Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Immaterial Instance of Noncompliance2022-009 Department of EducationFederal Financial Assistance Listing/CFDA Number 84.425Education Stabilization FundAllowable Costs/Activities Allowed or UnallowedCriteria ? A good system of internal control includes an adequate system for ensuring allexpenditures are properly recorded and allowable under the related federal grant in accordancewith 2 CFR 200.430(i).Condition ? In our testing of allowable costs and activities we noted four instances ofexpenditures that were not COVID related and therefore not allowable under the terms of thegrant.Cause ? Procedures are not in place to adequately identify unallowable costs or activities.Effect ? A lack of internal controls over allowable costs and activities could result in improperuse of federal funds and non-compliance with the provisions of applicable grant requirements.Questioned Costs ? $27,110Context/Sampling ? A nonstatistical sample of 60 transactions out of 994 total transactions wereselected for testing, which accounted for $833,248 of $1,232,609 of federal programexpenditures.Repeat Finding from Prior Years ? No.Recommendation ? The School should review internal control procedures to ensure federalexpenditures are being properly reviewed for unallowable costs and activities.Views of Responsible Officials ? There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Reference Number: 2022-006Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentFederal Program: CDBG Entitlement Grant ClusterAssistance Listing Number: 14.218Award Number and Period: B-21-UC-24-0011, B-20-UW-24-0011Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost PrinciplesType of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance - 2 CFR Section 200.430 (8)(i) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses states that: Charge to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect work performed. These records must:(i) Be supported by a system of internal controls 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) Support the distribution of the employee's salary and 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.Control - Per 2 CDF 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish an 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 statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. These internal controls should comply with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework", issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Condition:Time and Effort Certifications were not documented in accordance with federal requirements. The County was unable to provide adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the federal program for 5 of 40 time and effort certifications tested.Cause:The County did not have adequate controls to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Questioned Costs:$3,494Recommendation:The County should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The County should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of Responsible Officials:See separate Correction Action Plan related to this finding.
Reference Number: 2022-006Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentFederal Program: CDBG Entitlement Grant ClusterAssistance Listing Number: 14.218Award Number and Period: B-21-UC-24-0011, B-20-UW-24-0011Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost PrinciplesType of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance - 2 CFR Section 200.430 (8)(i) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses states that: Charge to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect work performed. These records must:(i) Be supported by a system of internal controls 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) Support the distribution of the employee's salary and 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.Control - Per 2 CDF 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish an 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 statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. These internal controls should comply with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework", issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Condition:Time and Effort Certifications were not documented in accordance with federal requirements. The County was unable to provide adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the federal program for 5 of 40 time and effort certifications tested.Cause:The County did not have adequate controls to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Questioned Costs:$3,494Recommendation:The County should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The County should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of Responsible Officials:See separate Correction Action Plan related to this finding.
Reference Number: 2022-007Federal Agency: U.S. Department of TreasuryFederal Program: COVID-19-Emergency Rental AssistanceAssistance Listing Number: 21.023Award Number and Year: 2021Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost PrinciplesType of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance - 2 CFR Section 200.430 (8)(i) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses states that: Charge to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect work performed. These records must:(i) Be supported by a system of internal controls 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) Support the distribution of the employee's salary and 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.Control - Per 2 CDF 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish an 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 statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. These internal controls should comply with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework", issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Condition:Time and Effort Certifications were not documented in accordance with federal requirements. The County was unable to provide adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the federal program for 2 of 60 time and effort certifications tested.Cause:The County did not have adequate controls to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Questioned Costs:$38Recommendation:The County should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The County should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of Responsible Officials:See separate Correction Action Plan related to this finding.
Reference Number: 2022-008Federal Agency: U.S. Department of TreasuryFederal Program: COVID-19 ? Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery FundsAssistance Listing Number: 21.027Award Number and Year: 2021Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost PrinciplesType of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance - 2 CFR Section 200.430 (8)(i) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses states that: Charge to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect work performed. These records must:(i) Be supported by a system of internal controls 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) Support the distribution of the employee's salary and 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.Control - Per 2 CDF 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish an 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 statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. These internal controls should comply with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework", issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Condition:Time and Effort Certifications were not documented in accordance with federal requirements. The County was unable to provide adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the federal program for 7 of 60 time and effort certifications tested.Cause:The County did not have adequate controls to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Questioned Costs:$465Recommendation:The County should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The County should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of Responsible Officials:See separate Correction Action Plan related to this finding.
