Finding Number: 2025 001 Finding Type: Immaterial noncompliance and significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance related to allowable costs Information on the Federal Program: Program Name: Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) (ALN 93.224) Federal Awards Project Title: Health Center Program Award Period: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025 Award Number: H80CS00640 Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.430(c)(2), compensation charged to federal awards must comply with the Executive Level II salary limitation established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Salary costs allocated to the Health Center Program may not exceed this cap, and only the allowable portion up to the Executive Level II rate may be charged to the federal award. Condition: During testing of payroll allocated to the federal program, 1 of the 25 employees tested had salary charges which exceeded the Executive Level II compensation cap. Upon further review of the full population, a total of 3 employees were identified whose salary charges to the federal program exceeded the cap. Cause: The Organization relied on an informal, manual process to identify employees at or near the Executive Level II compensation cap. This process was not supported by documented policies, defined thresholds, or supervisory review controls. Effect: Unallowable salary amounts were initially charged to the grant. However, the Organization was able to identify other allowable expenditures sufficient to support the total amount of grant funds drawn. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Organization implement a formalized internal control process to monitor and enforce compliance with the Executive Level II compensation cap. This should include documented procedures for identifying employees subject to the cap, periodic monitoring of compensation charged to federal programs, and evidence of supervisory review to help ensure amounts in excess of the cap are excluded from allowable costs and appropriately allocated to nonfederal funding sources. Views of a Responsible Official and Corrective Action Plan: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization has implemented procedures to formally identify employees whose compensation is at or near the Executive Level II cap and to monitor compensation charged to federal programs on an ongoing basis. Management will document these procedures, establish defined review thresholds, and require supervisory review of compensation allocations to ensure amounts in excess of the applicable cap are excluded from federal charges. Any unallowable amounts identified will be adjusted in a timely manner. Management expects these controls to be fully implemented for the current fiscal year.
Finding 2025-002 – Time and Effort Documentation Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency and Compliance Federal Grant Name and ALN: TRIO Cluster: TRIO Educational Talent Search (84.044A) and TRIP Upward Bound (84.047A) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education (Grant ID P-044A210563-23 and P047A221356-24) Compliance Requirement: B. Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Repeat Finding: No Criteria: 2 CFR 200.430 (g)(vi) requires that charges to Federal Awards for salaries and wages be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed and that the records support the distribution of the employee’s salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: The College complies with 2 CFR 430 (g)(vi) by requiring employees to complete time and effort form reflecting the employees’ duties within the grant. The forms are signed by the employees as well as a supervisor having firsthand knowledge of the employees’ duties. Two (2) forms from our sample of 40 were not signed when requested. Cause: Due to an administrative oversight, these forms were overlooked. Effect: Without completed time and effort forms, the College could risk unallowable employees to the TRIO Cluster. Questioned Cost: None. Context During our tests of federal payroll, we selected a sample of 40 from a population of 853. Two (2) employees from our sample did not have signed time and effort records until requested by the auditors. Recommendation: The College should review all charges, both planned and actual, against grant documents and time and effort forms to ensure that the planned expenditures conform to the grant application and that the actual charges are for employees working in the federal program. Views of Responsible Officials: The College agrees with the finding and recommendation and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2025-001 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2025 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 200.430 states in part: (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity (See paragraph (h)(1)(ii) above for treatment of incidental work for IHEs.); and vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the activities allowed or unallowed and allowable costs/cost principle compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: $5,476 (Known questioned costs) Context: During testing of allowable activities and costs, it was observed that the School Corporation allocated payroll and benefit expenses to the school lunch fund for the employee overseeing the food service management company. Five payroll transactions totaling $5,476 were selected for testing. For each transaction tested, the School Corporation allocated 18% of the employee’s time to the school lunch fund. Although the employee completed an annual self-certification estimating time spent on food service duties, there was no detailed time and effort log to support actual hours worked. Additionally, no internal control existed to provide a documented secondary review of the self-certification for accuracy and completeness. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2024-003. Recommendation: We recommend management ensure that time and effort logs are maintained for all employees not charged at 100% to support work performed and charged to the grant awards. We recommend management establish a documented review by management of time and effort logs to ensure time charged to grant awards is allowable and allocable based on work performed in accordance with grant requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
ALN 84.027, 84.173, and 84.424 - Special Education Cluster Grants, and Title IV -Grant # 240450, 250450, 250460, 240750, and 250750 - Grants Ending September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2025 Condition and Criteria: 2 CFR 200.430 of the Uniform Guidance mandates that personnel compensation charged to federal awards must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. When an employee works on multiple cost objectives (e.g., multiple awards or activities), this often necessitates the use of personnel activity reports or similar timekeeping documents to accurately allocate salaries and wages. During the audit, we found that proper personnel activity reports were not being maintained for multiple cost objective employees charged to Title IV and to the Special Education Cluster. While we were able to support that the amounts charged to the grants were reasonable, through review of the employee’s Outlook calendars, daily schedules, etc., the documentation required by federal guidance was not available. Effect: The District is not consistently maintaining the required time and effort reporting documentation for employees being charged to federal grants as required. Cause: There has been significant turnover in staffing and management at the District, and the requirements regarding time and effort reporting were not understood by the new Grant's Director. Context: The FER and all final trial balances for the fiscal years included in the grant were reviewed and evaluated in total. Only the ESSER I FER included overages over 10%. Questioned Costs: $0 - While we were able to support that the amounts charged to the grants were reasonable, through review of the employee’s Outlook calendars, daily schedules, etc., the documentation required by federal guidance was not available. Auditors' Recommendation: We recommend that management provide training to all multiple cost objective employees on how to properly document their time and then to implement oversite procedures requiring that those personnel activity reports be submitted to management for review on a monthly basis. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District understands the situation and will ensure that all proper time and effort reporting documentation is maintained moving forward. Please see the attached Corrective Action Plan prepared by the District.
Finding 2025-001: Head Start Cluster Semi-Annual Certification Procedures U.S. Department of Education Type of Finding: Control Pass-through agency: Michigan Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 93.600 Award numbers: 05CH011882-04, 05CH011882-05 Award year ends: November 30, 2024 and November 30, 2025 Specific Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Criteria: Section 200.430 of the Cost Principles of the Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200—Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requires charges to federal award for salaries and wages to be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must (1) be supported by a system of internal controls which provide reasonable assurance that charges are accurate, allowable and properly allocated, (2) reasonably reflect total activity for which the employee is compensated, (3) encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the entity, (4) support the distribution of the employee’s wages among specific cost objectives if the employee works on more than one federal award, (5) be reconciled with payroll budget estimates with necessary adjustments made to accounting records to ensure that excess costs are not charged to federal programs. Appendix B to 2 CFR, Part 225—Selected Items of Cost indicates that where employees are expected to work solely on a single Federal award or cost objective, charges for their salaries and wages will be supported by periodic certifications that the employees worked solely on that program for the period covered by the certification. These certifications will be prepared at least semi-annually and will be signed by the employee or supervisory official having first-hand knowledge of the work performed by the employee. Questioned Costs: None. Condition: During our detailed testing of time-and-effort reporting for the Head Start Cluster programs, we noted that semi-annual certifications were prepared to comply with federal time and effort requirements. However, the reports were not timely prepared or timely reviewed by the program supervisors with documented approval. Context: Thirteen employees working in the federal program were eligible for semi-annual certifications because their payroll costs were fully allocated to a single federal program or cost objective. Separate semi-annual certifications were prepared for each six-month period during the fiscal year. While all certifications contained the proper components, including documented supervisor approval, they inadvertently excluded two eligible employees from each report originally. These reports were later re-prepared to include these two employees, however, they were not prepared timely as the forms were completed and certified at least two months after the six-month period ending dates. The sample was not a statistically valid sample. This appears to be an isolated condition. Effect: Failure to timely prepare and review time-and-effort reporting could allow improper payroll expenses to be charged to the School District’s federal programs. As a result, payroll compensation and fringe benefits charged for these employees could be disallowed, or there could be missed opportunities for reimbursement. Cause: The School District program personnel inadvertently excluded two employees from the list of 100% eligible Head Start employees who are required to complete semi-annual certifications. Although these reports were later fixed, they were not timely reviewed and approved. As a result, semi-annual certifications were not reviewed and approved for these employees during the required timeframes. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The School District should provide training to educate all employees working in federal programs of the requirements for verifying program employee listings are complete under Uniform Guidance, and the School District should require proper time-and-effort documentation to be timely reviewed and approved by the appropriate program supervisor. Views of Responsible Officials: The School District agrees with this finding.
