We recommend that management implement stronger internal controls over reporting, specifically to retaining supporting documentation of timely submission. Management Response: Management concurs with this finding. See Corrective Action Plan.
Criteria: Per CFR 200.329(c)(1) The recipient or subrecipient must submit performance reports as required by the Federal award. Intervals must be no less frequent than annually nor more frequent than quarterly except if specific conditions are applied. Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Alternatively, the Federal agency or pass-through entity may require annual reports before the anniversary dates of multiple-year Federal awards.” Per the executed grant agreements, the grants require a quarterly report to be submitted within 30 days of the conclusion of each quarter and an annual report within 60 days at the conclusion of each calendar year. Condition: During our testing of the Organization’s compliance with the reporting requirements, we noted no quarterly or annual reports were submitted to Hamilton County. Only Final Reports were submitted once Hamilton County reached out. Cause: Controls were not in place to ensure required reports were submitted due to a lack of understanding the reporting requirements within the grant agreement. Effect: The untimely submission of the reports prevents the pass-through entity from effectively monitoring the progress of the funded project and making informed decisions. Additionally, consistent failure to meet reporting requirements could negatively impact the Organization’s ability for future federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Context: This is not a systemic problem. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization establish procedures for the preparation, review and timely submission of all reporting requirements. This can include implementing a system to track reporting deadlines and timely submission as well as designating individuals with the responsibilities of preparation, review, and submission of reports. Additionally, we recommend the Organization designate someone to review the grant documents for all compliance requirements to ensure nothing is missed. Management Response: The Advancement and Finance teams will create an updated Grants Management process. The Grants Management process will be documented and clearly define roles for Advancement and Finance staff. Additionally, a flowchart will be created to define what type of grant has been awarded (conditional vs. unconditional). The process will ensure all awarded grants are reviewed for all performance, outcomes, invoicing, and reporting requirements. The process will define who sets up calendar reminders for grant milestones (i.e., reporting) and how Program staff will be selected to receive these calendar reminders.
Criteria: Per CFR 200.329(c)(1) The recipient or subrecipient must submit performance reports as required by the Federal award. Intervals must be no less frequent than annually nor more frequent than quarterly except if specific conditions are applied. Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Alternatively, the Federal agency or pass-through entity may require annual reports before the anniversary dates of multiple-year Federal awards.” Per the executed grant agreements, the grants require a quarterly report to be submitted within 30 days of the conclusion of each quarter and an annual report within 60 days at the conclusion of each calendar year. Condition: During our testing of the Organization’s compliance with the reporting requirements, we noted no quarterly or annual reports were submitted to Hamilton County. Only Final Reports were submitted once Hamilton County reached out. Cause: Controls were not in place to ensure required reports were submitted due to a lack of understanding the reporting requirements within the grant agreement. Effect: The untimely submission of the reports prevents the pass-through entity from effectively monitoring the progress of the funded project and making informed decisions. Additionally, consistent failure to meet reporting requirements could negatively impact the Organization’s ability for future federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Context: This is not a systemic problem. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization establish procedures for the preparation, review and timely submission of all reporting requirements. This can include implementing a system to track reporting deadlines and timely submission as well as designating individuals with the responsibilities of preparation, review, and submission of reports. Additionally, we recommend the Organization designate someone to review the grant documents for all compliance requirements to ensure nothing is missed. Management Response: The Advancement and Finance teams will create an updated Grants Management process. The Grants Management process will be documented and clearly define roles for Advancement and Finance staff. Additionally, a flowchart will be created to define what type of grant has been awarded (conditional vs. unconditional). The process will ensure all awarded grants are reviewed for all performance, outcomes, invoicing, and reporting requirements. The process will define who sets up calendar reminders for grant milestones (i.e., reporting) and how Program staff will be selected to receive these calendar reminders.
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-23, 10/1/2022 – 3/1/2024 FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-24, 10/1/2023 – 12/31/2024 Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with the program requirements. Condition: No review and approval processes are in place over quarterly progress reports. Cause: Management did not have review procedures and processes in place over the quarterly progress reports. Effect: Without review procedures and processes in place over reporting, demonstrating the program complies with laws, regulations, and other compliance requirements is difficult. Additionally, not having an oversight process over reporting could result in a reasonable possibility reports that are inaccurate or incomplete could be submitted. Questioned Costs: None reported Context/Sampling: Included under the two award letters of the federal program, one annual financial report and one quarterly progress report was reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. In addition, two monthly HMIS reports were reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. There was a total of 18 reports filed. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and control processes to incorporate an independent review and approval over reporting and retain documentation to support the review was performed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is in agreement.
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-23, 10/1/2022 – 3/1/2024 FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-24, 10/1/2023 – 12/31/2024 Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with the program requirements. Condition: No review and approval processes are in place over quarterly progress reports. Cause: Management did not have review procedures and processes in place over the quarterly progress reports. Effect: Without review procedures and processes in place over reporting, demonstrating the program complies with laws, regulations, and other compliance requirements is difficult. Additionally, not having an oversight process over reporting could result in a reasonable possibility reports that are inaccurate or incomplete could be submitted. Questioned Costs: None reported Context/Sampling: Included under the two award letters of the federal program, one annual financial report and one quarterly progress report was reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. In addition, two monthly HMIS reports were reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. There was a total of 18 reports filed. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and control processes to incorporate an independent review and approval over reporting and retain documentation to support the review was performed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is in agreement.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Assistance Listings Number: 10.760 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY2024 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2023-003. Condition and Context As part of sound management of the federal award, the Town was responsible for implementing a system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with the applicable requirements. The Town had not properly designed or implemented such a system, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The Town was required to submit the following reporting to the Department of Agriculture annually: • Statement of Budget, Income, and Equity (Form RD 442-2) • Balance Sheet (Form RD 442-3) INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 TOWN OF PAOLI SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The Form RD 442-2 covers financial operations relating to the Town's wastewater utility and the Form RD 442-3 presents the financial status of the wastewater utility. In both instances, a borrower may submit the financial data on other forms, provided the forms are in a similar format and signed and dated by the organization's official to certify the correctness of the information. Alternatively, an annual audit may be submitted in lieu of the forms. The Town did not submit the Form RD 442-2 during the audit period as required. The Town submitted the Form RD 442-3 reporting 2023 data in 2024 as required. However, this report is intended to be a comparative balance sheet as described in the USDA Rural Utilities Service Borrower's Guide. The Town did not include comparative data for 2022 in the report. There was also no documentation or other evidence of an oversight, review, or approval process for the report that was filed. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 7 CFR 1780.47 states in part: "(a) Borrowers are required to provide RUS an annual audit or financial statements. . . . (e) Borrowers exempt from audits. All borrowers who are exempt from audits, will, within 60 days following the end of each fiscal year, furnish the RUS with annual financial statements, consisting of a verification of the organization's balance sheet and statement of income and expense by an appropriate official of the organization. Forms RD 442-2, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity,' and 442-3 may be used. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 TOWN OF PAOLI SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (f) Management reports. These reports will furnish management with a means of evaluating prior decisions and serve as a basis for planning future operations and financial strategies. In those cases where revenues from multiple sources are pledged as security for an RUS loan, two reports will be required; one for the project being financed by RUS and one combining the entire operation of the borrower. In those cases where RUS loans are secured by general obligation bonds or assessments and the borrower combines revenues from all sources, one management report combining all such revenues is acceptable. The following management data will be submitted by the borrower to the processing office. These reports at a minimum will include a balance sheet and income and expense statement. . . . (2) Annual management reports. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year the following will be submitted to the processing office. (If Form RD 442-2 is used as the annual management report, enter data in column three only of Schedule 1, and complete all of Schedule 2.) (i) Two copies of the management reports and proposed 'Annual Budget'. (ii) Financial information may be reported on Form RD 442-2 which includes Schedule 1, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity' and Schedule 2, 'Projected Cash Flow' or information in similar format. (iii) A copy of the rate schedule in effect at the time of submission. . . ." Cause The Clerk-Treasurer was only in her first year of her first term in office when these were due. As such, she was unfamiliar with the reporting requirements of the grant. