Finding 2022-007 — Lack of Internal Controls and Noncompliance with Subrecipient Monitoring – Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Repeat Finding 2021-013) FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Department of the Treasury ASSISTANCE LISTING: 21.023 FEDERAL PROGRAM NAME: Emergency Rental Assistance Program FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER: ERA0174, ERAE0225 FEDERAL AWARD YEAR: 2022 CONTROL CATEGORY: Subrecipient Monitoring QUESTIONED COSTS: $6,397,374 Condition: During the process of documenting the County’s internal controls regarding federal disbursements for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA), we noted that Cleveland County has not established the following procedures to ensure compliance with the Subrecipient Monitoring requirements: • Evaluate subrecipient’s risk of noncompliance for the purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring related to the subaward. • Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, complies with the terms and conditions of the subaward, and achieves performance goals. Further, while documenting controls over the subrecipient program and administrative expenditures for the ERA1, we noted the following: • The County was unable to provide supporting documents for the administrative costs of the consultant for this grant totaling $64,800. • The County was unable to provide supporting documentation of the subrecipient’s administrative expenditures totaling $453,067. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure the County complies with federal laws and regulations and grant agreements; and adequate subrecipient monitoring policies and procedures had not been established by the County prior to entering into agreements with subrecipients. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance with grant requirements. Also, the subrecipient may not be in compliance with the award terms and there is an increased risk of mismanagement and fraud by the subgrantees. Recommendation: OSAI recommends the County design and implement internal controls to ensure that it administers current and future ERA grants in accordance with applicable federal laws and grant requirements, including ensuring that grant subrecipients are properly informed of federal requirements related to allowable costs and that subrecipient monitoring procedures are designed and implemented. Subrecipients should be reimbursed for administrative costs based on supporting documentation for actual costs incurred rather than making advance payments for a set percentage of program funds advanced. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: Cleveland County takes the auditor's findings seriously and has already implemented several improvements in documentation, monitoring, and reporting practices. Cleveland County is working toward improvements for fiscal year 2025 and has reconciled billing to align with the contract scope of work. However, we recognize the need for documented internal controls and are committed to addressing all recommendations to ensure compliance and transparency in future programs. The County appreciates the constructive feedback and will continue to refine its processes to better serve its citizens. Criteria: GAO Standards – Section 2 – Establishing an Effective Internal Control System – OV2.23 states in part: Objectives of an Entity – Compliance Objectives Management conducts activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. As part of specifying compliance objectives, the entity determines which laws and regulations apply to the entity. Management is expected to set objectives that incorporate these requirements. 2 CFR § 200.332 states in part: (e) Monitor the activities of a subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subrecipient complies with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward. The pass-through entity is responsible for monitoring the overall performance of a subrecipient to ensure that the goals and objectives of the subaward are achieved. In addition, identify procedures necessary based upon the evaluation of subrecipient risk or specifically required by the terms and conditions of the award, subaward monitoring must include the following: 1. Reviewing financial and programmatic (performance and special reports) required by the Pass-Through Entity (PTE). The Consolidated Appropriations Act§ Section 501 (c)(5) Use of Funds - Administrative Costs states in part: (A) IN GENERAL. —Not more than 10 percent of the amount paid to an eligible grantee under this section may be used for administrative costs attributable to providing financial assistance and housing stability services under paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively, including for data collection and reporting requirements related to such funds. (B) NO OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. —Amounts paid under this section shall not be used for any administrative costs other than to the extent allowed under subparagraph (A). In addition, the U.S. Department of Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) FAQ #29 What are the applicable limitations on administrative expenses, states in part: Under ERAl, not more than 10 percent of the amount paid to a grantee may be used for administrative costs attributable to providing financial assistance and housing stability services to eligible households. Under ERA2, not more than 15 percent of the amount paid to a grantee may be used for administrative costs attributable to providing financial assistance, housing stability services, and other affordable rental housing and eviction prevention activities. 