Assistance Listing, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 84.027, 84.173, Department of Education, Special Education Cluster Federal Award Identification Number and Year - 250450 2425, 250493 2425 Pass through Entity - Michigan Department of Education Finding Type - Material weakness Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.430, costs charged to federal awards must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable for the performance of the award. Payroll costs must be supported by appropriate documentation and reflect work performed for the federal program. Condition - The fiscal year 2025 schedule of federal expenditures of federal awards (SEFA) that was initially provided to the auditors included payroll and fringe expenses that were incorrectly coded to the grant. Questioned Costs - None If questioned costs are not determinable, description of why known questioned costs were undetermined or otherwise could not be reported - N/A Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Within the Special Education Cluster, prior to submission of reimbursement requests, three employee's time was coded to the Special Education Cluster when these employees were not eligible to be covered by the grant funds. Additionally, one employees' time that should have been coded to the grant based on qualifications was not coded to the grant. Cause and Effect - Although identified prior to submission of request for reimbursement from the granting agency, the Agency did not perform a timely reconciliation of the listing of grant eligible employees to those employees that were being coded to the Special Education Cluster in the general ledger, causing expenses for the Special Education Cluster to be misstated on the on the draft SEFA initially provided to the auditors. Recommendation - The Agency should put in place processes to ensure that a timely reconciliation of the listing of grant eligible employees to those employees that were being coded to the Special Education Cluster in the general ledger is performed during reviews of each reimbursement request. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - The Agency agrees with the recommendations above and will implement a process to ensure that a reconciliation of the listing of grant eligible employees to those employees that were being coded to the Special Education Cluster in the general ledger is performed.
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY 2025-001 - Allowable Activities/Allowable Costs Federal Program Information: Department of Education: CFDA - 84.010 - Title I Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR 200.303), 2 CFR section 200.430(g). Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Unit’s controls over allowable Activities/Allowable Costs were not working adequately for the payroll process. Cause: The Unit does not have the necessary internal controls over compliance. Effect: The Unit’s inadequate controls over coding enables an inherent risk of noncompliance of allowable activities/allowable costs by allowing employees to be incorrectly paid from the wrong account. Lack of contracts from private school employees creates a risk of supplanting funding rather than supplementing. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: Eighty payroll charges were tested, results are as follows: timesheets do not include the program code or program name the time should be charged to. Unit has to rely on correct input of coding when the employee is set up in the system and external notes for employees who work in more than one program. No additional check and balance was noted and one non Title I employee was incorrectly paid out of the program, which was corrected during audit. Timesheet program did not have the same employment position as the contracted position for two of the employees reviewed, eight of the employees positions were inconsistent on the timesheets. Contracts or form of employment and wage documentation was not required from the private school for the Title I employees which could result in unallowable costs or supplanting private funds with federal funding. Eighty payroll charges were tested. This is not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Unit implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that only Allowable Activities/Allowable Costs are charged to the program. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Maine School Administrative District No. 1.
Finding Number: 2025-001 Finding Type: Immaterial noncompliance and significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance related to allowable costs Information on the Federal Program: Program Name: Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care) (ALN 93.224/93.527) Federal Awards Project Title: Health Center Program Award Period: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025 and June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 Award Number: H80CS00508 Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.430(c)(2), compensation charged to federal awards must comply with the Executive Level II salary limitation established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Salary costs allocated to the Health Center Program may not exceed this cap, and only the allowable portion up to the Executive Level II rate may be charged to the federal award. Condition: During testing of payroll charges, 3 of the 25 employees tested had salary charges which exceeded the Executive Level II cap. Upon further review of the full population, a total of 4 employees were identified whose salary charges to the grant exceeded the cap. Although the Organization calculated the capped allowable salaries for each employee, the allocations entered into the payroll system reflected full gross wages rather than the capped amounts, resulting in the excess salaries. Cause: The Organization did not have a system of internal controls that included verification of accurate entry of salary allocations into the payroll system. Effect: Unallowable salary amounts were initially charged to the grant. However, the Organization was able to identify other allowable expenditures sufficient to support the total amount of grant funds drawn. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Organization update its policies and procedures to include an independent review of payroll allocations entered into the payroll system to ensure they agree to the calculated capped amounts. Additionally, periodic reconciliation of salary charges to the Executive Level II limitation should be performed to prevent similar errors in the future. Views of a Responsible Official and Corrective Action Plan: Management agrees with the finding and will update payroll policies and procedures to include verification of salary allocations charged to federal awards. An independent review process and periodic reconciliations to the Executive Level II limitation will be implemented to prevent recurrence.
Noncompliance with Documentation, Approval, and Time Reporting Requirements for Grant Expenditures Finding Type. Material Noncompliance; Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance (Activities Allowed and Unallowed, and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles) Federal program(s). U.S. Department of Education - Title I, Part A - Improving Basic Programs (ALN 84.010); passed through the Michigan Department of Education; All project numbers. Criteria. Per 2 CFR §200.303, the recipient must establish, document, and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient is managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E, the District is required to ensure that grant funds are used in compliance with regulatory provisions and spent only for the reasonable and necessary costs of the program. Expenditures charged to grants for purchased services should be supported by documents that demonstrate that services were received for the benefit of the program, in accordance with approved agreements with those vendors providing the services. The District should ensure that payment is supported by details of services provided (by whom, when, and how much). Per 2 CFR §200.430, charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Condition. During testing, we identified 1 instance out of 40 disbursement selections tested in which the District was unable to provide supporting documentation for charges incurred under the grant. Additionally, we noted 15 instances out of 40 samples tested where the District could not provide evidence of review and approval for grant expenditures. Finally, we identified 3 instances out of 40 samples tested where the hours reported on timesheets did not agree with the hours charged to the grant. Cause. The District did not have the proper controls in place to ensure that documentation of services provided were being reviewed prior to payment of related invoices. The District also did not maintain a strong system of financial record-keeping during the year which made it difficult for the District to provide invoices in a timely fashion when requested. Finally, the District did not have a system in place to properly review time sheet entry against hours actually charged to the grant. This condition was the result of a lack of internal controls for both payroll and disbursements in place to ensure that expenditures under the grant are independently approved before expenditures are incurred, proper records are maintained and grants are properly charged. Effect. The District’s failure to maintain supporting documentation for certain grant expenditures, provide evidence of review and approval, and accurately report time charged to the grant increases the risk of noncompliance with federal requirements under 2 CFR Part 200. These deficiencies create an increased risk of questioned costs which could ultimately lead to disallowed costs and the potential repayment of grant funds to the granting agency. Additionally, inaccurate reporting and weak internal controls diminish the reliability of financial information submitted to the grantor, reduce accountability, and heighten the risk of errors or fraudulent activity. Questioned Costs: None reported insofar as questioned costs are only required to be disclosed when known or likely questioned costs exceed the threshold of $25,000 established by the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation. We recommend that the District review its written policies and procedures over federal awards to ensure that controls are in place that will require that all expenditures for either payroll or disbursements have the appropriate documentation and evidence of review and approval prior to payment. View of Responsible Officials. The District will review its written policies and procedures over federal awards to ensure that all expenditures have the appropriate documentation and evidence of review and approval prior to payment.
Reference Number: 2025-005 Program Name: Special Education Cluster Description: Allowable Costs Condition: During our testing of six individuals, we noted that the District was unable to demonstrate that the amount of time charged to the grant was supported by adequate documentation for one support staff. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.430(i) requires that the District demonstrate the amount of time charged to the grant is at least the amount of actual time the position worked on the grant’s objectives. Cause: The District was unaware that this position required time and effort documentation. Effect: Without time and effort support for this position, the District may overcharge or undercharge the grant. Questioned Costs: $56,218. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Auditors’ Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the Allowable Costs for IDEA memo released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Views of Responsible Officials: See attachment for District’s corrective action plan.
Finding 2025-001 – Allowable Costs Federal Award & Specific Award Identification U.S. Department of Education Passed through the New York State Department of Education Program Name: Migrant Education – State Grant Program Assistance Listing: 84.011 SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Reporting Criteria The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance, specifically 2 CFR § 200.430(i), requires that charges for salaries and wages to federal awards be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. For employees working on multiple activities, including federal and non-federal projects, time must be supported by Personal Activity Reports (PARs) or other equivalent documentation that accounts for 100% of the employees time. Statement of Condition During our audit, we selected a sample of personnel costs charged to the Migrant Education – State Grant Program. A review of these personnel files revealed that staff members who worked on multiple cost objectives did not have Personnel Activity Reports (PARs) or equivalent documentation. Cause The BOCES lacked adequate internal controls and documented procedures to ensure proper tracking and certification of time spent by employees working on multiple cost objectives. Effect The BOCES is in non-compliance with the Uniform Guidance. Uncertified salary expenses charged to the federal grant may be disallowed by the granting agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs.Context The BOCES employees staff members who were not charged 100% to the grant did not have PARS or other certifications, that accounted for 100% of their time. There have been no previous instances of non-compliance. This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the BOCES establish and implement written policies and procedures for reporting time and effort in compliance with 2 CFR § 200.430. This process should include: •Requiring all employees working on multiple cost objectives to complete and certify PARs or equivalent documentation. •Ensure PARs account for 100% of the employee’s compensated time. •Mandating that PARs or other certifications be prepared and signed at least semi-annually (or monthly, depending on the employee’s schedule). •Reconciling reported time and effort to payroll records. View of Responsible Individuals The BOCES acknowledges that they did not meet the PARS requirement for the Migrant Education – State Grant Program.