Reference Number: 2022-008Federal Agency: U.S. Department of TreasuryFederal Program: COVID-19 ? Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery FundsAssistance Listing Number: 21.027Award Number and Year: 2021Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost PrinciplesType of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance - 2 CFR Section 200.430 (8)(i) Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses states that: Charge to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect work performed. These records must:(i) Be supported by a system of internal controls 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) Support the distribution of the employee's salary and 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.Control - Per 2 CDF 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish an 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 statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. These internal controls should comply with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework", issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Condition:Time and Effort Certifications were not documented in accordance with federal requirements. The County was unable to provide adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the federal program for 7 of 60 time and effort certifications tested.Cause:The County did not have adequate controls to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Questioned Costs:$465Recommendation:The County should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The County should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of Responsible Officials:See separate Correction Action Plan related to this finding.
Reference Number:2022-011Prior Year Finding:NoFederal Agency:U.S. Department of EducationState Agency:Department of CorrectionsFederal Program:Special Education Cluster IDEAAssistance Listing Number:84.027 and 84.173Award Number and Year:H027A200100 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A200100-20A (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027A2100100-21A (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027X210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173A200114 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H173A210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173X210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2021)Compliance Requirement:Allowable Costs/Cost Principles ? Time and Effort ReportingType of Finding:Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance ? Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (a), costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of this part, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the non-Federal entity consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a non-Federal entity's laws or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (i), 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,? Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity,? 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, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy,? Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity,? Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or costobjectives 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.Control ? Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a 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 comply 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).Condition:The Department of Corrections (Department) did not maintain adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the program. An employee?s timesheet was not approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Context:The Department was unable to provide documentation that one of forty employee timesheets selected for testing had been approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Questioned costs:None noted.Cause:Controls were not operating effectively to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Recommendation:The Department should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The Department should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of responsible officials:The Department of Corrections (DOC) held a meeting on March 22, 2023 with the Supervisors of Education where the importance of reviewing and approving all timesheets was reinforced. Staff were also informed and reminded of progressive discipline for future instances of timesheet approval omissions. DOC also plans to distribute a memorandum to all Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors of Education in an effort to ensure that proper controls are implemented for timely supervisory review and approvals of timesheets as required. Supervisors were also instructed to substantiate via email that timesheet approval, in their absence, will be approved by DOC Administration at their facility.
Reference Number:2022-011Prior Year Finding:NoFederal Agency:U.S. Department of EducationState Agency:Department of CorrectionsFederal Program:Special Education Cluster IDEAAssistance Listing Number:84.027 and 84.173Award Number and Year:H027A200100 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A200100-20A (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027A2100100-21A (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027X210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173A200114 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H173A210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173X210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2021)Compliance Requirement:Allowable Costs/Cost Principles ? Time and Effort ReportingType of Finding:Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance ? Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (a), costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of this part, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the non-Federal entity consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a non-Federal entity's laws or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (i), 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,? Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity,? 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, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy,? Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity,? Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or costobjectives 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.Control ? Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a 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 comply 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).Condition:The Department of Corrections (Department) did not maintain adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the program. An employee?s timesheet was not approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Context:The Department was unable to provide documentation that one of forty employee timesheets selected for testing had been approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Questioned costs:None noted.Cause:Controls were not operating effectively to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Recommendation:The Department should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The Department should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of responsible officials:The Department of Corrections (DOC) held a meeting on March 22, 2023 with the Supervisors of Education where the importance of reviewing and approving all timesheets was reinforced. Staff were also informed and reminded of progressive discipline for future instances of timesheet approval omissions. DOC also plans to distribute a memorandum to all Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors of Education in an effort to ensure that proper controls are implemented for timely supervisory review and approvals of timesheets as required. Supervisors were also instructed to substantiate via email that timesheet approval, in their absence, will be approved by DOC Administration at their facility.