2 CFR § 200.332 states: All pass-through entities must: (a) Ensure that every subaward is clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward and includes the following information at the time of the subaward and if any of these data elements change, include the changes in subsequent subaward modification. When some of this information is not available, the pass-through entity must provide the best information available to describe the Federal award and subaward… (b) Evaluate each subrecipient's risk of noncompliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward for purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring described in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section,… (c) Consider imposing specific subaward conditions upon a subrecipient if appropriate as described in § 200.208. (d) Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. . . . (e) Depending upon the pass-through entity's assessment of risk posed by the subrecipient (as described in paragraph (b) of this section), the following monitoring tools may be useful for the pass-through entity to ensure proper accountability and compliance with program requirements and achievement of performance goals (f) Verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in § 200.501. (g) Consider whether the results of the subrecipient's audits, on-site reviews, or other monitoring indicate conditions that necessitate adjustments to the pass-through entity's own records. (h) Consider taking enforcement action against noncompliant subrecipients as described in § 200.339 of this part and in program regulations.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name: Across all major programs Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Across all major programs Pass-through Entity – Various Finding Type – Material weakness in internal control over compliance Repeat Finding – No Criteria – Per 2 CFR 200.512 (a) (1), the audit must be completed, and the data collection must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period. Per 2 CFR 200.501 (b), a non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single audit conducted in accordance with § 200.514. Condition – The data collection form was not submitted within the required time as required by 2 CFR 200.512 for the year ended December 31, 2021. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed – N/A Questioned Costs – None Cause/Effect – The Organization’s books and records for the 2021 fiscal year were not reconciled or closed in a timely manner. Therefore the data collection form was not submitted within the required time. Recommendation – We recommend that the Organization maintain a system of policies, procedures, and controls to ensure that the financial records closed in a timely manner in order to facilitate the timely submission of the data collection form. View of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan – The Organization agrees with this finding. The Chief Financial Officer in collaboration with the Finance Associate and the Financial Consultant will set a calendar at the end of the fiscal year to ensure timely closeout of the books that will allow ample time to engage and complete the audit prior to the deadline for the FAC filing.
OTHER, THE NVT DID NOT SUBMIT THE REPORTING PACKAGE TIMELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE REQUIREMENT OF SUBMITTING THE AUDIT WITHIN THE EARLIER OF 30 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE AUDIT REPORT, OR NINE MONTHS AFTER THE END OF THE AUDIT PERIOD. PER 2 CFR, SECTION 200.328 AND 200.329, THE COUNCIL MUST COMPLY WITH ANY FINANCIAL AND PROGRAMATTIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. PER SECTION 200.501, THE NVT MUST HAEV AN AUDIT PERFORMED AND SUBMITTED WITHIN 9 MONTHS OF YEAR END. NO QUESTIONED COSTS. MANAGEMENT DID NOT ENSURE THAT THE AUDITS WERE PERFORMED TIMELY. LATE REPORTING COULD JEOPARDIZE GRANT FUNDING. I RECOMMEND THAT THE COUNCIL ENSURE TIMELY AUDITS FOR FUTURE AUDITS. THIS FINDING WAS NOTED AS FINDING 2020-003
2021-006: Audit Completion and Submission to the State and Federal Government - Material Weakness and Non-Compliance Criteria: Single Audits under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F 200.501- Audit Requirements are required to be submitted through the Federal Clearinghouse nine months from the recipient's year end. Condition: The Airport did not submit the audit report in the nine month time frame as required by the Uniform Guidance. Cause & Effect: A significant amount of turnover in the accounting department. Noncompliance with the federal requirement to submit an audit report nine-months after year end. Questioned Costs: None noted. Repeat Finding: Yes 2020-006 Recommendation: We recommend that the Airport file audit reports in compliance with 2 CFR 200.512(a)(1). Response: Please see final page of this report for management's response as found on the Airport's letterhead.