Finding 2025-001 – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Identification of the federal program: Health Resources and Services Administration HIV Emergency Relief Project Grants Assistance Listing No. 93.914 Pass Through Numbers Pass Through Entity Grant Period 11987 PREV King County Public Health 3/1/2024–2/28/2025 13548 PREV King County Public Health 3/1/2025–2/28/2026 Location: Virginia Mason Medical Center, Bailey-Boushay House (Bailey-Boushay House) Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation): 2 CFR 200.303 (a) requires that a non-federal entity must “(a) establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should align with the guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” 2 CFR 200.430 (i) states “Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflected the work performed. These records must: (i) be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities; (iv) encompass both federal assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity’s written policy; (v) comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity.” Condition: Bailey-Boushay House did not have effective internal controls addressing the requirements of 2 CFR 200.303(a) and 2 CFR 200.430, including consistent approval of employees’ timecards. Cause: Bailey-Boushay House’s management did not execute their intended corrective action to implement internal controls in response to the prior year finding. Effect or potential effect: Unallowable and/or inaccurate payroll expenditures could be charged to the federal program. Questioned costs: None. Context: For 2 of 8 payroll expenditures selected for testing, Bailey-Boushay House’s management did not properly approve the employee timecard for time charged to the grant. Total payroll expenditures, including fringe benefits, for Bailey-Boushay House were approximately $1.1 million and represent 29% of the total HIV Emergency Relief Project Grants expenditures of approximately $3.8 million. Identification of a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding – Findings 2024-001, 2023-003, 2022-007, and 2021-008. Recommendation: We recommend management at Bailey-Boushay House execute its processes to properly approve all time charged to federal grants in accordance with 2 CFR 200.430. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective action over timecard approval will be implemented in January 2026.
Finding: 2025-001 Time/Salary Allocations (Significant Deficiency) Federal Agency(ies): United States Department of Agriculture Federal Program(s): Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.937 Pass-through Entity (if applicable): N/A Award Identification Number and Year: NR233A750004G045 (2023) Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR §200.430 Compensation—personal services. States; (g) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (vii) Support the distribution of the employee’s salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities, which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: During our audit of CIF’s compensation practices, we noted that salaries and benefits charged to Federal programs were allocated using predetermined estimates rather than contemporaneous records reflecting actual time spent. These allocations were not supported by detailed documentation, such as timekeeping records or personnel activity reports. Cause: CIF has not implemented a system for documenting time and effort in a manner that complies with Federal requirements. The current process relies on estimates rather than actual, verifiable work performed. Effect or Potential Effect: Without accurate and documented time and effort reporting, there is a risk that Federal awards are either overcharged or undercharged for salaries and benefits. This creates the potential for noncompliance with Federal cost principles, and could lead to disallowed costs in the event of a monitoring or program audit. For this program under audit, we identified $522,374 in questioned costs, representing the total amount of unsupported salary charges to this program. Such deficiencies could also impair the Organization's eligibility for future Federal funding. Questioned Costs: $522,374 (all salaries and benefits changed to ALN #10.937) Context: We tested a statistically valid sample of employee salaries charged to Federal awards. The deficiencies noted were consistent across the sample population, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated exceptions. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Yes, repeat of Finding 2024-001Recommendation: We recommend that CIF strengthen its payroll allocation procedures to ensure compliance with 2 CFR §200.430. Specifically, we advise the following steps: 1. Implement Time and Effort Reporting: All employees whose salaries are charged in whole or in part to Federal awards should complete project-specific timesheets that record actual time spent on each cost objective or funding source. 2. Certifications and Approvals: Timesheets should be signed by the employee and reviewed and certified by their direct supervisor to confirm accuracy. 3. Allocate Based on Actual Time: Salaries and benefits should be allocated to funding sources based on the proportion of actual time worked, as indicated in approved timesheets, rather than based on estimates. 4. Incorporate into Internal Controls: These procedures should be incorporated into CIF’s internal control system and formally documented in its accounting policies and procedures manual. 5. Training and Oversight: Staff responsible for managing payroll allocations and Federal reporting should receive training on Federal time and effort requirements. Periodic internal reviews should be conducted to ensure adherence. By implementing these practices, CIF will significantly reduce the risk of questioned costs, improve compliance with Federal grant requirements, and strengthen the reliability of its financial reporting.
Criteria: Under Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.302, §200.303, §200.305, §200.318–§200.326, and §200.430), a non-federal entity must establish, document, and maintain written policies and procedures for the management of federal awards. Effective internal control over federal awards provides reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the awards. Condition: The Town did not have written policies and procedures required by Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) for the administration of its federal programs. Specifically, the Town has not formally documented policies and procedures addressing key areas required under the Uniform Guidance, including but not limited to allowable and unallowable costs and cost principles, procurement standards, suspension and debarment, conflicts of interest, cash management, and reporting and record retention requirements. While informal processes exist, they are not sufficiently documented to ensure consistent application or compliance with federal requirements. Cause: The Town has not developed or formally adopted written federal grant management policies and procedures. Effect: Without formal written policies and procedures, there is an increased risk of noncompliance with federal program requirements. This condition exposes the Town to potential noncompliance with federal regulations, increases the risk of unallowable costs being charged to federal awards, and may affect the Town’s ability to properly administer, monitor, and report federal program activity. Additionally, the lack of documentation may impair continuity of compliance in the event of change in key personnel. Recommendation: The Town should develop, formally adopt, and implement written policies and procedures to comply with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). The policies should address all major compliance areas, including but not limited to allowable and unallowable costs and cost principles, procurement standards, suspension and debarment, conflicts of interest, cash management, and reporting and record retention requirements. The Town should ensure that staff responsible for federal grant administration are properly trained to ensure adherence to these policies and that the policies are reviewed periodically and updated as needed. Views of responsible officials: See management’s responses to findings on Page 78.
Finding 2025-001 – Allowable Costs Federal Award & Specific Award Identification U.S. Department of Education Passed through the New York State Department of Education Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing: 84.027 and 84.173 SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE Reporting Criteria The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance, specifically 2 CFR § 200.430(i), requires that charges for salaries and wages to federal awards be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. For employees working on multiple activities, including federal and non-federal projects, time must be supported by Personal Activity Reports (PARs) or other equivalent documentation that accounts for 100% of the employees time. Statement of Condition During our audit, we selected a sample of personnel costs charged to the Special Education Grant. A review of these personnel files revealed that staff members who worked on multiple cost objectives did not have Personnel Activity Reports (PARs) or equivalent documentation. Cause The District lacked adequate internal controls and documented procedures to ensure proper tracking and certification of time spent by employees working on multiple cost objectives. Effect The District is in non-compliance with the Uniform Guidance. Uncertified salary expenses charged to the federal grant may be disallowed by the granting agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs. Context The District employees staff members who were not charged 100% to the grant and did not have PARS or other certifications, that accounted for 100% of their time. There have been no previous instances of non-compliance. This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the District establish and implement written policies and procedures for reporting time and effort in compliance with 2 CFR § 200.430. This process should include: •Requiring all employees working on multiple cost objectives to complete and certify PARs or equivalent documentation. •Ensure PARs account for 100% of the employee’s compensated time. •Mandating that PARs or other certifications be prepared and signed at least semi-annually (or monthly, depending on the employee’s schedule). •Reconciling reported time and effort to payroll records. View of Responsible Individuals The District acknowledges that they did not meet the PARS requirement for the special education cluster grants.
Finding No. 2025-001 - Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name and Assistance Listing Number: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) - ALN #84.010 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 0021-24-4555 2025 Name of Pass-through Entity: New York State Department of Education Criteria According to 2 CFR, Part 200.430(i)(1) charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the actual work performed, which must, among other things: (i) be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) and reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity. Condition During the year ended June 30, 2025, the Academy had insufficient support for the review and of time and effort spent on the allowable activities related to the Title I grant. Cause Approval signature was not documented on Semi-Annual Time Certification Form. This lack of approval therefore did not demonstrate that any review had been performed over salary allocations using Title I grant revenue. Effect or Potential Effect As a result of the lack of review, the teachers' salaries allocated to the Title I grant may not be accurate. Questioned Costs None Context We selected 8 employees charged to the Title I grant to test for controls over time and effort. The Academy did not have evidence of review of the Title I teachers' time and effort for any of the 8 employees tested. Identification as a Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The School should have written documentation for each teacher's time and effort related to allowable activities for Title I grant. The School should also review this time and effort report on a periodic basis and include a review process to ensure the policy is followed. Reporting Views of Responsible Officials We agree with the finding and will develop and implement procedures to address the finding.