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the Town did not file one of the two required reports, and the report that was filed was incomplete. As a result, material noncompliance occurred and remained undetected. By not reporting the comparative data, all information needed to determine the true financial status of the Town was not readily available. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Town's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop and implement reporting policies and procedures to ensure that all required reports are filed timely, accurately, and contain all the required information. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Reporting Type of Finding - Noncompliance and material weakness in internal control over compliance Program: Coronavirus Relief Fund Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Criteria - In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303 subrecipients must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the subrecipient is managing the federal award in compliance and federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.329 subrecipients must submit performance reports as required by the federal award. Reports submitted semiannually are due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Condition - Total expenditures reported on the semiannual reports due April 30, 2024 and October 31, 2024 did not agree to related support. The semiannual report due on October 31, 2024 was not submitted timely. Cause - The reports were prepared on a cash basis and the reports were not being monitored for timely submission. Effect - The Association submitted reports that were not on the accrual basis which caused expenditures to be reported in the incorrect period and submitted one report untimely. Questioned costs - No questioned costs. Context - The Association is required to report to the City of Topeka, Kansas semiannually. We tested both reports due during 2024. The report due April 30, 2024 covered the period October 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 and reported cash expenditures of $19,675. Internal records of the Organization supported accrual expenditures of $29,678 during the same time period. Expenditures were under-reported by $10,003 on the report due April 30, 2024. The report due October 30, 2024 covered the period April 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 and reported cash expenditures of $60,902. Internal records of the Organization supported accrual expenditures of $54,726 during the same time period. Expenditures were over-reported by $6,176 on the report due October 30, 2024. This same report was submitted February 25, 2025 when the due date was October 30, 2024. Identification as a repeat finding - This is a repeat finding. See 2023-002. Recommendation - We recommend that management review reporting requirements and internal procedures to ensure expenses are reported accurately, completely, and timely using an accrual basis. There should be a review of the reports prior to submission that includes a comparison to internal accrual-based records and monitoring to ensure the reports are submitted timely. Views of responsible official - Management concurs with the finding. The Organization is reviewing its reporting procedures and providing education on requirements to those involved. See the corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Federal Program Name: Refugee and Entrant Assistance Voluntary Agency Programs Assistance Listing Number: 93.576 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2024 Pass-Through Agency: Church World Services, Inc. Pass-Through Number: CWS-2024-04-015 2024 Award Period: 10/1/2023-9/30/2024 Compliance Requirement Affected: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Non-federal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually but not more frequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances, using a form or format authorized by OMB (2 CFR section 200.329). They also may be required to submit special reports as required by the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition: For one programmatic report did not have a program manager's review and approval that could be verified. Context: A nonstatistical sample of 5 out 11 Programmatic reports were selected for testing for the Refugee and Entrant Assistance Voluntary Agency Programs program. The condition noted above was identified during our procedures over ODI's Reporting Federal compliance requirements. Effect: ODI did not retain documentation of the programmatic report approval, which could result in inaccuracies in reports remitted to the Federal grantor. Cause: ODI has a control designed to review and approve Federal Programmatic reports changes. However, documentation of approval could not be provided. Repeat Finding: The finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that ODI strengthen its current policies and procedures to ensure that documentation is retained for review and approval of all Programmatic Reports, prior to submission to the grantor. Management’s Views: Management takes responsibility for the finding and believes that in future years, they will be able to implement proper controls to mitigate this finding.
Criteria: Per CFR 200.329(c)(1) The recipient or subrecipient must submit performance reports as required by the Federal award. Intervals must be no less frequent than annually nor more frequent than quarterly except if specific conditions are applied. Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Alternatively, the Federal agency or pass-through entity may require annual reports before the anniversary dates of multiple-year Federal awards.” Per the executed grant agreements, the grants require a quarterly report to be submitted within 30 days of the conclusion of each quarter and an annual report within 60 days at the conclusion of each calendar year. Condition: During our testing of the Organization’s compliance with the reporting requirements, we noted no quarterly or annual reports were submitted to Hamilton County. Only Final Reports were submitted once Hamilton County reached out. Cause: Controls were not in place to ensure required reports were submitted due to a lack of understanding the reporting requirements within the grant agreement. Effect: The untimely submission of the reports prevents the pass-through entity from effectively monitoring the progress of the funded project and making informed decisions. Additionally, consistent failure to meet reporting requirements could negatively impact the Organization’s ability for future federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Context: This is not a systemic problem. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization establish procedures for the preparation, review and timely submission of all reporting requirements. This can include implementing a system to track reporting deadlines and timely submission as well as designating individuals with the responsibilities of preparation, review, and submission of reports. Additionally, we recommend the Organization designate someone to review the grant documents for all compliance requirements to ensure nothing is missed. Management Response: The Advancement and Finance teams will create an updated Grants Management process. The Grants Management process will be documented and clearly define roles for Advancement and Finance staff. Additionally, a flowchart will be created to define what type of grant has been awarded (conditional vs. unconditional). The process will ensure all awarded grants are reviewed for all performance, outcomes, invoicing, and reporting requirements. The process will define who sets up calendar reminders for grant milestones (i.e., reporting) and how Program staff will be selected to receive these calendar reminders.
Criteria: Per CFR 200.329(c)(1) The recipient or subrecipient must submit performance reports as required by the Federal award. Intervals must be no less frequent than annually nor more frequent than quarterly except if specific conditions are applied. Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Alternatively, the Federal agency or pass-through entity may require annual reports before the anniversary dates of multiple-year Federal awards.” Per the executed grant agreements, the grants require a quarterly report to be submitted within 30 days of the conclusion of each quarter and an annual report within 60 days at the conclusion of each calendar year. Condition: During our testing of the Organization’s compliance with the reporting requirements, we noted no quarterly or annual reports were submitted to Hamilton County. Only Final Reports were submitted once Hamilton County reached out. Cause: Controls were not in place to ensure required reports were submitted due to a lack of understanding the reporting requirements within the grant agreement. Effect: The untimely submission of the reports prevents the pass-through entity from effectively monitoring the progress of the funded project and making informed decisions. Additionally, consistent failure to meet reporting requirements could negatively impact the Organization’s ability for future federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Context: This is not a systemic problem. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization establish procedures for the preparation, review and timely submission of all reporting requirements. This can include implementing a system to track reporting deadlines and timely submission as well as designating individuals with the responsibilities of preparation, review, and submission of reports. Additionally, we recommend the Organization designate someone to review the grant documents for all compliance requirements to ensure nothing is missed. Management Response: The Advancement and Finance teams will create an updated Grants Management process. The Grants Management process will be documented and clearly define roles for Advancement and Finance staff. Additionally, a flowchart will be created to define what type of grant has been awarded (conditional vs. unconditional). The process will ensure all awarded grants are reviewed for all performance, outcomes, invoicing, and reporting requirements. The process will define who sets up calendar reminders for grant milestones (i.e., reporting) and how Program staff will be selected to receive these calendar reminders.
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-23, 10/1/2022 – 3/1/2024 FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-24, 10/1/2023 – 12/31/2024 Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with the program requirements. Condition: No review and approval processes are in place over quarterly progress reports. Cause: Management did not have review procedures and processes in place over the quarterly progress reports. Effect: Without review procedures and processes in place over reporting, demonstrating the program complies with laws, regulations, and other compliance requirements is difficult. Additionally, not having an oversight process over reporting could result in a reasonable possibility reports that are inaccurate or incomplete could be submitted. Questioned Costs: None reported Context/Sampling: Included under the two award letters of the federal program, one annual financial report and one quarterly progress report was reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. In addition, two monthly HMIS reports were reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. There was a total of 18 reports filed. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and control processes to incorporate an independent review and approval over reporting and retain documentation to support the review was performed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is in agreement.