Title and Financial Assistance Listing Number of Federal Program: All federal programs Type of Finding: Federal Award Finding Finding Resolution Status: Resolved Information on Universe Population Size: N/A Sample Size Information: N/A Identification of Repeat Finding and Finding Reference Number: N/A Criteria: 2 CFR 200.501 Statement of Condition: The Organization failed to timely file a single audit with the Federal Audit Clearing House. Auditor considers this to be a material weakness. Cause: The Organization did not have controls in place to identify and track federal awards and therefore, the Organization was not aware of their reporting requirement under Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect: The Organization was did not comply with Uniform Guidance requirements for federal funds expended in excess of $750,000. Auditor Non-Compliance Code: S - Internal control deficiencies Questioned Costs: $- Reportable Views of Responsible Officials: The Organization received additional, one-time COVID-19-related funding that was out of the norm for the Organization. We were not aware that it caused us to exceed the $750,000 threshold for a Uniform Guidance audit. Recommendation: The Organization should develop a process for identifying and tracking federal expenditures for all awards that are federally sourced to ensure the organization completes required compliance audits in years where federal expenditures exceed $750,000.
Finding 2021-008 Subrecipient Agreements - Subrecipient Monitoring – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Agency Department of the Treasury ALN 21.019 Program COVID-19 - Coronavirus Relief Fund Award Year FY 2021 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number 20-CRF-024 Criteria 2 CFR 200.332 requires pass-through entities to ensure that subrecipients comply with the terms and conditions of 2 CFR 200.501 related to audit requirements. This includes ensuring that every subaward is (1) clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward; (2) includes the necessary information at the time of the subaward for subrecipient reporting on federal awards (2 CFR 200.332) and (3) includes requirement to follow 2 CFR 200.501 if expenditure thresholds are met. This also includes verifying that every subrecipient is audited as required by 2 CFR 200.501 if the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold. Condition During our testing of subrecipient monitoring, we noted the subrecipient agreements did not include the required federal award identification or applicability of audit requirements. No action was taken to ensure the subrecipients were audited in accordance with 2 CFR 200.501 if applicable. Cause The issuance of subrecipient agreements for these grants related to new funding streams in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant amounts of funding were provided in a short period of time, and systems to distribute these monies were newly created and implemented. The standard award agreements were not reviewed in advance to ensure adherence to federal requirements. Staff were not fully trained on the informational requirements and monitoring responsibilities related to audit requirements. Effect or potential effect Subrecipients may be unaware and not in compliance with the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Questioned costs Not applicable. Context We tested the sole subaward agreement for the program and noted the agreement did not contain the necessary language under 2 CFR 200.332 to inform subrecipients of the applicability of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation Management should establish policies to ensure subawards contain required federal award information. In addition, procedures should be established to monitor subrecipient compliance with audit requirements of 2 CFR 200.501. Views of responsible officials Management concurs with the finding. Management will revise policies and procedures related to subrecipient monitoring and will ensure that policies are established to ensure subawards contain the required federal award information.
Finding 2021-009 Monitoring Activities - Subrecipient Monitoring – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Agency Department of the Treasury ALN 21.019 Program COVID-19 - Coronavirus Relief Fund Award Year FY 2021 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number 20-CRF-024 Criteria 2 CFR 200.332 requires that pass-through entities monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. 2 CFR 200.332 also requires pass-through entities to verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in 2 CFR 200.501. Condition The City did not have controls in place to monitor subrecipient activities and ensure the subrecipient was audited in accordance with 2 CFR 200.501 if applicable. Cause Staff were not fully trained on the informational requirements and monitoring responsibilities related to audit requirements. Effect or potential effect The City was not in compliance with subrecipient requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.332. Furthermore, not communicating proper compliance requirements and other information may increase the likelihood of noncompliance on the part of the subrecipient and non-fulfillment of program goals and objectives. Questioned costs Not applicable. Context We were not able to verify controls over subrecipient monitoring. The audit of the subrecipient was completed by other auditors including an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance requirements on December 3, 2021. The City obtained the audited reports in April 2023. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation Management should establish policies and procedures to monitor subrecipient compliance with audit requirements of 2 CFR 200.501. Views of responsible officials Management concurs with the finding. Management will revise policies and procedures related to subrecipient monitoring and will ensure that policies are established to ensure subawards contain the required federal a ward information.