Finding 2025-001 – Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name and Assistance Listing Number: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) - ALN #84.010 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 0000000279-00 12060-20679-2025-82070- 170002 and 2025 Name of Pass-through Entity: Connecticut State Department of Education Criteria According to 2 CFR, Part 200.430(i)(1) charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the actual work performed, which must, among other things: (i) be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) and reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity. Condition During the year ended June 30, 2025, the Academy had insignificant support for the review and of time and effort spent on the allowable activities related to the Title I grant. Cause Approval signature was not documented on Semi-Annual Time Certification Form. This lack of approval therefore did not demonstrate that any review had been performed over salary allocations using Title I grant revenue. Effect of Potential Effect As a result of the lack of review, the teachers' salaries allocated to the Title I grant may not be accurate. Questioned Costs None Context We selected four employees charged to the Title I grant to test for controls over time and effort. The Academy did not have evidence of review of the Title I teachers' time and effort for any of the four employees tested. Identification as a Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The Academy should have written documentation for each teacher's time and effort related to allowable activities for Title I grant. The Academy should also review this time and effort report on a periodic basis and include a review process to ensure the policy is followed. Views of Responsible Officials We agree with the finding and will develop and implement procedures to address the finding.
Finding 2025-001 – Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name & Assistance Listing Number: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) – ALN #84.010 Federal Award Identification Number & Year: 0000000279-00 12060-20679-2025-82070- 170002 and 2025 Name of Pass-through Entity: Connecticut State Department of Education Criteria According to 2 CFR, Part 200.430(i)(1) charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the actual work performed, which must, among other things: (i) be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) and reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity. Condition During the year ended June 30, 2025, the Academy had insufficient support for the review and of time and effort spent on the allowable activities related to the Title I grant. Cause Approval signature was not documented on Semi-Annual Time Certification Form. This lack of approval therefore did not demonstrate that any review had been performed over salary allocations using Title I grant revenue. Effect or Potential Effect As a result of the lack of review, the teachers' salaries allocated to the Title I grant may not be accurate. Questioned Costs None Context We selected four employees charged to the Title I grant to test for controls over time and effort. The Academy did not have evidence of review of the Title I teachers' time and effort for any of the four employees tested. Identification as a Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The Academy should have written documentation for each teacher's time and effort related to allowable activities for Title I grant. The Academy should also review this time and effort report on a periodic basis and include a review process to ensure the policy is followed. Reporting Views of Responsible Officials We agree with the finding and will develop and implement procedures to address the finding.
A. Finding on Internal Control over Compliance Finding Reference: 2025-001 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program: IDEA – Part B, Section 611 (84.027) IDEA – Part B, Section 619 (84.173) Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Type of Finding: a) Significant Deficiencies in Internal Control Over Compliance b) Compliance Finding Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.430(i)(1) of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Grant Guidance, charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed, which must, among other things: a) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; b) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; c) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non- Federal entity; d) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity; e) Support the distribution of the employee’s salary or wages amount specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: District employees whose time was being charged to the grants, who were working both 100% and less than 100% of the time in the federal award program, were required to complete semi-annual or monthly certifications of the percentage of time they worked in each federal award program however, they were not completed timely and not completed by all employees whose time was charged to the grants. In one instance, an employee’s percent of time charged to the grant was greater than the percentage certified. Cause: The School District did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure that the semi-annual or monthly certifications were being completed by each employee working in the federal award programs timely and accurately. Effect: Without adequate internal controls over the employee’s time being charged to the grant and the certification requirement, the School District cannot ensure that federal funds are paid in accordance with allowable costs and the time worked in the grant. Additionally, they cannot easily monitor the amount of funds that can be charged to the grant for salaries and benefits. Payments that do not agree with the time worked are unallowable and subject to recovery by the grantor. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding for IDEA, Section 611 (84.027), Section 619 (84.173) from the immediate previous audit, 2024-001. Questioned Costs: The employees’ certifications in questions were reviewed and after reviewing the allocation of each employees’ time it was determined that the time being charged to the grant was appropriate. Additionally, for the one employee whose time charged to the grant was greater than percent of time certified, we determined that the actual time and effort was greater than that charged to the grant and determined that there were no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the District have proper internal controls in place to ensure that the employees working in the grants are certifying their actual percent of time and effort that is being spent working in the federal award program and completed timely. Monthly certifications should be completed if less than 100% of time is being worked in the federal award program or semiannually if 100% of time is being spent. Internal controls should also be in place to ensure that only those employees who are working in the grant are being charged to the grant. Management Response: The District agrees with the finding and will implement adequate checks and balances to ensure that this problem does not recur. Please refer to the corrective action plan on the following page.
2025-001. Payroll (Allowable Costs/Cost Principles) United States Department of Education, Passed-through New York State Department of Education: Special Education Cluster: Special Education Grants to States: IDEA Part B ALN: 84.027 Special Education Preschool Grants: IDEA Preschool ALN: 84.173 Criteria: Salaries and wages charged to Federal awards must be supported by documentation prescribed by the Uniform Guidance at Subpart I, 2 CFR §200.430, which requires records that accurately reflect the work performed and reasonably support the distribution of compensation among specific activities or cost objectives. Condition: Subpart I, 2 CFR §200.430 of the Uniform Guidance requires that charges to “Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.” The documentation should support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities if the employees work on more than one Federal award, or a Federal award and non-Federal award. The preparation of personnel activity reports (PAR) or periodic certifications or the equivalent is the most effective way to comply with this requirement. During the current year, it was noted that in some instances, the District’s PARs were not signed by the employees. In addition, PARs for employees not charged 100% to a single grant were prepared retrospectively after year end rather than periodically throughout the year. Cause: Employee PAR forms should accurately reflect time and effort, as described in Subpart I, 2 CFR §200.430, to support salaries, and other forms of compensation charged to a federal program. During our audit, based on sample testing and inquiries, we noted the District’s procedures did not require the preparation and review of PARs, or equivalent documentation, on a periodic basis during the year. As a result, time and effort documentation was completed retrospectively after year end rather than contemporaneously with the work performed. Effect: Noncompliance could result in the incorrect amount for services rendered being charged to the Federal awards. Questioned Costs: Dollar amount undetermined as some PARs were not completed timely or signed by the employee. Context: For the Special Education Cluster, based on a sample of five (5) employees, we noted that three (3) of the five (5) PARs were not signed by the employee, and in two (2) instances we noted PARs were distributed only after year end, rather than periodically throughout the year for those employees who are not charged 100% to a grant. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The District should establish procedures to ensure that PARs, or equivalent time-and-effort documentation, are prepared periodically for employees working on multiple cost objectives and comply with the requirements of Subpart I, 2 CFR §200.430 of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, the District should ensure all PAR forms are properly completed, signed by the employee, and subject to timely supervisory review. Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee: The District acknowledges the finding and will enhance its procedures related to federal PARS to ensure that employee’s salary, or other forms of compensation charged to federal awards, are properly signed off by the employee. In addition, the District will implement procedures to ensure that PARs, or equivalent time-and-effort documentation, are prepared more than once throughout the year for employees who are not charged 100% to a single federal grant in compliance with Subpart I, 2 CFR §200.430.
Performance-Based Compensation Requirements Criteria – Performance-based compensation charged to federal awards must be paid in accordance with program requirements and applicable policies. Compensation costs must be reasonable, allocable, and supported by documentation that accurately reflects compensation earned, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.430 and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition – During the testing of performance-based stipends and related benefits to the state assessment results, it was noted that while eligible current employees were paid correctly, two former employees who earned the compensation prior to separation from employment did not receive their earned performance stipends. Cause – The School Board did not have adequate internal controls to ensure that performance-based incentive compensation earned by employees prior to separation was identified, approved, and paid timely. Effect – Earned performance-based compensation was not paid to two former employees, resulting in noncompliance with program requirements and questioned costs. Questioned Costs - $3,761 Recommendation – The School Board should strengthen program oversight to ensure that all employees whether current or former employees receive the earned performance-based stipend.