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-23, 10/1/2022 – 3/1/2024 FFAL #64.033, 20-SD-136-24, 10/1/2023 – 12/31/2024 Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with the program requirements. Condition: No review and approval processes are in place over quarterly progress reports. Cause: Management did not have review procedures and processes in place over the quarterly progress reports. Effect: Without review procedures and processes in place over reporting, demonstrating the program complies with laws, regulations, and other compliance requirements is difficult. Additionally, not having an oversight process over reporting could result in a reasonable possibility reports that are inaccurate or incomplete could be submitted. Questioned Costs: None reported Context/Sampling: Included under the two award letters of the federal program, one annual financial report and one quarterly progress report was reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. In addition, two monthly HMIS reports were reviewed in the Organization’s fiscal year. There was a total of 18 reports filed. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and control processes to incorporate an independent review and approval over reporting and retain documentation to support the review was performed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is in agreement.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Assistance Listings Number: 10.760 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY2024 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2023-003. Condition and Context As part of sound management of the federal award, the Town was responsible for implementing a system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with the applicable requirements. The Town had not properly designed or implemented such a system, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The Town was required to submit the following reporting to the Department of Agriculture annually: • Statement of Budget, Income, and Equity (Form RD 442-2) • Balance Sheet (Form RD 442-3) INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 TOWN OF PAOLI SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The Form RD 442-2 covers financial operations relating to the Town's wastewater utility and the Form RD 442-3 presents the financial status of the wastewater utility. In both instances, a borrower may submit the financial data on other forms, provided the forms are in a similar format and signed and dated by the organization's official to certify the correctness of the information. Alternatively, an annual audit may be submitted in lieu of the forms. The Town did not submit the Form RD 442-2 during the audit period as required. The Town submitted the Form RD 442-3 reporting 2023 data in 2024 as required. However, this report is intended to be a comparative balance sheet as described in the USDA Rural Utilities Service Borrower's Guide. The Town did not include comparative data for 2022 in the report. There was also no documentation or other evidence of an oversight, review, or approval process for the report that was filed. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 7 CFR 1780.47 states in part: "(a) Borrowers are required to provide RUS an annual audit or financial statements. . . . (e) Borrowers exempt from audits. All borrowers who are exempt from audits, will, within 60 days following the end of each fiscal year, furnish the RUS with annual financial statements, consisting of a verification of the organization's balance sheet and statement of income and expense by an appropriate official of the organization. Forms RD 442-2, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity,' and 442-3 may be used. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 TOWN OF PAOLI SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (f) Management reports. These reports will furnish management with a means of evaluating prior decisions and serve as a basis for planning future operations and financial strategies. In those cases where revenues from multiple sources are pledged as security for an RUS loan, two reports will be required; one for the project being financed by RUS and one combining the entire operation of the borrower. In those cases where RUS loans are secured by general obligation bonds or assessments and the borrower combines revenues from all sources, one management report combining all such revenues is acceptable. The following management data will be submitted by the borrower to the processing office. These reports at a minimum will include a balance sheet and income and expense statement. . . . (2) Annual management reports. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year the following will be submitted to the processing office. (If Form RD 442-2 is used as the annual management report, enter data in column three only of Schedule 1, and complete all of Schedule 2.) (i) Two copies of the management reports and proposed 'Annual Budget'. (ii) Financial information may be reported on Form RD 442-2 which includes Schedule 1, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity' and Schedule 2, 'Projected Cash Flow' or information in similar format. (iii) A copy of the rate schedule in effect at the time of submission. . . ." Cause The Clerk-Treasurer was only in her first year of her first term in office when these were due. As such, she was unfamiliar with the reporting requirements of the grant. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the Town did not file one of the two required reports, and the report that was filed was incomplete. As a result, material noncompliance occurred and remained undetected. By not reporting the comparative data, all information needed to determine the true financial status of the Town was not readily available. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Town's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop and implement reporting policies and procedures to ensure that all required reports are filed timely, accurately, and contain all the required information. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Reporting Type of Finding - Noncompliance and material weakness in internal control over compliance Program: Coronavirus Relief Fund Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Criteria - In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303 subrecipients must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the subrecipient is managing the federal award in compliance and federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the federal award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.329 subrecipients must submit performance reports as required by the federal award. Reports submitted semiannually are due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Condition - Total expenditures reported on the semiannual reports due April 30, 2024 and October 31, 2024 did not agree to related support. The semiannual report due on October 31, 2024 was not submitted timely. Cause - The reports were prepared on a cash basis and the reports were not being monitored for timely submission. Effect - The Association submitted reports that were not on the accrual basis which caused expenditures to be reported in the incorrect period and submitted one report untimely. Questioned costs - No questioned costs. Context - The Association is required to report to the City of Topeka, Kansas semiannually. We tested both reports due during 2024. The report due April 30, 2024 covered the period October 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 and reported cash expenditures of $19,675. Internal records of the Organization supported accrual expenditures of $29,678 during the same time period. Expenditures were under-reported by $10,003 on the report due April 30, 2024. The report due October 30, 2024 covered the period April 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 and reported cash expenditures of $60,902. Internal records of the Organization supported accrual expenditures of $54,726 during the same time period. Expenditures were over-reported by $6,176 on the report due October 30, 2024. This same report was submitted February 25, 2025 when the due date was October 30, 2024. Identification as a repeat finding - This is a repeat finding. See 2023-002. Recommendation - We recommend that management review reporting requirements and internal procedures to ensure expenses are reported accurately, completely, and timely using an accrual basis. There should be a review of the reports prior to submission that includes a comparison to internal accrual-based records and monitoring to ensure the reports are submitted timely. Views of responsible official - Management concurs with the finding. The Organization is reviewing its reporting procedures and providing education on requirements to those involved. See the corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Federal Program Name: Refugee and Entrant Assistance Voluntary Agency Programs Assistance Listing Number: 93.576 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2024 Pass-Through Agency: Church World Services, Inc. Pass-Through Number: CWS-2024-04-015 2024 Award Period: 10/1/2023-9/30/2024 Compliance Requirement Affected: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Non-federal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually but not more frequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances, using a form or format authorized by OMB (2 CFR section 200.329). They also may be required to submit special reports as required by the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition: For one programmatic report did not have a program manager's review and approval that could be verified. Context: A nonstatistical sample of 5 out 11 Programmatic reports were selected for testing for the Refugee and Entrant Assistance Voluntary Agency Programs program. The condition noted above was identified during our procedures over ODI's Reporting Federal compliance requirements. Effect: ODI did not retain documentation of the programmatic report approval, which could result in inaccuracies in reports remitted to the Federal grantor. Cause: ODI has a control designed to review and approve Federal Programmatic reports changes. However, documentation of approval could not be provided. Repeat Finding: The finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that ODI strengthen its current policies and procedures to ensure that documentation is retained for review and approval of all Programmatic Reports, prior to submission to the grantor. Management’s Views: Management takes responsibility for the finding and believes that in future years, they will be able to implement proper controls to mitigate this finding.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Instance of Noncompliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense Federal Program Name: Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations Assistance Listing Number: 12.005 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI083313 - 2020 Award Period: September 28, 2020 through September 27, 2025 Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.329(c)(1) states that “the non-federal entity must submit performance reports at the interval required by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity to best inform improvements in program outcomes and productivity”. Per the award agreement for contract W912DW-20-2-0003, "Recipient shall submit to the Agreement Administrator progress reports on a quarterly basis. Reports are due no later than 30 days following the end of each reporting period”. Condition: One of two quarterly performance progress reports (SF-PPR) tested was not submitted timely. The report was due within 30 days of June 30, 2024, but was not submitted until August 14, 2024. Questioned costs: None. Context: CLA tested two of four SF-PPRs due during the audit period. One of these reports was submitted 14 days after the submission due date. Cause: Late filing is due to a lack of adherence to the due dates as defined within the contract terms. The Organization does not have adequate controls in place to ensure timely report submissions. Effect: Not filing reports on a timely basis can present risks, such as outdated and unreliable information or the inability to detect potential fraud or irregularities. In addition, delayed reports can impede regulatory authorities' ability to monitor compliance, detect patterns or trends, and assess risks in a timely manner. Repeat finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediate prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-004. Recommendation: CLA recommends for the Organization to place emphasis on stronger controls around the timely filing of required reports, such as retaining a monthly checklist of required reconciliations and reports. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Economic Development Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Commerce Federal Program: Economic Adjustment Assistance Assistance Listings Number: 11.307 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 06-79-06420 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the City in order to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the reporting compliance requirement. The grant agreement for the City's construction project states that the City is to submit a Federal Financial Report (SF-425) on a semi-annual basis. The SF-425 report includes, among other line items: cash receipts, cash disbursements, cash on hand, total federal funds authorized, and total recipient share required. Both of the submitted SF-425 reports were tested. Additionally, the City was required to submit progress reports on a quarterly basis. Two of the quarterly reports were selected for testing. Both the SF-425 reports and the quarterly progress reports were prepared and submitted by one employee of the City. Evidence of an established internal control over the reports tested was not available for audit. The data submitted in the SF-425 report submitted by the City for the reporting period ending on September 30, 2024, contained the following errors: Cash receipts were understated by $1,037,155. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 CITY OF KOKOMO SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cash disbursements were understated by $1,037,155. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the award 06-79-06420, EDA-Davis Road construction project. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number and year, name of the Federal agency, and name of the pass-through entity, if any. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. If a Federal awarding agency requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient that maintains its records on other than an accrual basis, the recipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient may develop accrual data for its reports on the basis of an analysis of the documentation on hand. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federallyfunded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." Cause Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the City's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. The errors were due to federal reimbursements not being included as cash receipts and cash disbursements in the SF-425 reports. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 CITY OF KOKOMO SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls over reporting, the City could not ensure that the reports submitted were accurate. In addition, not meeting the Economic Development Cluster reporting requirements increases the likelihood that the public will not have access to transparent and accurate information regarding expenditures of federal awards. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the City. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the City design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures, to ensure that the City provides the Department of Commerce with complete and accurate information for the SF-425 and quarterly reports. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Federal Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listings Number: 21.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 2024 Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/ Cost Principles, Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context As part of sound management of the federal award, the City was responsible for implementing a system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with the applicable requirements. The City had not properly designed or implemented such a system, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. Prior to the receipt of direct COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), all eligible entities were required to execute a Financial Assistance Agreement (Agreement), which included the Award Terms and Conditions that recipients must comply with in carrying out the objectives of their award. Per the Agreement, the City was responsible for the effective administration of the federal award, as well as the application of sound management practices and administration of federal funds in a manner consistent with program objectives and terms and conditions of the award. Recipients may use SLFRF funds for any eligible expenses subject to the restrictions set forth in sections 602 and 603 of the Social Security Act, as added by section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The SLFRF program provides substantial flexibility for each recipient to meet local needs within four separate eligible use categories. Recipients may use SLFRF funds to: • Respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts; • Respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers of eligible employers that have eligible workers who are performing essential work; • Provide government services, to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the recipient; and • Make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. The City elected to receive the standard revenue loss allowance, allowing it to claim its total SLFRF allocation of $3,821,386 as revenue loss to use for government services. The allocated funds may only be used to cover costs incurred from the period beginning on March 3, 2021, and ending on December 31, 2024. Obligations for costs incurred are required to be liquidated no later than December 31, 2026. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 CITY OF VINCENNES SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the City completed one transfer of SLFRF funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fi fund to the Grant Stipends fund in the amount of $30,000. The transfer was described as a reimbursement for stipends paid to essential workers. There was no documentation provided for audit to determine if the transfer was for allowable activities, met the cost objectives of the award, or that the associated expenditures were within the period of performance. The Grant Stipends fund was established in 2022, with total expenditures from the fund from 2022, 2023, and 2024 of only $28,009. Additionally, the transfer of SLFRF funds was commingled with other receipts into the Grant Stipends fund. Because the $30,000 transfer of SLFRF funds exceeded the total disbursements out of the Grant Stipends fund and because the City did not have an appropriate system in place to account for the federal expenditures separately from other grant and operating expenditures, we were unable to determine what, if any, expenditures from the Grant Stipends fund should be included in the population of federal expenditures under the award. Without a complete population of expenditures, we were unable to determine the City's compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and the Period of Performance compliance requirements. As such, the $30,000 transferred from the Coronavirus State and Local Fi fund is considered questioned costs. The City also did not have written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E of 2 CFR 200. The lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the situations described above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.300(b) states in part: "The non-Federal entity is responsible for complying with all requirements of the Federal award. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302 states in part: "(a) Each state must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with state laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the state's own funds. In addition, the state's and the other non-Federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 CITY OF VINCENNES SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (1) Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number and year, name of the Federal agency, and name of the pass-through entity, if any. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federallyfunded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. . . . (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E of this part and the terms and conditions of the Federal award." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. . . . (g) be adequately documented. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls over the SLFRF expenditures was not designed by management of the City to ensure the SLFRF funds were being used appropriately. The City did not have policies and procedures in place to ensure that expenditures of federal awards were allowable and occurred within the period of performance. The City initiated a transfer of SLFRF funds from the grant fund to another fund without proper supporting documentation. The City was unable to differentiate expenditures made from federal and nonfederal funds within its ledger for the Grant Stipends fund. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, a population of expenditures associated with the Grant Stipends fund could not be determined. As such, the City cannot ensure nor can we determine that expenditures of the grant were not unallowable, within the proper period, and adhered to established practices and policies. As a result, noncompliance in the form of questioned costs occurred and remained undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the City. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 CITY OF VINCENNES SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs Questioned costs in the amount of $30,000 were identified as noted in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended the City's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that expenditures of federal awards are allowable and occur within the period of performance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Federal Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listings Number: 21.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 2024 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context As part of sound management of the federal award, the City was responsible for implementing a system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with the applicable requirements. The City had not properly designed or implemented such a system, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. Recipients are required to submit an initial interim report and quarterly or annually submit Project and Expenditure (P&E) reports to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury). The reporting periods, as well as the respective due dates are based upon type of recipient and its population, as well as the recipient's allocation amount. Information to be reported includes projects funded, expenditures, and contracts for the appropriate reporting period. The City was classified as a city with a population below 250,000 residents that was allocated less than $10 million in COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). As such, an annual P&E report, covering one calendar year from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, was prepared and submitted by the Clerk-Treasurer to the Treasury by April 30, 2024. The P&E report data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period and total cumulative obligations and current period and total cumulative expenditures. We were unable to trace the annual P&E report to the City's records. The errors identified were as follows: Total cumulative obligations were overstated by $1,732,149. Current period obligations were understated by $2,089,238. Current period expenditures and total cumulative expenditures were both overstated by $38,398. In addition, the P&E report required obligations and expenditures to be reported by project. The City completed the report utilizing total amounts for all projects. There were 11 projects appropriated using the SLFRF award. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 CITY OF VINCENNES SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 31 CFR 35.4(c) states in part: "Reporting and requests for other information. During the period of performance, recipients shall provide to the Secretary periodic reports providing detailed accounting of the uses of funds, . . ." Compliance and Reporting Guidance, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, page 13, states in part: ". . . 10. Reporting. All recipients of federal funds must complete financial, performance, and compliance reporting as required and outlined in Part 2 of this guidance. Expenditures may be reported on a cash or accrual basis, as long as the methodology is disclosed and consistently applied. Reporting must be consistent with the definition of expenditures pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1. Your organization should appropriately maintain accounting records for compiling and reporting accurate, compliant financial data, in accordance with appropriate accounting standards and principles. . . ." Cause The City officials appropriated the entire SLFRF award in May 2022 and reported the entire award amount as obligated in the P&E reports completed in 2023 and 2024. City officials were not aware that appropriating the funds alone does not constitute obligations of the award. Additionally, correcting adjustments made after the report was submitted partially contributed to the differences noted in expenditures. City officials were also not aware that obligations and expenditures could not be reported in total but should be reported by project. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the City did not file an accurate annual P&E report as required under the federal award. As such, the City did not accurately report current period obligations, cumulative obligations, current period expenditures, and cumulative expenditures when filing the P&E report for the period April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. As a result, material noncompliance occurred and remained undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the City. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 CITY OF VINCENNES SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the City's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop and implement reporting policies and procedures to ensure that all required reports are complete and accurate when submitted. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2 CFR 1000.10 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Treasury for 2 CFR part 200. 2 CFR 200.302 states, in part, the non-Federal entity's financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. 2 CFR 200.302 further states, in part, the financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for accurate, current, and complete disclosures of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement provides in Exhibit II that "Program reports must be submitted on a quarterly basis. Program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday at the end of each quarter". Due to deficiencies in the Village’s internal controls over reporting, the Village did not submit quarterly program reports for any quarter in 2024. Failure to submit required quarterly program reports could result in the Village not receiving the reimbursements that it is entitled to. The Village should implement internal controls to ensure that reports are submitted by the required deadlines per reporting requirements.