Reference Number:2022-011Prior Year Finding:NoFederal Agency:U.S. Department of EducationState Agency:Department of CorrectionsFederal Program:Special Education Cluster IDEAAssistance Listing Number:84.027 and 84.173Award Number and Year:H027A200100 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A200100-20A (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027A2100100-21A (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027X210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173A200114 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H173A210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173X210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2021)Compliance Requirement:Allowable Costs/Cost Principles ? Time and Effort ReportingType of Finding:Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance ? Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (a), costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of this part, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the non-Federal entity consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a non-Federal entity's laws or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (i), 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,? Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity,? 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, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy,? Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity,? Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or costobjectives 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.Control ? Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a 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 comply 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).Condition:The Department of Corrections (Department) did not maintain adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the program. An employee?s timesheet was not approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Context:The Department was unable to provide documentation that one of forty employee timesheets selected for testing had been approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Questioned costs:None noted.Cause:Controls were not operating effectively to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Recommendation:The Department should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The Department should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of responsible officials:The Department of Corrections (DOC) held a meeting on March 22, 2023 with the Supervisors of Education where the importance of reviewing and approving all timesheets was reinforced. Staff were also informed and reminded of progressive discipline for future instances of timesheet approval omissions. DOC also plans to distribute a memorandum to all Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors of Education in an effort to ensure that proper controls are implemented for timely supervisory review and approvals of timesheets as required. Supervisors were also instructed to substantiate via email that timesheet approval, in their absence, will be approved by DOC Administration at their facility.
Reference Number:2022-011Prior Year Finding:NoFederal Agency:U.S. Department of EducationState Agency:Department of CorrectionsFederal Program:Special Education Cluster IDEAAssistance Listing Number:84.027 and 84.173Award Number and Year:H027A200100 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A200100-20A (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H027A210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027A2100100-21A (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H027X210100 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173A200114 (7/1/2020 ? 9/30/2021), H173A210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2022), H173X210114 (7/1/2021 ? 9/30/2021)Compliance Requirement:Allowable Costs/Cost Principles ? Time and Effort ReportingType of Finding:Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other MattersCriteria or specific requirement:Compliance ? Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (a), costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of this part, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the non-Federal entity consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a non-Federal entity's laws or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.Per 2 CFR ? 200.430 (i), 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,? Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity,? 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, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy,? Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity,? Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or costobjectives 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.Control ? Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a 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 comply 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).Condition:The Department of Corrections (Department) did not maintain adequate support to validate actual payroll expenses charged to the program. An employee?s timesheet was not approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Context:The Department was unable to provide documentation that one of forty employee timesheets selected for testing had been approved by the supervisor on a timely basis.Questioned costs:None noted.Cause:Controls were not operating effectively to ensure that time and effort reporting was performed in accordance with federal requirements.Effect:There is an increased risk of charging unallowed payroll costs to the program.Recommendation:The Department should reevaluate its current process, implement proper controls, and perform additional training over time and effort reporting. The Department should not seek federal reimbursement unless it can substantiate that the time and effort was dedicated to the federal program.Views of responsible officials:The Department of Corrections (DOC) held a meeting on March 22, 2023 with the Supervisors of Education where the importance of reviewing and approving all timesheets was reinforced. Staff were also informed and reminded of progressive discipline for future instances of timesheet approval omissions. DOC also plans to distribute a memorandum to all Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors of Education in an effort to ensure that proper controls are implemented for timely supervisory review and approvals of timesheets as required. Supervisors were also instructed to substantiate via email that timesheet approval, in their absence, will be approved by DOC Administration at their facility.
Department of Health and Human Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Assistance Listing # 93.558 Pass Through Virginia Department of Social Services, Pass Through Entity Identifying Number BEN-21-054 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance with Federal Awards and Material Noncompliance Criteria: The Organization should have effective internal controls in place over tracking of employee time to federal grants and contracts, for the Activities allowed/Allowable costs compliance requirement, per 2 CFR 200.430(i). Condition: During the FY 2022 audit, it was noted that while employee timesheets were maintained, the timesheets did not document time allocable to federal programs. Rather, timesheets related to the federal program reflected a percentage allocation equal to or less than the approved budget. Context: During testing 10 out of the 20 individuals tested did not have appropriate timesheet coding. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Cause/Effect: Internal control processes over payroll did not detect that employee timesheets did not appropriately capture time specifically chargeable to federal programs. Questioned Costs: $70,982, which was comprised of payroll charges to BEN TANF program for the 10 of 20 individuals tested whose timesheets did not reflect time charged to the BENTANF program. Identification of Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that Cornerstones implements a system to properly track time charged to federal programs. In addition, we recommend that management implements internal controls to review and ensure that employee timesheets possess contemporaneous documentation of time spent on individual federal programs. Timesheets should be reviewed and approved in writing by employees’ supervisors. Views of Responsible Officials and Correction Action: Management’s response is reported in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report.