Finding 2025-002 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Passthrough Entity: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Assistance Listing Number and Federal Program: 84.027 Special Education Grants to States Compliance Requirement: B. Allowable Costs Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.430(g)(1)(i), the District is required to have records that are supported by a system of internal control that provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The District uses semi-annual certifications to determine if the salaries and/or employee benefits of its employees are allowable for the grant. These certifications are to be completed after each semi-annual period by the Special Education program director. These certifications show that the teachers’ time was spent under the Special Education program, and their salaries and benefits are allowable for the Special Education program. Condition: During the course of our audit, we reviewed semi-annual certifications for all teachers whose salaries and/or employee benefits are allocated to the Special Education program, as required. These certifications are used to verify that employees spent all or a portion of their time working on these programs. Per requirements, these certifications should be completed for all teachers whose salaries and/or employee benefits are allocated to the Special Education program. During our testing, we noted that one of the teachers selected for testing was not included on the semi-annual certifications. Cause: There is a lack of oversight in this area. The program director should ensure that applicable teachers have semi-annual certifications completed for their time spent on the Special Education program during each semi-annual period. Also, a second party should be reviewing the signed certifications to ensure the program requirements are followed to avoid any noncompliance issues and consequences. Effect: Semi-annual certifications are listed under the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. In order to apply expenditures to the Special Education program, the program director needs to certify that all teachers whose salaries and/or benefits that are going to be applied to the program are spending all or a portion of their time on that program. Without this certification, it is not clear that the amounts reported as Special Education expenditures are indeed eligible expenditures. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs noted. Perspective Information: This appears to be an isolated problem as further review of the semi-annual certifications show that all other teachers whose salaries and/or employee benefits applied to the Special Education program had semi-annual certifications for their time spent on the program. Identification of Repeat Findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the District implement stronger oversight in this area by assigning a review of the certifications after they are completed. Once the certifications are signed by the program director, they should be forwarded to a second party for their review and signature. This review should occur to ensure each Special Education teacher has a semi-annual certification completed for their time spent on the program. Review of the certifications should also have due dates of twice per year to ensure they are done timely and are not overlooked.
Criteria 2 CFR section 200.430(i), Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, requires: “ (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities; (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity; (vi) [Reserved] (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.” Condition As part of our compliance review over payroll expenditures, we selected samples of payroll expenditures charged to the program and reviewed the supporting documents to ascertain if they were allowable per program regulations, accurately charged to the program, and appropriately supported in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.430(i). Title I: During our review of a sample of thirty (30) payroll expenditures, we noted the following exceptions: 1. One (1) employee’s timesheet reflected an inconsistency between the hours submitted and the records in SAP. The SAP recorded fifty-four (54) regular work hours instead of the accurate sixty (60) regular work hours. The six (6) hours variance was incorrectly classified as full pay illness instead of regular time pay. The District subsequently corrected this discrepancy. 2. One (1) timesheet amounting to $613 was not signed by the employee and contained a supervisor’s signature that was obtained after the submission deadline. Perkins: During our review of a sample of thirty (30) payroll expenditures, we identified three (3) timesheets contained supervisor’s signatures that were obtained after the submission deadline. The total amount of payroll expenditures associated with these exceptions was $20,067. Cause and Effect The discrepancies occurred due to inadequate review and verification of employee timesheets prior to payroll processing, as well as a lack of timely completion of required authorization signatures. Failure to ensure the accuracy and completeness of timesheet records increases the risk of payroll misstatements, improper classification of labor costs, and potential noncompliance with internal control and documentation requirements under Federal grant regulations. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified as a result of the discrepancy in hours reported, as there was no difference in the amount of pay between regular time pay and full pay illness. Likewise, there were no questioned costs related to the missing or untimely signatures on timesheets, as the payroll costs incurred were still considered allowable under the respective programs (Title I and Perkins), despite the timing and documentation issues. Recommendation We recommend that the District strengthen and reinforce internal controls over the preparation, review, and approval of employee timesheets to ensure the accuracy and completeness of payroll records. This should include implementing procedures to reconcile timesheet data with system records (e.g., SAP) prior to payroll processing, ensuring that hours worked and pay classifications are correctly reported. In addition, the District should enforce policies requiring all timesheets to be signed by employees and approved by supervisors prior to the submission deadline. The review and approval process should be adequately documented to provide evidence of compliance with established payroll and Federal grant requirements.
Criteria Per the compliance supplement for the Title I program, “For an employee who works on multiple activities or cost objectives (e.g., in part on a Federal program whose funds have not been consolidated in a consolidated schoolwide pool and in part on Federal programs supported with funds consolidated in a schoolwide pool or on activities that are not part of the same cost objective), an LEA must maintain time and effort distribution records in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.430(i)(1)(vii) that support the portion of time and effort dedicated to: (i)The Federal program or cost objective; and (ii)Each other program or cost objective supported by consolidated Federal funds or other revenue sources. Condition Solen Public School District No. 3 had substitute teachers filling in positions that were not Title-I funded positions but were paid with Title I funds. Questioned Costs $86,171 Cause The District is subject to size and budget constraints. Time and effort for the substitute teachers was recorded using an estimated percentage of their time towards the Title I grant. However, due to the nature of the substitute teacher position, it would be more appropriate to complete daily logs as the day-to-day duties of a substitute teacher and allowable time spent towards a Title I grant would depend on the position that they would be filling each day. Effect The District had unallowable payroll costs charged to the grant. Recommendation We recommend the District track the time and effort of substitute teachers using daily logs. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions This finding was resolved in FY2025 through a joint agreement between the District and NDDPI. The questioned costs of $86,171, that were discovered during a separate NDDPI monitoring process, were all returned to the state before the beginning of the 2025 audit. This issue is resolved. Indication of Repeat Finding This is a new finding in the current year.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 14.239 and 21.027 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Home Investment Partnerships Program and COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Name of Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of the Treasury Name of Pass-Through Entity: Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Criteria or Specific Requirement: Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200 require a nonfederal entity to establish written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct, including procedures to implement the cash management requirements of 2 CFR section 200.305, procedures that comply with the procurement standards of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326, and procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E of 2 CFR Part 200. Specifically, 2 CFR sections 200.430, 200.431, and 200.475 require written policies concerning compensation for personal services, fringe benefits, and travel costs, respectively. Condition: Policies and procedures with requirements in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 for cash management, procurement, compensation, including fringe benefits, and travel were not maintained. Cause: The Agency is not aware of the requirements of Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200 for written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. Effect or Potential Effect: A lack of written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct may result in noncompliance with the requirements of federal programs and/or disallowed costs. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The Agency should become familiar with the requirements of Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200 and establish appropriate written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. Views of Responsible Officials: Management has established written policies and procedures after year end that were the policies and procedures followed during the year under audit and meets the requirements of Subparts D and E of 2 CFR Part 200.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) AL No. 17.258, 17.259, 17.278 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Cluster Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls and Noncompliance over Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles (Payroll) Repeat Finding: No Condition: For 4 of out 40 payroll transactions selected for testing, there was no evidence of supervisory review of costs charged to the program. Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.430: (i) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities; (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-federal entity’s written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-federal entity; and (vi) Support the distribution of the employee’s salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one federal award; a federal award and non-federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. According to AM 413-60, Grant Documentation, Grant Manager/Program Manager/Director conducts ongoing monitoring and control of all reimbursement receipts and deposits until grant ends; as well as all program and sub-recipient (when applicable) documentation, to include: (1) program documentation; (2) timesheets; (3) deliverables; (4) activities; (5) vendor payments; (6) program data/charts/numbers; and (7) financial and compliance report. Cause: The City did not have proper controls in place to ensure that costs charged to federal programs were appropriately reviewed. Effect: Unallowed payroll costs could be charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Recommendation: We recommend the City establish and implement controls to maintain compliance with activities allowed and allowable costs. Auditee Response and Corrective Action Plan: Management agrees with the finding. Refer to the corrective action plan on current findings in Part V of this report. Auditor’s Conclusion: Finding remains as stated.
Finding 2025-001: Direct Costs – Compensation Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services Award Name: High Impact HIV Prevention and Surveillance Programs; Research and Development Assistance Listing Number: 93.940; 93.838 Assistance Listing Title: HIV Prevention Activities Health Department Based; Lung Diseases Research Award Year: 07/1/2024 – 06/30/2025 Award Number: CP4043 and CP5043 (2220536); OT2HL161847-01 Pass-through: Not applicable Criteria 2 CFR part 200.430 addresses compensation charges. The regulations note that compensation charges should be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated and comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonFederal entity. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has implemented an employee time reporting system in which effort is reviewed to ensure the effort charged to the grant is accurate and is based on the actual effort devoted to the various functional and programmatic activities to which the salary and wage costs are charged. Additionally, in order to ensure the effort charged to grants is appropriate, the Hospital has a policy in place that defines the period by which the effort certification process should be complete. Per Hospital policy, the effort reports are required to be completed and certified within 90 days of the reporting period end date, which occurs every quarter. Condition Out of 39 effort reports selected for compensation testing, 3 effort reports were not certified within 90 days of the effort reporting period in accordance with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia policy. Although the effort reports were not certified timely, there were no questioned costs related to the costs charged. Cause The delay in certification was primarily due to personnel not consistently adhering to the established effort reporting framework. There was a lack of awareness regarding deadlines. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs related to this finding as payroll charges were allowable. Effect Effort reports may contain inaccuracies that remain uncorrected for a period of time if effort related to grants is not certified in a timely manner.. Repeat finding in the Prior Year No Recommendation We recommend the Hospital continue to enhance the execution of the effort reporting policy to ensure all effort reports are certified in a timely manner. As part of these enhancements, we recommend additional training for the individuals in the effort reporting process, including notifications of effort reporting deadlines.