2024-004 Corporation for National and Community Service Federal Financial Assistance Listing #94.012, 22BIICA001 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2025, 23BIACA001 10/1/2023 – 9/30/2026, 23BIFNY001 10/1/2023 – 9/30/2026 Americorps September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance Grants Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Controls over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329 require the auditee to collect financial information and monitor its activities under federal awards to assure compliance with applicable federal requirements and performance expectations are being achieved and report these items in accordance with the program requirements. 2 CFR Part 170 establishes requirements for recipients’ reporting of information on subawards as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA). Condition: Reporting of information on subawards as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) was not completed for each of the four subrecipients in which pass through funds exceeded $30,000. Cause: There was a misunderstanding with management over reporting requirements surrounding amounts passed through to subrecipients. Effect: Not having a clear understanding of FFATA reporting requirements lead to required information not being reported. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: There was a total of six federal financial reports, of which 2 were selected for testing. There were a total of four FFATA reports, of which 2 were selected for testing. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes, prior year finding 2023-005. Recommendation: We recommend that management review procedures and control processes to ensure they comply with the federal requirements noted above. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is in agreement.
Federal Program: Crime Victim Assistance – ALN 16.575, National Family Caregiver Support, Title III, Part E – ALN 93.052, Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Heath or Healthcare Crises – ALN 93.391, Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Ebola Preparedness and Response Activities – ALN 93.817, Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse – ALN 93.959, Non-Profit Security Program – ALN 97.008 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Award Year: Various Criteria or Requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.328, The recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Per 2 CFR 200.329, The recipient or subrecipient must submit performance reports as required by the Federal award. Intervals must be no less frequent than annually nor more frequent than quarterly except if specific conditions are applied (See § 200.208). Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. A subrecipient must submit a final performance report to a pass-through entity no later than 90 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance. Per the 2024 Compliance Supplement, non-federal entities may be required to submit special reports as required by the terms and conditions of the federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.303, the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition found, including facts that support the deficiency identified in the finding and information to provide proper perspective for judging the prevalence and consequences of the finding: Of 20 financial reports tested, 9 were either not submitted timely or documentation was not available to substantiate when the report was submitted. Of 23 performance reports tested, 12 were either not submitted timely or documentation was not available to substantiate when the report was submitted. Of 9 special reports tested, 6 were either not submitted timely or documentation was not available to substantiate when the report was submitted. Cause and possible asserted effect: The Health System does not have an effective process and control to ensure timely submission of required reports per the terms and conditions of federal awards and applicable regulations and retainage of evidence of control operation (i.e. evidence of report submission). Identification of questioned costs and how they were computed: None Whether the sampling was a statistically valid sample: The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Identification of whether the audit finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior audit and if so, the applicable prior year finding number: No. This finding was not a finding in the immediate prior year audit. Recommendations: We recommend that the Health System review and enhance its current procedures to ensure that all required reporting applicable to federal awards is accurately identified, submission deadlines are met, and documentation of submissions is properly retained. Views of responsible officals: Management acknowledges the audit finding regarding timely submission of reports and retaining documentation of submissions. We will implement a new combined monitoring and record retention internal control process for financial, performance, and special reporting requirements, to ensure timely submission and retention of supporting documentation for required sponsor reporting. This process will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Assistance Listings Number: 10.760 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 92-02, 92-03, 92-04, 92-05 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context As part of sound management of the federal award, the City was responsible for implementing a system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with the applicable requirements. The City had not properly designed or implemented such a system, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The City was required to submit two annual data reports to the Department of Agriculture. The Statement of Budget, Income and Equity (Form RD 442-2) report data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current income and expenditures and budgeted amounts. The Balance Sheet (Form RD 442-3) report data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current year assets and liabilities. Per the USDA Rural Utilities Service Borrower's Guide, both reports also required inclusion of comparative information for the prior year. Both reports were selected for testing. We were unable to trace either report to the City's records, nor could we verify the accuracy and completeness of either report. The following errors were identified: • The Form RD 442-2, which covered calendar year 2023, reported total income and expenses of $3,792,018 and $1,615,582, respectively. However, the City's ledger for the same period had total income and expenses of $3,985,851 and $3,740,788, respectively. This resulted in net income being overstated by $2,319,039. Additionally, only one amount was reported as comparative data for prior year activity. We were unable to determine what this amount represented and were unable to verify it to the prior period report or to the City's records. • The Form RD 442-3, which covered calendar year 2023, reported total assets and liabilities of $18,229,653 and $10,503,419, respectively. However, the City's records for the same period had total assets and liabilities of $39,216,648 and $12,758498, respectively. Additionally, no comparative amounts from the prior year were reported. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 7 CFR 1780.47 states in part: "(a) Borrowers are required to provide RUS an annual audit or financial statements. . . . (e) Borrowers exempt from audits. All borrowers who are exempt from audits, will, within 60 days following the end of each fiscal year, furnish the RUS with annual financial statements, consisting of a verification of the organization's balance sheet and statement of income and expense by an appropriate official of the organization. Forms RD 442-2, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity,' and 442-3 may be used. (f) Management reports. These reports will furnish management with a means of evaluating prior decisions and serve as a basis for planning future operations and financial strategies. In those cases where revenues from multiple sources are pledged as security for an RUS loan, two reports will be required; one for the project being financed by RUS and one combining the entire operation of the borrower. In those cases where RUS loans are secured by general obligation bonds or assessments and the borrower combines revenues from all sources, one management report combining all such revenues is acceptable. The following management data will be submitted by the borrower to the processing office. These reports at a minimum will include a balance sheet and income and expense statement. . . . (2) Annual management reports. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year the following will be submitted to the processing office. (If Form RD 442-2 is used as the annual management report, enter data in column three only of Schedule 1, and complete all of Schedule 2.) • The Form RD 442-3, which covered calendar year 2023, reported total assets and liabilities of $18,229,653 and $10,503,419, respectively. However, the City's records for the same period had total assets and liabilities of $39,216,648 and $12,758498, respectively. Additionally, no comparative amounts from the prior year were reported. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 7 CFR 1780.47 states in part: "(a) Borrowers are required to provide RUS an annual audit or financial statements. . . . (e) Borrowers exempt from audits. All borrowers who are exempt from audits, will, within 60 days following the end of each fiscal year, furnish the RUS with annual financial statements, consisting of a verification of the organization's balance sheet and statement of income and expense by an appropriate official of the organization. Forms RD 442-2, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity,' and 442-3 may be used. (f) Management reports. These reports will furnish management with a means of evaluating prior decisions and serve as a basis for planning future operations and financial strategies. In those cases where revenues from multiple sources are pledged as security for an RUS loan, two reports will be required; one for the project being financed by RUS and one combining the entire operation of the borrower. In those cases where RUS loans are secured by general obligation bonds or assessments and the borrower combines revenues from all sources, one management report combining all such revenues is acceptable. The following management data will be submitted by the borrower to the processing office. These reports at a minimum will include a balance sheet and income and expense statement. . . . (2) Annual management reports. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year the following will be submitted to the processing office. (If Form RD 442-2 is used as the annual management report, enter data in column three only of Schedule 1, and complete all of Schedule 2.)• The Form RD 442-3, which covered calendar year 2023, reported total assets and liabilities of $18,229,653 and $10,503,419, respectively. However, the City's records for the same period had total assets and liabilities of $39,216,648 and $12,758498, respectively. Additionally, no comparative amounts from the prior year were reported. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 7 CFR 1780.47 states in part: "(a) Borrowers are required to provide RUS an annual audit or financial statements. . . . (e) Borrowers exempt from audits. All borrowers who are exempt from audits, will, within 60 days following the end of each fiscal year, furnish the RUS with annual financial statements, consisting of a verification of the organization's balance sheet and statement of income and expense by an appropriate official of the organization. Forms RD 442-2, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity,' and 442-3 may be used. (f) Management reports. These reports will furnish management with a means of evaluating prior decisions and serve as a basis for planning future operations and financial strategies. In those cases where revenues from multiple sources are pledged as security for an RUS loan, two reports will be required; one for the project being financed by RUS and one combining the entire operation of the borrower. In those cases where RUS loans are secured by general obligation bonds or assessments and the borrower combines revenues from all sources, one management report combining all such revenues is acceptable. The following management data will be submitted by the borrower to the processing office. These reports at a minimum will include a balance sheet and income and expense statement. . . . (2) Annual management reports. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year the following will be submitted to the processing office. (If Form RD 442-2 is used as the annual management report, enter data in column three only of Schedule 1, and complete all of Schedule 2.) (i) Two copies of the management reports and proposed 'Annual Budget'. (ii) Financial information may be reported on Form RD 442-2 which includes Schedule 1, 'Statement of Budget, Income and Equity' and Schedule 2, 'Projected Cash Flow' or information in similar format. (iii) A copy of the rate schedule in effect at the time of submission. . . ." Cause The Clerk-Treasurer had served in the position for less than two years when the reports for 2024 were due and was inexperienced with the reporting requirements of the award. As a result, the Clerk-Treasurer did not properly prepare the reports. Additionally, the Clerk-Treasurer was solely responsible for preparing and submitting the reports with no oversight, review, or approval process that would have allowed for prevention, or detection and correction, of the noncompliance. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the City did not file an accurate and complete report for either annual report required under the federal award. As a result, material noncompliance occurred and remained undetected. By not reporting the comparative data, all information needed to determine the financial status of the City was not readily available. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the City. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the City's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop and implement reporting policies and procedures to ensure that all required reports are filed timely, accurately, and contain all the required information. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Federal Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listings Number: 21.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 2024 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context As part of sound management of the federal award, the City was responsible for implementing a system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with the applicable requirements. The City had not properly designed or implemented such a system, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The City was required to submit an annual Project and Expenditure (P&E) report to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The P&E report data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period and total cumulative obligations and current period and total cumulative expenditures. We were unable to trace the annual P&E report to the City's records. The errors identified were as follows: • Total cumulative obligations were overstated by $23,337. • Total cumulative expenditures were understated by $171,136. • Current period expenditures were understated by $163,789. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 31 CFR 35.4(c) states in part: "Reporting and requests for other information. During the period of performance, recipients shall provide to the Secretary periodic reports providing detailed accounting of the uses of funds, . . ." Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance and Reporting Guidance, page 10, states in part: ". . . 10. Reporting. All recipients of federal funds must complete financial, performance, and compliance reporting as required and outlined in Part 2 of this guidance. Expenditures may be reported on a cash or accrual basis, as long as the methodology is disclosed and consistently applied. Reporting must be consistent with the definition of expenditures pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1. Your organization should appropriately maintain accounting records for compiling and reporting accurate, compliant financial data, in accordance with appropriate accounting standards and principles. . . ." Cause The Clerk-Treasurer had served in the position for two years when the report for 2024 was due and was inexperienced with the reporting requirements of the award. As a result, the Clerk-Treasurer did not properly prepare the report. Additionally, the Clerk-Treasurer was solely responsible for preparing and submitting the report with no oversight, review, or approval process that would have allowed for prevention, or detection and correction, of the noncompliance. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the City did not file an accurate annual P&E report as required under the federal award. As a result, material noncompliance occurred and remained undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the City. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the City's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop and implement reporting policies and procedures to ensure that all required reports are complete and accurate when submitted. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2024-002 Improve Controls Over Reporting Federal Program Information Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Award Name(s): Child Care and Development Block Grant Assistance Listing Number(s): 93.575 Award Year: 2022 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement 2 CFR 200.329 requires non-Federal entities to submit performance reports as required by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in a timely manner as specified in the terms and conditions of the award. Program guidance for the Child Care and Development Block Grant requires that quarterly project progress reports be submitted by specified deadlines unless a formal extension is granted by the awarding agency. SECTION III - FEDERAL AWARDS FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) 2024-002 Improve Controls Over Reporting (Continued) Condition and Context During our audit, we tested a sample of two quarterly project progress reports under the Child Care and Development Block Grant. The Organization submitted both quarterly project progress reports after the required submission deadlines. There was no documentation of a formal extension granted by the awarding agency. Cause The Organization’s internal controls did not ensure timely preparation and submission of required performance reports in accordance with federal program requirements, or ensure that an extension was requested. Effect or Potential Effect Late submission of required reports increases the risk of noncompliance with federal award requirements and may negatively affect the Organization’s ability to demonstrate progress on program objectives. No questioned costs are reported as the requirement is procedural in nature. Recommendation The Organization should implement procedures to ensure that all required performance reports are submitted timely in accordance with federal program requirements or have policies in place regarding formal documentation and approval of extension requests. Views of Responsible Official Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
2 CFR § 1000.10 gives regulatory effect to Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200 for the Department of Treasury. 2 CFR 200.329(c)(1) states that non-Federal entities must submit performance reports at the interval required by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity to best inform improvements in program outcomes and productivity. Reports submitted quarterly must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. 31 CFR 35.4(c) requires recipients, in part, during the period of performance, to provide the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury periodic reports providing detailed accounting of the uses of funds, modifications to a State or Territory's tax revenue sources, and such other information as the Secretary may require for the administration of this section. The U.S. Department of Treasury provided supplementary information on reporting requirements in its interim final rule for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for 31 CFR Part 35 and provided further guidance in its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance and Reporting Guide. The County submitted the required SLFRF Project and Expenditure Reports; however possibly due to the failure of an existing control(s), the expenditures reported on four out of the four (one hundred percent) did not agree to the accounting records with differences ranging from $104,513 to $602,647. The County submitted only three of the four (seventy-five percent) of the SLFRF Project and Expenditure Reports during 2024 to the Ohio Department of Development. Reporting errors could adversely affect future grant awards. An additional control(s) and/or additional procedure(s) should be implemented to help ensure accuracy of the reports.
Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Section 200.329(b) requires the entity to submit performance reports with the applicable information no less than quarterly. Condition: 1 out of 2 quarterly reports tested was not submitted. Questioned costs: Unknown. Context: During our test of performance reporting requirements, we noted the Organization did not file one of the quarterly reports. Cause: Policies and procedures are not in place to ensure reports are submitted. Effect: Required performance report not submitted. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization create and or update policies and procedures to ensure all required reports are submitted timely and accurately. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Assistance Lising No. 21.027 U.S Department of Treasury Oklahoma State Department of Health Criteria or Specific Requirement – Reporting (2 CFR 200.329) Condition – The Organization’s internal controls over compliance were not able to ensure progress reporting required to be submitted to the pass-through entity was completed timely. Cause – The Organization does not have internal controls over compliance in place to ensure all grant reporting requirements are satisfied timely. Effect or potential effect – The Organization did not submit the required quarterly progress reports in a timely manner. Questioned costs – None Context – The Organization is required to submit quarterly progress reports to the pass-through entity in a timely manner. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – No. Recommendation – The Organization should consider implementing a grant reporting calendar for all grants with reporting requirements.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Assistance Lising No. 21.027 U.S Department of Treasury Oklahoma State Department of Health Criteria or Specific Requirement – Reporting (2 CFR 200.329) Condition – The Organization’s internal controls over compliance were not able to ensure progress reporting required to be submitted to the pass-through entity was completed timely. Cause – The Organization does not have internal controls over compliance in place to ensure all grant reporting requirements are satisfied timely. Effect or potential effect – The Organization did not submit the required quarterly progress reports in a timely manner. Questioned costs – None Context – The Organization is required to submit quarterly progress reports to the pass-through entity in a timely manner. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – No. Recommendation – The Organization should consider implementing a grant reporting calendar for all grants with reporting requirements.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 005 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assistance Listing Number: 93.568 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: G-2302ILLIEA 6/1/2023; G-2302ILLIEA 10/1/2022 Pass-Through Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Pass-Through Numbers: 23-221038; 23-224038 Award Period: June 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024; October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329)) requires non-federal entities to submit performance and financial reports as required by the pass-through entity award and to ensure that the data accumulated and summarized is in accordance with the required criteria and methodology. Effective internal controls should ensure grant closeout reports are supported by documentation of expenditures that have been incurred. Additionally, grant agreements requiring grant closeout reports should be reconciled to the accounting records. Condition: The County did not retain supporting documentation for closeout performance reports. Accounting records supporting the SEFA did not reconcile to the certified cost reported in the closeout financial reports. There were also instances where federal reimbursements did not align with project accounting code records. Questioned Costs: None Context: 2 of 3 closeout performance reports tested lacked supporting documentation. 2 of 3 closeout financial reports tested did not reconcile to the accounting records supporting the SEFA or to the project accounting code records. Cause: Supporting documentation for closeout performance reports was not retained. Additionally, adjustments made to the project accounting records after submission of the closeout financial reports and reconciliations resulted in discrepancies between reported and actual cost. Effect: Lack of proper documentation and reconciliation can result in over- or under-reimbursement of federal grant funds, potentially leading to noncompliance with federal requirements and potential repayment obligations. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) 2024 – 005 Reporting (Continued) Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the prior year. The prior year finding number was 2023-007. Recommendation: We recommend that the County design and implement internal controls to ensure accounting records reconcile to grant closeout reports and that supporting documentation is retained. A detailed, documented review of all reports should be conducted by someone other than the preparer to ensure completeness and accuracy. No financial activity should be recorded to the project accounting records after grant closeout reports are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Program Affected Assistance Listing 93.566 Department of Health and Human Services - Direct Award Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs Award Year October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025 Criteria 2 CFR §200.329(a) specifies that "The recipient and subrecipient must monitor their activities under Federal awards to ensure they are compliant with all requirements and meeting performance expectations. Monitoring by the recipient and subrecipient must cover each program, function, or activity." Condition and Context Management was notified by program staff that invoices for services rendered during the last quarter of the fiscal year were pending approval and were therefore not captured in the year end accrual. An internal control deficiency was identified related to monitoring of the subrecipient's programmatic activity which are only performed sporadically, and as such, review of such activity at year end was not completed in a timely manner. Cause and Effect The condition identified was caused by infrequent and informal review of program-related subrecipient costs, which were not reconciled as this process was not occurring on a regularly scheduled basis. This resulted in an understatement of program-related subrecipient expenses of $247,119. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards has been adjusted to include these expenses. Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform monthly reconciliations of programmatic accruals for its subrecipients and adjust general ledger accounts accordingly. Management's estimate should materially reflect the services rendered for which the Organization is responsible. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable Not applicable. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Management agrees with the finding. See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Reporting (Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance) Information on the federal program: U.S. Department of the Homeland Security, Assistance listing # 97.044 Assistance to Firefighters Criteria: CFR 200.329c requires that reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be filed no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Condition: We examined the two semiannual Programmatic Performance reports and the semiannual SF425 financial report required to be submitted during the City’s fiscal year. Two of these were not filed within 30 days of specified reporting period as required. Cause: The reports not submitted timely were due July 30. The City’s controls around reporting focus on fiscal and calendar year end. The calendar-year semiannual reporting period is not in the City’s normal reporting schedule and therefore was not addressed through the controls in place. Both reports were filed within 16 days of the due date. Effect: The City did not timely fulfill all the related reporting requirements. Repeat Finding: Yes. Questioned Costs: None reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City strengthen its policies and procedures surrounding grant reporting to include (at inception of each award) documentation of a schedule of reporting requirements, review, and approvals to ensure compliance and documentation of that compliance is retained to support applicable requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan included at the end of the report.
2024-002 U.S. Department of Treasury, Federal Financial Assistance Listing #21.027, COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Matching, Level of Effort and Earmarking; Reporting Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Recipients of CSLFRF can calculate lost revenue for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 based on the formula provided in the 2022 Final Rule to determine the amount of CSLFRF funds that can be used for the “provision of government services”. In calculating revenue loss, recipients can choose whether to use calendar or fiscal year dates but must be consistent throughout the period of performance. If calculating revenue loss, recipients must provide auditors with evidence supporting their revenue loss calculation. Non-federal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually but not more frequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances, using a form or format authorized by OMB (2 CFR section 200.329). Condition: During the testing over Earmarking, it was noted the County was not able to completely support the amounts used in the calculation. Further, there was no evidence of review of the calculation. Cause: The County’s controls were not sufficient to ensure someone other than the preparer of the revenue loss calculation reviewed the calculation prior to its submission on the County’s quarterly reports. Effect: The revenue loss number calculated by the County was incorrect. This incorrect number was reported to the Treasury as part of the County’s quarterly reporting requirement. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: Sampling was not used for the Earmarking compliance test as there was only 1 revenue loss calculation. A statistical sample of 2 reports were selected for testing out of a total population of 4. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): No Recommendation: Management should review the revenue loss calculation to ensure it is appropriately supported by underlying documentation. For all future reports submitted to the Treasury, the recalculated revenue loss amount should be used. Views of Responsible Officials: The County agrees with the auditor’s findings
Finding 2024-001: Preparation of Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) Program Name: Multiple federal programs Criteria 1. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.302 Financial management requires that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State’s funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient’s and subrecipient’s financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in § 200.328 and § 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. 2. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.303 Internal controls requires that recipients and subrecipients must: (a) Establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should align with the guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). (b) Comply with the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (c) Evaluate and monitor the recipient’s or subrecipient’s compliance with statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of Federal awards. (d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified. Condition The following exceptions to the criteria were observed during the performance of the audit procedures: 1. After the completion of internal review and approval process that Amtrak has established for SEFA preparation and review, we have received multiple updated versions of the schedule with changes to FY24 expenditure amounts for three Assistance Listings included on the SEFA. Total expenditures increased by $80.2 million from version 1 to the final version received. 2. The starting point of the SEFA preparation for the current year was not the audited FY23 SEFA submitted to Federal Audit Clearinghouse, as we have identified that Amtrak subsequently made changes to the FY23 internal SEFA document without reconciling the changes to the audited FY23 SEFA, which resulted in the total cumulative expenditures as of 9/30/2023 to be updated and as such impacting the FY24 expenditures for the respective federal programs. One of the adjustments related to the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing project (HYCC-3) which initially incorrectly recorded $25.0 million of prepaid expenditures. 3. As Assistance Listing #20.314 has been obligated as of 9/27/2024, Amtrak has recorded expenditures related to the HYCC-3 project under this program for the established pre-award period, which dated from January 30, 2023 as part of the FY24 expenditures. Previously, a portion of the total expenditures was included within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315, for the total amount of $15.6 million. This amount was not adjusted out of the cumulative expenditures for Assistance Listing #20.315 until 2025. Consequently, these expenditures were listed both within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315 and under the FY24 SEFA as Assistance Listing #20.314 expenditures. 4. As part of SEFA preparation as it relates to allocation of operating expenditures across multiple funding sources, certain projects were incorrectly mapped to annual grants funding source, which resulted in approximately $0.3 million of operating expenses to be included within Assistance Listing #20.315 that were also reported under Assistance Listing #97.075. Cause Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not operating in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. Additionally, Amtrak’s controls around allocation of federal funding to project codes were not designed in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. In reviewing management’s controls around the SEFA preparation, the design of key controls identified by management does not include an overarching review of the SEFA and reconciliation of what’s been reported on the SEFA from individual projects’ standpoint when such projects have multiple assistance listings as funding sources. We also noted that there was not a specific control that ensures timely updates of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) funding assignments and allocations when there is a change such as a new grant agreement signed. Effect Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not designed in such a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted, which resulted in several versions of the SEFA that were erroneous and inclusion of expenditures that were double counted within the SEFA. This puts Amtrak at greater risk of non-compliance with its grant agreements with respect to questioned costs and an inaccurate SEFA. Questioned Costs None. Context The SEFA, as originally provided, had exceptions as described in the Condition section above noted for matters 1 and 2 in the Criteria section above, indicating that certain internal controls were not functioning as designed and others were not designed effectively. Identification as a Repeat Finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Amtrak to strengthen the SEFA oversight process to ensure appropriate preparation and review of the SEFA to validate its accuracy, including reconciliation with prior year audited SEFA. This should include having one reviewer take overall responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the final submitted SEFA. This robust review process should include appropriate procedures to confirm accuracy of the SEFA, which may include a protocol where representatives from various groups (both discretionary and non-discretionary federal programs) work collaboratively to review the SEFA and underlying details of expenditures, to ensure all the adjustments have been properly reflected as well as any projects that might have multiple fund sources are identified timely and reviewed for appropriate inclusion within the SEFA. Additionally, Amtrak should establish a process where any modifications of WBS funding assignments and allocations are updated in a timely manner. Views of Responsible Officials Amtrak recognizes the need to improve the preparation and review of the SEFA. The company has documented the steps for preparing and reviewing the SEFA within its process narrative. The company will update the narrative to address the preparation and review issues that led to the multiple versions of the SEFA being provided during the audit. The company will review and update the Grants Management Compliance Narrative and controls to improve timing of updates for modifications of WBS funding assignments. The company is in the process of updating the SEFA preparation documentation for FY2025, which will be used at the end of the year. The review procedures and controls are being enhanced to include a checklist to improve the review.
