Significant Deficiency Other Noncompliance Program: Assistance Listing: 10.553/10.555 – Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing 84.010A - Title I Grants To Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing: 84.027/84.027X/84.173/84.173X – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing: 84.425D – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II) Assistance Listing: 84.425U – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER) Repeat Finding: Yes Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over a federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.334 requires subrecipients to retain all Federal award records for three years from the date of submission of their final financial report. For awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, the recipient and subrecipient must retain records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report, respectively. Records to be retained include but are not limited to financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records. Federal agencies or pass-through entities may not impose any other record retention requirements except records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken if any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the three-year period. Condition: As part of our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll disbursements from the District’s grant expenditures from major programs, we observed the following instances where information required to ensure that these expenditures fulfilled requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 as follows was not obtained by the District or was otherwise unavailable for our examination: Sixteen instances where there was no documentation to determine the District obtained the required information to ensure that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. One instance where there was no invoice or credit memo to support the transaction. Numerous instances where an invoice was not included in the paid invoice. These invoices were made available to us for our examination on our fourth request Context/ Perspective: This finding is based on our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll cash disbursements charged to major programs of the District. Effect: Failure to follow the federal and state requirements could affect future eligibility for federal award programs or could result in a loss or misappropriation of public assets. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the District implement additional internal controls as necessary to ensure that proper records are maintained to adequately document its expenditures charged to federal grant programs. Views of Responsible Officials: The Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan lists the District’s response to the findings.
Significant Deficiency Other Noncompliance Program: Assistance Listing: 10.553/10.555 – Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing 84.010A - Title I Grants To Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing: 84.027/84.027X/84.173/84.173X – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing: 84.425D – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II) Assistance Listing: 84.425U – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER) Repeat Finding: Yes Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over a federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.334 requires subrecipients to retain all Federal award records for three years from the date of submission of their final financial report. For awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, the recipient and subrecipient must retain records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report, respectively. Records to be retained include but are not limited to financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records. Federal agencies or pass-through entities may not impose any other record retention requirements except records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken if any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the three-year period. Condition: As part of our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll disbursements from the District’s grant expenditures from major programs, we observed the following instances where information required to ensure that these expenditures fulfilled requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 as follows was not obtained by the District or was otherwise unavailable for our examination: Sixteen instances where there was no documentation to determine the District obtained the required information to ensure that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. One instance where there was no invoice or credit memo to support the transaction. Numerous instances where an invoice was not included in the paid invoice. These invoices were made available to us for our examination on our fourth request Context/ Perspective: This finding is based on our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll cash disbursements charged to major programs of the District. Effect: Failure to follow the federal and state requirements could affect future eligibility for federal award programs or could result in a loss or misappropriation of public assets. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the District implement additional internal controls as necessary to ensure that proper records are maintained to adequately document its expenditures charged to federal grant programs. Views of Responsible Officials: The Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan lists the District’s response to the findings.
Significant Deficiency Other Noncompliance Program: Assistance Listing: 10.553/10.555 – Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing 84.010A - Title I Grants To Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing: 84.027/84.027X/84.173/84.173X – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing: 84.425D – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II) Assistance Listing: 84.425U – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER) Repeat Finding: Yes Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over a federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.334 requires subrecipients to retain all Federal award records for three years from the date of submission of their final financial report. For awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, the recipient and subrecipient must retain records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report, respectively. Records to be retained include but are not limited to financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records. Federal agencies or pass-through entities may not impose any other record retention requirements except records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken if any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the three-year period. Condition: As part of our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll disbursements from the District’s grant expenditures from major programs, we observed the following instances where information required to ensure that these expenditures fulfilled requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 as follows was not obtained by the District or was otherwise unavailable for our examination: Sixteen instances where there was no documentation to determine the District obtained the required information to ensure that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. One instance where there was no invoice or credit memo to support the transaction. Numerous instances where an invoice was not included in the paid invoice. These invoices were made available to us for our examination on our fourth request Context/ Perspective: This finding is based on our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll cash disbursements charged to major programs of the District. Effect: Failure to follow the federal and state requirements could affect future eligibility for federal award programs or could result in a loss or misappropriation of public assets. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the District implement additional internal controls as necessary to ensure that proper records are maintained to adequately document its expenditures charged to federal grant programs. Views of Responsible Officials: The Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan lists the District’s response to the findings.