Finding 2025-001: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles (Material Weaknesses and Noncompliance) Federal Agency: Department of Commerce Assistance Listing Number and Title: 11.034 - MBDA Capital Readiness Program Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.430, Compensation - personal services, (i) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Among other requirements, these records must: • Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; • Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities; • Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis; and • Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Budget estimates (i.e., estimates determined before the services are performed) alone do not qualify as support for charges to Federal awards, but may be used for interim accounting purposes, provided that the award recipient’s system of internal controls includes processes to review after-the-fact interim charges made to a Federal awards based on budget estimates, and that all necessary adjustments be made such that the final amount charged to the Federal award is accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Condition: For this program, there was no evidence that actual employee time was tracked, reviewed and approved, or that the actual time spent was used as a basis for allocating personnel charges to the grant before payroll period ending February 28, 2025. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For our direct labor allowable costs sample, management was unable to provide attestations of timesheets or other effort tracking for all payroll expenditure selections before payroll period ending February 28, 2025, totaling $66,474 (20 of 25 selections). There was no evidence that a subsequent review of budget estimates was performed for all the impacted selections. Cause: Before payroll period ending February 28, 2025, policies and procedures did not require documented timekeeping by employees working on the grant program, which is appropriately reviewed, approved and used as a basis for charges to the grant. Effect: Personnel costs charged to federal awards without appropriate documentation may be subject to disallowance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Policies and procedures should be implemented to ensure that employee timekeeping, as well as the salary and wage allocations to the grant, are appropriately documented and accurately reflect the work performed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management notes the details of this finding and the resulting material weakness. Management implemented processes and controls outlined in our Corrective Action Plan to correct this deficiency before payroll period ending February 28, 2025.
Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance for Allowable Costs/Cost Principles U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Social Services Block Grant AL #93.667 Award #: 2401NETANF, 2501NETANF Criteria: 2 CFR 200.430(g) requires that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal control that provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; and be incorporated into the official records of the recipient or subrecipient. Condition: The Organization did not maintain documentation to support payroll timesheet approvals. Cause: During the year, the Organization switched payroll systems. After the switch, the Organization was not able to obtain historical records which included time sheet approval for payroll charged to the award during the year. Policies and procedures were not sufficiently designed to ensure timecard approval reports were retained. Effect or Potential Effect: The Organization did not maintain full documentation to support payroll costs allocated to the grant which may be inaccurate, unallowable, or unsupported. Questioned Costs: None Context: A nonstatistical sample of 6 payroll transactions out of a population of 24 pay periods during the year were reviewed. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Management should implement policies and procedures to ensure payroll timecard approval reports are saved.Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees with this finding. During the year, the Organization switched payroll systems and in the process of the switch, the Organization did not realize that documentation for payroll timecard approval would not be able to be accessed after the transition. Going forward, payroll procedures will be updated to incorporate this process and the Organization will maintain documentation of payroll timecard approval to support payroll amounts allocated to the federal award.
Finding 2025-002: Significant Deficiency – Error in Payroll Charge Federal Program: Research & Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 12.630, Award Number: W911NF-16-2-0092 U.S. Army Research Institute - Basic, Applied and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering Grant Year: 2025 Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.430(g), charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal control that provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Condition: During testing of payroll charges to the federal awards, we identified an overcharge resulting from an error in the allocation of one employee’s time. The employee’s payroll was charged to the grant for hours that were not supported by time and effort documentation. Context: The Consortium implemented a new payroll and time keeping system during 2025 and was unaware that employees could amend their time after the cost was posted. Effect: The federal award was overcharged by $1,387. Cause: An employee adjusted their allocation of hours subsequent to the posting of the expense to the cost center. The finance department was unaware that this had occurred. Questioned costs: $1,387. Perspective: Statistical sampling was not used, however, samples were determined using AICPA approved guidelines. Repeat finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The Consortium should remit payment to the agency in the amount of $1,387 and adjust the settings in the timekeeping module to not allow adjustments after time has been posted. Management’s response (unaudited): See Management’s Corrective Action Plan.
Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Compliance Requirement: Internal Controls (2 CFR §200.303) Criteria: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.303) requires non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards, including policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable Federal requirements. Condition: The Organization does not maintain formal, written policies and procedures addressing key Uniform Guidance compliance areas, including compensation and fringe benefits (2 CFR §200.430-§200.431). While certain procedures are performed in practice, controls are informal and not documented. Cause: Due to the Organization’s size and reliance on informal processes, management has not formalized compliance procedures into written policies. Effect: The absence of written policies increases the risk that Uniform Guidance requirements may be applied inconsistently, particularly in the event of staff turnover, and increases the likelihood that noncompliance may occur and not be detected timely. Questioned Costs: None. Statistical Sampling: Not applicable. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization update the accounting policy manual to include written policies surrounding compensation and fringe benefits in accordance with Uniform Guidance. Organization’s Response: The Organization’s response is included in their corrective plan.
Finding Number: 2025-003 Federal Program: Title I Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2025 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 84.010A Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding: No Material Weakness/Material Noncompliance – Payroll Expenses Criteria: Uniform Guidance §200.430(i)(1) requires that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed and be supported by a system of internal controls providing reasonable assurance that charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Additionally, Title I, Part A funds may only be used for allowable costs that directly support eligible Title I activities in accordance with the approved application and applicable cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E.Finding Number: 2025-003 (Continued) Material Weakness/Material Noncompliance – Payroll Expenses (Continued) Condition/Context: During testing of payroll expenditures, we noted the following issues: • Unallowable disbursements were made for athletic supplemental salaries for two employees, resulting in questioned costs of $20,751. • One employee was paid for committee meetings at an incorrect pay rate, resulting in questioned costs of $45. • One employee was paid at the incorrect pay rate due to being placed on the incorrect salary step schedule, resulting in questioned costs of $6,583. • One employee whose salary was approved to be allocated between Title I and the General fund, however the actual allocation did not match the approved allocation. This issue resulted in questioned costs of $1,699. Questioned Costs: In our testing we identified total known questioned costs of $29,078 and projected questioned costs of $105,870. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: Questions costs were computed by comparing the actual recorded value to the calculated audit value and identifying the known questioned costs. The known costs were used to calculate the percentage of the total recorded amounts impacted in testing and applied to the remaining untested population to identify the projected questioned costs. Effect: Payments of salaries resulted in identified questioned costs that were improperly charged to federal funds. The School District’s internal controls related to the review and approval of the respective expenditures failed to prevent or detect the payments being improperly charged. Recommendation: We recommend the School District implement procedures to ensure expenditures are for allowable purposes prior to disbursement. Management should implement steps for review and approval of all grant related disbursements. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Federal programs Research and Development Cluster – National Institutes of Health – Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs AL #: 93.279 Award Year: 2024/2025 Type of finding Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance Compliance requirement Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Criteria Under 2 CFR section 200.430(i), costs of compensation for personal services are allowable to the extent the total compensation for individual employees is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policies and practices, follows an appointment made in accordance with non-federal entities rules and written policies, and is determined and supported as provided in 2 CFR section 200.430(i), including that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Condition We noted one out of forty judgmentally selected payroll transactions included cost for an employee that did not relate to services performed in relation to the grant. Questioned costs $625 Context A portion of an employee’s benefits was improperly charged to the grant. Cause When the University changed their timekeeping platform an academic affairs employees’ compensation was improperly set up in the system which incorrectly allocated their vacation time to this grant. Effect The employee’s vacation time that occurred after the change in the University’s timekeeping platform in March 2025 until the discovery after year end was incorrectly included as compensation and benefits expense within the grant. Repeat finding No Recommendations We recommend that the University ensure controls are in place to adequately review all benefits pay charged to grants to ensure appropriate. View of responsible officials To safeguard from future errors and ensure data accuracy, Human Resources partnered with Enterprise Application Services department to develop an automated process that populates earnings codes and project account codes based on employee, job record and earnings code. This enhancement streamlines data entry by consolidating it into a single interface, reducing the risk of manual entry errors. Additionally, the HR Technology Manager has implemented a new monitoring report to track employees with multiple salary distribution accounts as a part of payroll process. The biweekly report will be automatically generated and sent via email to HR’s HRIS Consultants for review. The HRIS Consultants will analyze the report, resolve any discrepancies and escalate any issues to the HR Technology Manager or Lead Application Consultant as necessary. These processes will be routinely reviewed, with adjustments made as needed.