Department of Health and Human Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Assistance Listing # 93.558 Pass Through Virginia Department of Social Services, Pass Through Entity Identifying Number BEN-21-054 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance with Federal Awards and Material Noncompliance Criteria: The Organization should have effective internal controls in place over tracking of employee time to federal grants and contracts, for the Activities allowed/Allowable costs compliance requirement, per 2 CFR 200.430(i). Condition: During the FY 2022 audit, it was noted that while employee timesheets were maintained, the timesheets did not document time allocable to federal programs. Rather, timesheets related to the federal program reflected a percentage allocation equal to or less than the approved budget. Context: During testing 10 out of the 20 individuals tested did not have appropriate timesheet coding. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Cause/Effect: Internal control processes over payroll did not detect that employee timesheets did not appropriately capture time specifically chargeable to federal programs. Questioned Costs: $70,982, which was comprised of payroll charges to BEN TANF program for the 10 of 20 individuals tested whose timesheets did not reflect time charged to the BENTANF program. Identification of Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that Cornerstones implements a system to properly track time charged to federal programs. In addition, we recommend that management implements internal controls to review and ensure that employee timesheets possess contemporaneous documentation of time spent on individual federal programs. Timesheets should be reviewed and approved in writing by employees’ supervisors. Views of Responsible Officials and Correction Action: Management’s response is reported in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the end of this report.
Finding 2022-001 – B. Allowable Costs Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passthrough Entity: N/A Assistance Listing Number and Federal Program: 93.829 Section 223 Demonstration Programs to Improve Community Mental Health Services Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR part 200.302, the Association is required to maintain financial management systems to trace funds to expenditures to establish that funds have been used according to Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The financial management system must provide for records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities, among other conditions. The reporting of the federal expenditures should be supported by these records. Amounts may not be expended from project funds on an arbitrary basis. Additionally, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.430, charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records, among other things, should support the distribution of the employee’s salary or wages among specific activities if the employee works on a Federal award and non-Federal award. Budget estimates do not qualify as support for charges to Federal awards. Statement of Condition: During the course of our audit, supporting detail for expenses allocated and charged to the grant was not available and could not be determined. Salaries and benefits charged to the grant were based on estimates of employees’ expected workload and client needs, and not supported by records that accurately reflected the work performed on the Federal program. Additionally, the de minimis indirect cost rate was not correctly calculated and applied. The indirect cost charged to the grant was based on the indirect cost obligated by the Notice of Award rather than by calculating the indirect cost from the modified total direct cost base. Statement Cause: This is the first year the Association received this type of grant funding, coupled with significant growth experienced by the Association, the accounting system and staff were not yet prepared to effectively adhere to the requirements of the grant. Supporting documentation is not available for employees’ actual time spent and charged to the grants. Statement of Effect: Without proper accounting of expenditures and support of salaries and wages, grant expenditures can be over or understated on the drawdown requests. This could result in noncompliance with grant agreements which could lead to adverse conditions with the grantors. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified. Identification of Repeat Findings: Not a repeat finding. Recommendations: Project codes or classes should be created within the accounting system, if available. This will allow for expenses to be properly segregated by grant or other funding. When expenses are properly segregated, the indirect cost can be properly calculated using the correct direct cost base. The Association should also implement that all employees submit personnel activity reports to provide documentation of their time allocated to the grant. Views of Responsible Official(s): The Association is in agreement with the finding and is continuing to expand their knowledge on grant expenditures and compliance as it relates to the new financial management software to aid in tracking grants. See corrective action plan.