Significant Deficiency Other Noncompliance Program: Assistance Listing: 10.553/10.555 – Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing 84.010A - Title I Grants To Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing: 84.027/84.027X/84.173/84.173X – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing: 84.425D – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II) Assistance Listing: 84.425U – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER) Repeat Finding: Yes Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over a federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.334 requires subrecipients to retain all Federal award records for three years from the date of submission of their final financial report. For awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, the recipient and subrecipient must retain records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report, respectively. Records to be retained include but are not limited to financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records. Federal agencies or pass-through entities may not impose any other record retention requirements except records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken if any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the three-year period. Condition: As part of our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll disbursements from the District’s grant expenditures from major programs, we observed the following instances where information required to ensure that these expenditures fulfilled requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 as follows was not obtained by the District or was otherwise unavailable for our examination: Sixteen instances where there was no documentation to determine the District obtained the required information to ensure that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. One instance where there was no invoice or credit memo to support the transaction. Numerous instances where an invoice was not included in the paid invoice. These invoices were made available to us for our examination on our fourth request Context/ Perspective: This finding is based on our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll cash disbursements charged to major programs of the District. Effect: Failure to follow the federal and state requirements could affect future eligibility for federal award programs or could result in a loss or misappropriation of public assets. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the District implement additional internal controls as necessary to ensure that proper records are maintained to adequately document its expenditures charged to federal grant programs. Views of Responsible Officials: The Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan lists the District’s response to the findings.
Significant Deficiency Other Noncompliance Program: Assistance Listing: 10.553/10.555 – Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing 84.010A - Title I Grants To Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing: 84.027/84.027X/84.173/84.173X – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing: 84.425D – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II) Assistance Listing: 84.425U – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER) Repeat Finding: Yes Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over a federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.334 requires subrecipients to retain all Federal award records for three years from the date of submission of their final financial report. For awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, the recipient and subrecipient must retain records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report, respectively. Records to be retained include but are not limited to financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records. Federal agencies or pass-through entities may not impose any other record retention requirements except records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken if any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the three-year period. Condition: As part of our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll disbursements from the District’s grant expenditures from major programs, we observed the following instances where information required to ensure that these expenditures fulfilled requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 as follows was not obtained by the District or was otherwise unavailable for our examination: Sixteen instances where there was no documentation to determine the District obtained the required information to ensure that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. One instance where there was no invoice or credit memo to support the transaction. Numerous instances where an invoice was not included in the paid invoice. These invoices were made available to us for our examination on our fourth request Context/ Perspective: This finding is based on our statistically valid random sample of sixty non-payroll cash disbursements charged to major programs of the District. Effect: Failure to follow the federal and state requirements could affect future eligibility for federal award programs or could result in a loss or misappropriation of public assets. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the District implement additional internal controls as necessary to ensure that proper records are maintained to adequately document its expenditures charged to federal grant programs. Views of Responsible Officials: The Auditee’s Corrective Action Plan lists the District’s response to the findings.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A220014, S010A230014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the socioeconomic status of the students were reported properly in the Title I application. Although the grant application was prepared by the HR Coordinator and reviewed and approved by the Superintendent of Schools and Treasurer, the internal controls were not effective to ensure the students' socioeconomic status was accurately reported. Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Title I application. Enrollment and Poverty numbers are automatically pulled from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Official Pupil Enrollment (PE) count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Title I application. The counts that are prepopulated should be based on the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two Title I applications. The School Corporation was required to use the October 2021 Real Time Report data for the 2022-2023 Title I application and the October 2022 Real Time Report data for the 2023-2024 Title I application submitted to the IDOE. Data to be submitted included student socioeconomic status information. The school lunch software was used to verify the socioeconomic status of students reported in the Title I application. A total of 25 students were selected for testing. The socioeconomic status for 3 of the 9 students tested from the October 2021 Real Time Report data did not agree to data reported in the 2022-2023 Title I application. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the October 2021 Real Time Report and 2022-2023 Title I application. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH GIBSON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "After reserving funds, as applicable, under § 200.77, including funds for equitable services for private school students, their teachers, and their families, an LEA must allocate funds under this subpart to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of public school children from low-income families in each area or school." Cause Although the School Corporation had properly designed and implemented a system of internal controls, which included appropriate segregation of duties, it was not effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Eligibility compliance requirement. The underlying information, reviewed and approved by the Superintendent of Schools and Treasurer, was not adequate to determine the socioeconomic status of the students. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the School Corporation did not maintain accurate supporting documentation to support the data in the Title I application. 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 funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH GIBSON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that adequate documentation is maintained to support the information in the Title I application. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. A sample of 40 vendor and payroll disbursements that were charged to the ESF grant for which reimbursement was received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance with the applicable allowable cost principles. Of the 40 disbursements tested, 4 payroll disbursements for accelerated learning were approved, but the School Corporation could not provide documentation to show where the governing board approved their rate of pay. In addition, there was a transfer from the ESSER II - Cares grant fund to the Education fund for $117,177 to reimburse that fund for expenses on June 20, 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation for the expenses that were reimbursed to ensure they were for allowable activities and allowable costs. The ineffective internal controls were a systemic issue 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 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 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. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements. Management was not aware that they should have only been reimbursed for expenditures made out of the ESF funds or should have moved the expenditures and retained proper documentation to support what expenditures tied to what was reimbursed. It was noted that the accelerated learning rate of pay was discussed at a School Board meeting, but the approved wage rates were not documented in the School Board minutes or on any sort of salary schedule approved by the School Board members. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Cost/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There was a total of $173,841 of questioned costs as referenced under the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure only allowable activities and allowable costs are charged to grants funds and to ensure grant money is only requested for reimbursement for monies directly related to the grant program. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education 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 2022-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Even though the reports were reviewed by someone other than the preparer, the School Corporation was not able to provide financial information that was used to determine amounts used in the reports. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. For all four of the Reports, the School Corporation was unable to provide financial information to support the amounts in the Reports; therefore, the Indiana State Board of Accounts could not determine the accuracy of the Reports. Additionally, eight of eight key line items selected for testing could not be verified to the financial records. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause According to the School Corporation, these issues were due to the reporting differences of how the annual expenditure report categories are different than the annual Data Collection reports. The School Corporation indicated that it had to go employee by employee to properly place them under the correct category using the reimbursement requests but did not retain that documentation of how it came to the numbers. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure reports submitted are accurate and have supporting documentation. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. A sample of 40 vendor and payroll disbursements that were charged to the ESF grant for which reimbursement was received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance with the applicable allowable cost principles. Of the 40 disbursements tested, 4 payroll disbursements for accelerated learning were approved, but the School Corporation could not provide documentation to show where the governing board approved their rate of pay. In addition, there was a transfer from the ESSER II - Cares grant fund to the Education fund for $117,177 to reimburse that fund for expenses on June 20, 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation for the expenses that were reimbursed to ensure they were for allowable activities and allowable costs. The ineffective internal controls were a systemic issue 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 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 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. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements. Management was not aware that they should have only been reimbursed for expenditures made out of the ESF funds or should have moved the expenditures and retained proper documentation to support what expenditures tied to what was reimbursed. It was noted that the accelerated learning rate of pay was discussed at a School Board meeting, but the approved wage rates were not documented in the School Board minutes or on any sort of salary schedule approved by the School Board members. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Cost/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There was a total of $173,841 of questioned costs as referenced under the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure only allowable activities and allowable costs are charged to grants funds and to ensure grant money is only requested for reimbursement for monies directly related to the grant program. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education 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 2022-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Even though the reports were reviewed by someone other than the preparer, the School Corporation was not able to provide financial information that was used to determine amounts used in the reports. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. For all four of the Reports, the School Corporation was unable to provide financial information to support the amounts in the Reports; therefore, the Indiana State Board of Accounts could not determine the accuracy of the Reports. Additionally, eight of eight key line items selected for testing could not be verified to the financial records. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause According to the School Corporation, these issues were due to the reporting differences of how the annual expenditure report categories are different than the annual Data Collection reports. The School Corporation indicated that it had to go employee by employee to properly place them under the correct category using the reimbursement requests but did not retain that documentation of how it came to the numbers. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure reports submitted are accurate and have supporting documentation. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. A sample of 40 vendor and payroll disbursements that were charged to the ESF grant for which reimbursement was received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance with the applicable allowable cost principles. Of the 40 disbursements tested, 4 payroll disbursements for accelerated learning were approved, but the School Corporation could not provide documentation to show where the governing board approved their rate of pay. In addition, there was a transfer from the ESSER II - Cares grant fund to the Education fund for $117,177 to reimburse that fund for expenses on June 20, 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation for the expenses that were reimbursed to ensure they were for allowable activities and allowable costs. The ineffective internal controls were a systemic issue 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 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 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. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements. Management was not aware that they should have only been reimbursed for expenditures made out of the ESF funds or should have moved the expenditures and retained proper documentation to support what expenditures tied to what was reimbursed. It was noted that the accelerated learning rate of pay was discussed at a School Board meeting, but the approved wage rates were not documented in the School Board minutes or on any sort of salary schedule approved by the School Board members. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Cost/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There was a total of $173,841 of questioned costs as referenced under the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure only allowable activities and allowable costs are charged to grants funds and to ensure grant money is only requested for reimbursement for monies directly related to the grant program. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education 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 2022-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Even though the reports were reviewed by someone other than the preparer, the School Corporation was not able to provide financial information that was used to determine amounts used in the reports. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. For all four of the Reports, the School Corporation was unable to provide financial information to support the amounts in the Reports; therefore, the Indiana State Board of Accounts could not determine the accuracy of the Reports. Additionally, eight of eight key line items selected for testing could not be verified to the financial records. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause According to the School Corporation, these issues were due to the reporting differences of how the annual expenditure report categories are different than the annual Data Collection reports. The School Corporation indicated that it had to go employee by employee to properly place them under the correct category using the reimbursement requests but did not retain that documentation of how it came to the numbers. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure reports submitted are accurate and have supporting documentation. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. A sample of 40 vendor and payroll disbursements that were charged to the ESF grant for which reimbursement was received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance with the applicable allowable cost principles. Of the 40 disbursements tested, 4 payroll disbursements for accelerated learning were approved, but the School Corporation could not provide documentation to show where the governing board approved their rate of pay. In addition, there was a transfer from the ESSER II - Cares grant fund to the Education fund for $117,177 to reimburse that fund for expenses on June 20, 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation for the expenses that were reimbursed to ensure they were for allowable activities and allowable costs. The ineffective internal controls were a systemic issue 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 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 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. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements. Management was not aware that they should have only been reimbursed for expenditures made out of the ESF funds or should have moved the expenditures and retained proper documentation to support what expenditures tied to what was reimbursed. It was noted that the accelerated learning rate of pay was discussed at a School Board meeting, but the approved wage rates were not documented in the School Board minutes or on any sort of salary schedule approved by the School Board members. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Cost/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There was a total of $173,841 of questioned costs as referenced under the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure only allowable activities and allowable costs are charged to grants funds and to ensure grant money is only requested for reimbursement for monies directly related to the grant program. 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 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education 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 2022-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Even though the reports were reviewed by someone other than the preparer, the School Corporation was not able to provide financial information that was used to determine amounts used in the reports. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. For all four of the Reports, the School Corporation was unable to provide financial information to support the amounts in the Reports; therefore, the Indiana State Board of Accounts could not determine the accuracy of the Reports. Additionally, eight of eight key line items selected for testing could not be verified to the financial records. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause According to the School Corporation, these issues were due to the reporting differences of how the annual expenditure report categories are different than the annual Data Collection reports. The School Corporation indicated that it had to go employee by employee to properly place them under the correct category using the reimbursement requests but did not retain that documentation of how it came to the numbers. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure reports submitted are accurate and have supporting documentation. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.
2024 – 001 – Allowable costs/cost principles - Cost Transfers Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Cluster: Research and Development Cluster Award Names: Various Award Numbers: Various Assistance Listing Titles: Cancer Research Manpower; Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research; ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Aging Research; Cardiovascular Diseases Research; Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs; Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Assistance Listing Number: 93.398, 93.847, 93.433, 93.866, 93.837, 93.279, 93.855 Award Year: 2023-2024 Passthrough Entity: Various Criteria: The Department of Health and Human Services Grants Policy Statement and the National Institute of Health Grants PolicyStatement requires cost transfers that represent corrections of clerical or bookkeeping errors be made promptly after the error occurs but no later than 90 days following the occurrence. Cost transfers must be appropriately justified, documented and completed in a timely manner to support its allowability. In addition, 2 CFR 200.334 requires recipients to maintain Federal Award records for three years from the date of submission of their quarterly or annual financial report. Condition: Of the 25 cost transfers selected for testing, we noted the following related to Weill Cornell Medicine cost transfers: the journal voucher for three salary cost transfers did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer; the journal voucher for five salary cost transfers which were over 90 days did not include the justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer or the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days; and the cost transfer form for two non-salary cost transfer over 90 days did not include sufficient documentation explaining the reason the cost transfer was over 90 days. Cause: For the eight salary cost transfers noted, manual journal vouchers were used but did not include formal comprehensive justification explaining the reason for the cost transfer and/or supporting documentation. Additionally, for the five salary cost transfers that were over 90 days, the journal voucher did not include the justification for the late cost transfer. The salary cost transfer justification, supporting details and approvals were maintained separately in email communications and not as part of a comprehensive record for the salary cost transfers. Upon termination, email communications of employees may not be retained, and in at least one instance tested, the email supporting documentation was not retained. The University did not require the supporting documentation and justification to be included with the journal voucher. For the non-salary cost transfer instances noted, the cost transfer form was completed but did not contain sufficient detail of the justification explaining the reason for the late transfer. Effect: The cost transfer journal voucher or cost transfer form, as applicable, did not maintain complete documentary evidence of the reason for the cost transfer and reason for a late transfer for the cost transfers beyond 90 days in accordance with federal guidelines. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs associated with this finding as the cost transfers were allowable and allocable to the awards to which they were transferred. Recommendation: We recommend the University review and update its cost transfer policies and procedures to require maintaining a comprehensive record for all cost transfers including justification, supporting documentation, and sufficient justification for cost transfers over 90 days. Additionally, we recommend the University communicate, provide training and enforce policies and procedures to ensure cost transfers are executed and documented consistently in accordance with the University’s policy and procedures and federal guidelines. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to the University’s Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of this report for additional details.