Item 2025-005 - Activities Allowed and Unallowed Costs - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Center Program Cluster (Assistance Listing Number 93.224/93.527) Notice of Award Number 6 H80CS00505-23-04, 6 H2ECS45602-02-04, 1 H8LCS50772-01-00 and 6 H8HCS46163-03-01 - (Material Weakness) Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.430(i) - Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, reflect actual time worked on specific federal programs and be incorporated into the official records of the non-federal entity. Statement of Condition: During our audit, we noted that LBUCC charged salaries to the Section 330 grant based on pre-determined allocations or budget rather than actual hours worked. LBUCC utilized timesheets that reflect the allocations as its time and effort documentation. Cause: LBUCC has not implemented a time and effort reporting system that captures actual hours worked on federal programs. Effect: Failure to maintain and monitor time and effort based on actual hours worked may lead to disallowed costs. Questioned Costs: None. Although salaries charged were based on allocations or budget, we determined that only one employee was charged to two grant-funded programs during one pay period. All other employees’ salaries were charged to one grant-funded program for each pay period during the year. For the employee whose salary was charged to more than one grant-funded program, we verified that the total of the employee’s salaries charged to each grant-funded program did not exceed 100% of her total salaries for the pay period. Context: LBUCC’s management meets monthly to discuss if the budgeted or allocated salaries per program for the month was reflective of actual hours worked. During this discussion, management ascertains if there is a need to adjust the budgeted or allocated salaries. However, this discussion and the approval of the final budget or salaries is not documented. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that LBUCC implement a time and effort reporting system that tracks actual hours worked on each program or grant. We recommend that they require supervisors to review and approve the actual time spent on grant activities and that such review and approval be documented. Management Response: Management agrees with the finding and will implement these steps to ensure compliance with the federal cost principles, strengthen internal controls, and reduce the risk of questioned costs.
. Finding 2025-004 (Material Weakness) Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury AL #: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various – See SEFA Pass-through Entity: N/A Type of Compliance Finding: A) Activities Allowed or Unallowed and B) Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Criteria Recipients may use SLFRF payments for any eligible expenses subject to the restrictions set forth in sections 602 / 603 of the Social Security Act as added by section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, codified at 42 USC sections 802 and 803, and as amended by the 2023 CAA. Per 2 CFR 200.430(g)(1) Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must (i) be supported by a system of internal control that provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated and (vi) support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one federal award. Condition Management did not provide sufficient evidence to support the charges for salaries and wages for five of the seven employee samples who work solely on one cost objective or multiple cost objectives. Cause Management does not have controls and processes in place to ensure that required documentation is maintained to support federal award charges for salaries and wages. Effect Unallowable salary expenses were charged to the federal award, which could result in the City not receiving federal assistance or repayment of grant funds. Questioned Costs $11,480 Context The total salaries and wages were $1,036,364 and likely questioned costs are $252,797. Is the finding a repeat finding No Recommendations We recommend management establish a process to ensure required documentation is maintained to support federal award salaries and wages. Views of Responsible Officials/ Planned Corrective Actions Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan on Organization’s letterhead.
2025-002 - Lack of Written Federal Program Policies. Type: Material Weakness. Condition: The Village does not have documented policies and procedures specific to the administration of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. This includes the absence of written guidance on key compliance areas such as payments, procurement, allowability of costs charged to federal programs, compensation, and travel costs under Uniform Guidance. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.303 and 200.331 of the Uniform Guidance, non-federal entities are required to establish and maintain effective internal controls and written policies to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. These policies should be tailored to the specific requirements of each federal program. Cause: The entity has not developed formal written policies and procedures for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, possibly due to reliance on informal practices or general administrative policies that do not address federal-specific requirements. Effect: Without documented policies, there is an increased risk of noncompliance with federal requirements, inconsistent program administration, and lack of accountability. This may result in questioned costs, audit findings, or potential repayment of federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend that the Village develop and implement written policies and procedures specific to the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. These should include: - Payments in accordance with §200.302 (6), - Procurement in accordance with §200.318, - Allowability of costs charged to federal programs in accordance with §200.302 (7), - Compensation in accordance with §200.430 and §200.431, - Travel costs in accordance with §200.474. Training should also be provided to staff responsible for administering the program to ensure consistent application of these policies. Views of Responsible Officials: Management acknowledges the auditor’s finding regarding the absence of formally documented federal program policies. We recognize the importance of maintaining written procedures to ensure consistent compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements and to strengthen internal controls over federal awards. While informal practices have historically guided our federal program administration, we agree that formalizing these policies will enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. Management is currently in the process of developing written policies covering key areas such as procurement, allowable costs, subrecipient monitoring, and cash management. We anticipate completing this documentation and implementing the policies by February 28, 2026. We are committed to continuous improvement and appreciate the auditor’s recommendations as part of our efforts to maintain strong compliance and stewardship of federal funds.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
2 CFR §2400.101 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2 CFR §200.303(a) which states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.430(i)(1)(i) states "charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must be supported by a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. The “City of Columbus Fiscal Policies and Procedures for the Administration of HUD Grants Manual” Part II Section C – Standards for Documentation of Personal Services provides the following: All grant funded staff (both city staff and subrecipient staff) will utilize personal activity reports (timesheets). All timesheets will reflect total hours worked, identify the federal grant hours worked, and be signed by either the employee or the supervisor. Furthermore, the City of Columbus Department of Development has established a procedure of timesheet review which requires supervisors review employee timesheets within one week of the pay period end date. This review is evidenced by an electronic signature on the employee-completed timesheet.While the City does have an internal control policy in place in accordance with 2 CFR 430(i)(1)(i), supervisors were not always adhering to the policy which resulted in a deficiency in the application of the control process. During payroll control testing over AL #14.239 Home Investment Partnership Program, it was noted 3 out of the 5 selected worklogs (60%) were not signed by the supervisor within the one-week requirement as required by City policy. Supervisory sign offs occurred between 12 and 32 working days (not including weekends) following the end of the pay period.Failure to follow the established internal control policy and ensuring all time sheets are appropriately approved by a knowledgeable supervisor, within one week of the pay period end date, could result in unallowable costs being allocated to a federal program and could ultimately result in noncompliance and/or a questioned cost. The City should review established policies and procedures with supervisory personnel and evaluate if additional control procedures should be in place to ensure all timesheets are appropriately reviewed timely prior to allocation to a federal program.
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1635.4(a) and 2 CFR 200.430), state that federal award recipients must base allocations of salaries and wages costs to grants on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.5 and 2 CFR 200.403) state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities. Condition: During our testing we noted: Payroll transactions: Eleven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $2,009 (an absolute value amount of $2,009) where the incorrect percentages were utilized in the allocation of the employee's pay, the incorrect employee's time was used in the allocation of the employee's pay, or there were unsupported amounts added to the allocation of the employee’s pay, and Payroll transactions: Seven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $109 (an absolute value amount of $4,405) where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate the employee's pay to the grant - typically, employee salaries are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of an error totaling $91 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate employer-paid employee insurance costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of errors totaling $275 where employer-paid employee insurance and HSA contribution deductions per the employee's pay stub were allocated to the grant at a rate of 100%. Non-payroll and fringe transactions: one instance of an error totaling $884 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate general costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Additionally, we noted inconsistency in the general fund (LSC and two other private grants) allocation basis used during the year - grant hours and projected revenue were both utilized at different times during the year. Additionally, we noted that allocations in the general fund are done using projected revenue. However as revenue was recognized as expenses were incurred for the general fund the allocation based on revenue approximated an allocation method based on costs. As such, the costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant costs and were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort. However, we noted a lower frequency of differences in sample selections that occurred during the last several months of the year after management implemented a change to its allocation processes in response to the prior year audit. 2024 – 002: Cost Allocation of Expenses to LSC Grants (Continued) Questioned Costs: A net amount of $3,150 of allocated salary expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 09.706060. Context: These 23 instances were noting during testing of 55 disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records, and periodic calculations of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records, expense and other data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities and in a manner where costs are not applied uniformly to both LSC (or, federally)-funded and non-LSC (of, federally) -funded activities. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of findings in the immediately prior year. The prior year finding numbers were 2023-003 and 2023-004. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities, and that are reflective on employees’ time and effort records Views of responsible officials: Management partially agrees with this finding. First, 45 CFR Part 1635 codifies the timekeeping requirement. CLS keeps track of every case and time dedicated by staff in strict compliance with this requirement. Additionally, the distribution of expenses in the general fund, which includes LSC and two other funding sources, represents a fair method and allocation. Regarding the questioned costs, CLS disagrees with the finding of material weakness given the extremely low total dollar value. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities.