Activities Allowed or Unallowed; Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Award Identification Assistance Listing Program Title: Formula Grants for Rural Areas Assistance Listing Program Number: 20.509 Federal Award ID Number and Year: Various Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Pass-Through Entity: Nebraska Department of Transportation Criteria Standards for documentation of personnel expenses at 2 CFR 200.430(i)(1) require that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages 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 documented. - Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. - 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. Standards for documentation of personnel expenses at 2 CFR 200.430(i)(3) require that in accordance with Department of Labor regulations implementing the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (29 CFR 516), charges for the salaries and wages of nonexempt employees must be supported by records indicating the total number of hours worked each day. The Organization must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that they are managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal Award (2 CFR 200.303). Condition The Organization lacked adequate documentation to support: - Hours worked by employees - Supervisory approval of time sheets - Approved rates of pay Repeat Finding No. Cause Procedures within the Organization were inadequate to ensure that personnel expenses were adequately documented. Effect or Potential Effect Increased potential for errors or misuse of funds. Questioned Costs Known $2,082 Statistical Sample No. Context Auditor haphazardly selected 60 payroll transactions covering the entire fiscal year for testing, however, auditor did not complete the testing of all 60 transactions due to the frequency of errors encountered. Of the nine transactions that were tested, there were errors regarding: - Lack of (approved) timesheets. - Personnel files lacking (approved) rates of pay. - A timesheet that did not accurately foot, resulting in questioned costs of $94. - Rates of pay documented in personnel files that did not match the actual rates of pay, resulting in questioned costs of $1,988. Recommendation We recommend the Organization establish a system of internal control consisting of policies and procedures whereby payroll transactions and related documentation contain appropriate review and approval. Views of Responsible Officials See Corrective Action Plan, below.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.
Finding Number: 2022-003 Program: Research and Development Cluster Federal Agency Names: U.S. National Aeronoautics and Space Adminstration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Department of Interior; and National Science Foundation Federal Award Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Federal Award Years: Various Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: Various – as listed on the Schedule Compliance Requirement: Allowable costs/Cost principles Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), non-federal entities 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. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.430 states 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 which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated. Conditions Found The University performs certain manual calculations (total supplemental pay authorization divided by the number of pay periods over the summer as well as percentage allocations to multiple awards) to determine the amount to pay each pay period for both faculty and graduate assistants who work on Research and Development Cluster awards. During our testing of internal controls and compliance related to allowable costs/cost principles specific to payroll, we determined that internal controls were not designed at a level of precision to prevent or detect clerical errors associated with the manual calculations and the manual processing of payroll allocations to Research and Development Cluster awards. As a result, there were 14 errors in our sample of 81 transactions related to errors in the manual calculations, however only 7 of the errors resulted in overcharges to federal awards. The following were those errors that resulted in overcharges to federal awards: Federal assistance listing Payroll Fringe Indirect number Award number amount amount amount Total 12.300 N00014-21-1-2057 $ 170 — 90 260 13.300 N00014-21-1-2057 170 — 90 260 14.300 N00014-21-1-2057 1,425 — 755 2,180 47.041 2003307 5,744 439 3,044 9,227 47.076 1936144 7 1 4 12 47.076 2050074 10 1 5 16 47.076 1852820 20 2 11 33 $ 7,546 443 3,999 11,988 Cause In discussing these conditions with the University, they stated the errors primarily stem from when there are multiple supplemental pay authorizations or superseding appointments that require a manual calculation of the pay per pay period, retroactive adjustments or changes in allocations to federal awards. There was no secondary review of such manual calculations by someone other than the preparer. The University did not have a system of internal control that was designed and operating at a level of precision to prevent or detect errors in manual calculations and other clerical errors associated with calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards related to supplemental summer payroll and graduate assistant appointments. Effect Ineffective controls could result in unallowable costs being charged to the Research and Development Cluster awards. Questioned Costs $11,988 which includes payroll, fringe benefits and applicable indirect costs. Statistical Sample Our sample was not, and was not intended to be statistically valid. Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding – see prior year finding 2021-003. Recommendation We recommend the University design and implement a more precise system of internal control to ensure manual calculations and payroll allocations for Research and Development Cluster awards are accurate and an allowable cost prior to processing payroll and recording payroll allocations.