Finding 2024-001: Preparation of Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) Program Name: Multiple federal programs Criteria 1. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.302 Financial management requires that: (a) Each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State’s funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) The recipient’s and subrecipient’s financial management system must provide for the following: (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in § 200.328 and § 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. 2. The code of federal regulations – 2 CFR 200.303 Internal controls requires that recipients and subrecipients must: (a) Establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should align with the guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). (b) Comply with the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (c) Evaluate and monitor the recipient’s or subrecipient’s compliance with statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of Federal awards. (d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified. Condition The following exceptions to the criteria were observed during the performance of the audit procedures: 1. After the completion of internal review and approval process that Amtrak has established for SEFA preparation and review, we have received multiple updated versions of the schedule with changes to FY24 expenditure amounts for three Assistance Listings included on the SEFA. Total expenditures increased by $80.2 million from version 1 to the final version received. 2. The starting point of the SEFA preparation for the current year was not the audited FY23 SEFA submitted to Federal Audit Clearinghouse, as we have identified that Amtrak subsequently made changes to the FY23 internal SEFA document without reconciling the changes to the audited FY23 SEFA, which resulted in the total cumulative expenditures as of 9/30/2023 to be updated and as such impacting the FY24 expenditures for the respective federal programs. One of the adjustments related to the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing project (HYCC-3) which initially incorrectly recorded $25.0 million of prepaid expenditures. 3. As Assistance Listing #20.314 has been obligated as of 9/27/2024, Amtrak has recorded expenditures related to the HYCC-3 project under this program for the established pre-award period, which dated from January 30, 2023 as part of the FY24 expenditures. Previously, a portion of the total expenditures was included within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315, for the total amount of $15.6 million. This amount was not adjusted out of the cumulative expenditures for Assistance Listing #20.315 until 2025. Consequently, these expenditures were listed both within the FY23 SEFA under Assistance Listing #20.315 and under the FY24 SEFA as Assistance Listing #20.314 expenditures. 4. As part of SEFA preparation as it relates to allocation of operating expenditures across multiple funding sources, certain projects were incorrectly mapped to annual grants funding source, which resulted in approximately $0.3 million of operating expenses to be included within Assistance Listing #20.315 that were also reported under Assistance Listing #97.075. Cause Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not operating in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. Additionally, Amtrak’s controls around allocation of federal funding to project codes were not designed in a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted. In reviewing management’s controls around the SEFA preparation, the design of key controls identified by management does not include an overarching review of the SEFA and reconciliation of what’s been reported on the SEFA from individual projects’ standpoint when such projects have multiple assistance listings as funding sources. We also noted that there was not a specific control that ensures timely updates of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) funding assignments and allocations when there is a change such as a new grant agreement signed. Effect Amtrak’s control procedures in place as it relates to the preparation of the SEFA were not designed in such a manner that would timely identify the conditions noted, which resulted in several versions of the SEFA that were erroneous and inclusion of expenditures that were double counted within the SEFA. This puts Amtrak at greater risk of non-compliance with its grant agreements with respect to questioned costs and an inaccurate SEFA. Questioned Costs None. Context The SEFA, as originally provided, had exceptions as described in the Condition section above noted for matters 1 and 2 in the Criteria section above, indicating that certain internal controls were not functioning as designed and others were not designed effectively. Identification as a Repeat Finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Amtrak to strengthen the SEFA oversight process to ensure appropriate preparation and review of the SEFA to validate its accuracy, including reconciliation with prior year audited SEFA. This should include having one reviewer take overall responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the final submitted SEFA. This robust review process should include appropriate procedures to confirm accuracy of the SEFA, which may include a protocol where representatives from various groups (both discretionary and non-discretionary federal programs) work collaboratively to review the SEFA and underlying details of expenditures, to ensure all the adjustments have been properly reflected as well as any projects that might have multiple fund sources are identified timely and reviewed for appropriate inclusion within the SEFA. Additionally, Amtrak should establish a process where any modifications of WBS funding assignments and allocations are updated in a timely manner. Views of Responsible Officials Amtrak recognizes the need to improve the preparation and review of the SEFA. The company has documented the steps for preparing and reviewing the SEFA within its process narrative. The company will update the narrative to address the preparation and review issues that led to the multiple versions of the SEFA being provided during the audit. The company will review and update the Grants Management Compliance Narrative and controls to improve timing of updates for modifications of WBS funding assignments. The company is in the process of updating the SEFA preparation documentation for FY2025, which will be used at the end of the year. The review procedures and controls are being enhanced to include a checklist to improve the review.
Program Information: U.S. Department of Commerce NOAA Hatchery Genetic Mgmt – Assistance Listing #11.437 Award Number: NA18NMF4370324 Award Period: 7/01/2018 – 6/30/2024 Criteria: Reporting requirements are contained in the following: Monitoring and reporting program performance, 2 CFR Section 200.329. • Per the award documents, the grantee shall prepare and provide progress reports to Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC). These run January to June and July to December and are due 15 days after each period. Per 2 CFR § 200.303 Internal controls, the non-federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition/Context: NWIFC could not provide support showing review and approval of the progress reports prior to submitting them to PSMFC. [ ] Compliance Finding [ X ] Significant Deficiency [ ] Material Weakness Cause: It appears the policies and procedures for reporting were not followed. Effect: Failing to comply with the grant award requirements, the program may be subject to higher risk status and a decreased amount of funding. Questioned Costs: Not applicable – The condition relates to the lack of review and approval of the required reports before submitting to the funding agency, which does not directly impact the allowability or support for costs charged to the program. No costs are being questioned as a result. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the NWIFC adhere to program policies and procedures as documented and supporting documentation is kept available for review. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared corrective action as detailed in its Corrective Action Plan.