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1635.4(a) and 2 CFR 200.430), state that federal award recipients must base allocations of salaries and wages costs to grants on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.5 and 2 CFR 200.403) state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities. Condition: During our testing we noted: Payroll transactions: Eleven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $2,009 (an absolute value amount of $2,009) where the incorrect percentages were utilized in the allocation of the employee's pay, the incorrect employee's time was used in the allocation of the employee's pay, or there were unsupported amounts added to the allocation of the employee’s pay, and Payroll transactions: Seven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $109 (an absolute value amount of $4,405) where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate the employee's pay to the grant - typically, employee salaries are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of an error totaling $91 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate employer-paid employee insurance costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of errors totaling $275 where employer-paid employee insurance and HSA contribution deductions per the employee's pay stub were allocated to the grant at a rate of 100%. Non-payroll and fringe transactions: one instance of an error totaling $884 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate general costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Additionally, we noted inconsistency in the general fund (LSC and two other private grants) allocation basis used during the year - grant hours and projected revenue were both utilized at different times during the year. Additionally, we noted that allocations in the general fund are done using projected revenue. However as revenue was recognized as expenses were incurred for the general fund the allocation based on revenue approximated an allocation method based on costs. As such, the costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant costs and were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort. However, we noted a lower frequency of differences in sample selections that occurred during the last several months of the year after management implemented a change to its allocation processes in response to the prior year audit. 2024 – 002: Cost Allocation of Expenses to LSC Grants (Continued) Questioned Costs: A net amount of $3,150 of allocated salary expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 09.706060. Context: These 23 instances were noting during testing of 55 disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records, and periodic calculations of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records, expense and other data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities and in a manner where costs are not applied uniformly to both LSC (or, federally)-funded and non-LSC (of, federally) -funded activities. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of findings in the immediately prior year. The prior year finding numbers were 2023-003 and 2023-004. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities, and that are reflective on employees’ time and effort records Views of responsible officials: Management partially agrees with this finding. First, 45 CFR Part 1635 codifies the timekeeping requirement. CLS keeps track of every case and time dedicated by staff in strict compliance with this requirement. Additionally, the distribution of expenses in the general fund, which includes LSC and two other funding sources, represents a fair method and allocation. Regarding the questioned costs, CLS disagrees with the finding of material weakness given the extremely low total dollar value. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities.
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1635.4(a) and 2 CFR 200.430), state that federal award recipients must base allocations of salaries and wages costs to grants on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.5 and 2 CFR 200.403) state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities. Condition: During our testing we noted: Payroll transactions: Eleven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $2,009 (an absolute value amount of $2,009) where the incorrect percentages were utilized in the allocation of the employee's pay, the incorrect employee's time was used in the allocation of the employee's pay, or there were unsupported amounts added to the allocation of the employee’s pay, and Payroll transactions: Seven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $109 (an absolute value amount of $4,405) where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate the employee's pay to the grant - typically, employee salaries are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of an error totaling $91 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate employer-paid employee insurance costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of errors totaling $275 where employer-paid employee insurance and HSA contribution deductions per the employee's pay stub were allocated to the grant at a rate of 100%. Non-payroll and fringe transactions: one instance of an error totaling $884 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate general costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Additionally, we noted inconsistency in the general fund (LSC and two other private grants) allocation basis used during the year - grant hours and projected revenue were both utilized at different times during the year. Additionally, we noted that allocations in the general fund are done using projected revenue. However as revenue was recognized as expenses were incurred for the general fund the allocation based on revenue approximated an allocation method based on costs. As such, the costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant costs and were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort. However, we noted a lower frequency of differences in sample selections that occurred during the last several months of the year after management implemented a change to its allocation processes in response to the prior year audit. 2024 – 002: Cost Allocation of Expenses to LSC Grants (Continued) Questioned Costs: A net amount of $3,150 of allocated salary expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 09.706060. Context: These 23 instances were noting during testing of 55 disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records, and periodic calculations of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records, expense and other data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities and in a manner where costs are not applied uniformly to both LSC (or, federally)-funded and non-LSC (of, federally) -funded activities. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of findings in the immediately prior year. The prior year finding numbers were 2023-003 and 2023-004. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities, and that are reflective on employees’ time and effort records Views of responsible officials: Management partially agrees with this finding. First, 45 CFR Part 1635 codifies the timekeeping requirement. CLS keeps track of every case and time dedicated by staff in strict compliance with this requirement. Additionally, the distribution of expenses in the general fund, which includes LSC and two other funding sources, represents a fair method and allocation. Regarding the questioned costs, CLS disagrees with the finding of material weakness given the extremely low total dollar value. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities.
Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance and noncompliance related to allowable costs/cost principles compliance requirements. Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Pass-Through Entity: City and County of Denver Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Number: 202474319 Criteria Nonfederal entities must follow the standards for documentation of personnel expenses set out at 2 CFR section 200.430(i). Under those standards, charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Additionally, those standards require that the records a) reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities; b) support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity; and c) budget estimates (i.e., estimates determined before the services are performed) alone do not qualify as support for charges to Federal awards. Budget estimates may be used for interim account purposes, provided that a) The system for establishing the estimates produces reasonable approximations of the activity performed; b) significant changes in the related work activity (as defined by the recipient's or subrecipient's written policies) are promptly identified and entered into the records. Short-term (such as one or two months) fluctuations between workload categories do not need to be considered as long as the distribution of salaries and wages is reasonable over the longer term; and c) the recipient's or subrecipient's system of internal controls includes processes to perform periodic after-the-fact reviews of interim charges made to a Federal award based on budget estimates. All necessary adjustments must be made so that the final amount charged to the Federal award is accurate, allowable, and properly allocated Condition and Context The Organization maintains a timekeeping and payroll system for charges to federal awards that documents approved wage and salary rates, time and effort certification, hours, and actual amounts paid to employees. The Organization is allocating payroll costs to federal programs for individual employees using budget estimates of time and effort on different activities. The Organization maintains after-the-fact review documentation of time spent for each employee to support the allocation in the form of “Time and Effort” certifications that are signed by all employees and supervisors to verify actual time spent on major program. During our testing we noted two pay-periods for one employee where the Organization did not maintain the “Time and Effort” certification. Section III - Reportable Findings and Questioned Costs for Federal Awards Cause The Organization’s management noted that the missing certifications were due to the employee leaving employment before the certifications were completed for the two pay periods. The Organization did not have a process in place to ensure alternate certification documentation was created and retained in the situation of terminated employees. Effect The effect is that the Organization is not in compliance with the requirements of 2 CFR section 200.430(i) for the two pay periods for this employee. For two pay-periods for one employee the payroll costs charged to the major program were not supported by documentation of after-the-fact review evidencing that those costs reasonably reflect the work actually performed on the activity. Questioned Costs The expenditures for the two pay periods for the one employee totaled of $8,846. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend management update its internal control process for employees who depart or are unable to certify their timesheets to ensure all time spent on federal programs is certified by employees and their supervisors. Views of Responsible Official and Corrective Action Plan Management agrees with the finding and has provided the accompanying corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-002 Payroll Information on the Federal Programs: 93.421 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Per 2 CFR 200.430(i) of the Uniform Guidance, charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must support the distribution of employees’ salaries among specific activities or cost objectives as required. Condition: During our review of payroll charges to Federal awards, we noted that BCHC did not use timesheets from January 2024 to August 2024 and recorded salaries based on budgeted allocations. In August 2024, timesheets were implemented but we noted that the time recorded in the general ledger did not coincide with the allocation on the actual timesheets. Cause: BCHC relied on predetermined budget estimates for payroll allocation rather than using timesheets that reflected actual hours worked. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a risk that payroll costs charged to Federal programs may not accurately represent the true level of effort, potentially resulting in unallowable costs being charged to Federal awards. Questioned Costs: Indeterminate-The questioned costs relate to salary and wage expenditures charged to Federal programs without the required time and effort documentation in accordance with 2 CFR §200.430. Specifically, employees whose compensation was allocated to Federal awards did not maintain timesheets or equivalent records reflecting actual time worked on specific Federal activities. Due to the absence of these records, we were unable to determine the portion of personnel costs that may be unallowable under Uniform Guidance. Accordingly, the questioned costs are considered indeterminate. Context: We sampled 40 payroll transactions. All transactions were based on budgeted amounts. This issue was observed across all departments receiving Federal funds. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable Recommendation: While BCHC now maintains timesheets, we recommend ensuring that payroll costs charged to Federal awards are based on the actual time recorded, rather than budgeted estimates. The timesheet data should be used to support allocations in accordance with Uniform Guidance, and adjustments should be made as needed to reflect the actual effort expended on Federal programs.