Reference Number: 2021-014 Category of Finding: Subrecipient Monitoring Type of Finding: Material Weakness and Material Instance of Noncompliance State Administering Department: California Department of Public Health (Public Health) Assistance Listing Number: 93.323 Federal Program Title: Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) Federal Award Number and Year: NU50CK000539; 2021 Criteria: Title 2 - Grants and Agreements. Subtitle A - Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. Chapter II - Office of Management and Budget Guidance. Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Subpart D - Post Federal Award Requirements. §200.303 Internal controls (2 CFR 200.303): The non-Federal entity must: (b) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Title 2 - Grants and Agreements. Subtitle A - Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. Chapter II - Office of Management and Budget Guidance. Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Subpart D - Post Federal Award Requirements. §200.332 Requirements for pass-through entities (2 CFR 200.332): All pass-through entities must: (c) Evaluate each subrecipient’s risk of noncompliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward for purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring described in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, which may include consideration of such factors as: (1) The subrecipient’s prior experience with the same or similar subawards; (2) The results of previous audits including whether or not the subrecipient receives a Single Audit in accordance with Subpart F of this part, and the extent to which the same or similar subaward has been audited as a major program; (3) Whether the subrecipient has new personnel or new or substantially changed systems; and (4) The extent and results of Federal awarding agency monitoring (e.g., if the subrecipient also receives Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency). (d) Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. Pass-through entity monitoring of the subrecipient must include: (1) Reviewing financial and performance reports required by the pass-through entity. (2) Following-up and ensuring that the subrecipient takes timely and appropriate action on all deficiencies pertaining to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the pass-through entity detected through audits, on-site reviews, and written confirmation from the subrecipient, highlighting the status of actions planned or taken to address Single Audit findings related to the particular subaward. (3) Issuing a management decision for applicable audit findings pertaining only to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the pass-through entity as required by §200.521. (4) The pass-through entity is responsible for resolving audit findings specifically related to the subaward and not responsible for resolving crosscutting findings. If a subrecipient has a current Single Audit report posted in the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and has not otherwise been excluded from receipt of Federal funding (e.g., has been debarred or suspended), the pass-through entity may rely on the subrecipient's cognizant audit agency or cognizant oversight agency to perform audit follow-up and make management decisions related to cross-cutting findings in accordance with section§200.513(a)(3)(vii). Such reliance does not eliminate the responsibility of the pass-through entity to issue subawards that conform to agency and award-specific requirements, to manage risk through ongoing subaward monitoring, and to monitor the status of the findings that are specifically related to the subaward. (f) Verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient’s Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in §200.501. (g) Consider whether the results of the subrecipient’s audits, on-site reviews, or other monitoring indicate conditions that necessitate adjustments to the pass-through entity’s own records. Condition: Public Health did not establish a formal risk assessment process over its subrecipients of federal awards to determine the frequency and extent of subrecipient monitoring to be performed. While Public Health received reimbursement invoices from subrecipients, there did not appear to be other financial or programmatic monitoring to verify subrecipents compliance with applicable requirements. In addition, Public Health did not obtain Single Audit reports from those subrecipients as required. Identification as a Repeat Finding This was not a repeat finding from the immediate prior year. Cause: Public Health failed to identify and report its federal expenditures related to its subrecipient agreement with its bona fide agent. Consequently, required subrecipient monitoring procedures were not designed nor implemented by Public Health. Effect: By not properly evaluating the risk of noncompliance, Public Health may inadvertently award grant funds to subrecipients who lack the necessary mechanisms or understanding to adhere to federal statutes. This increases the likelihood of noncompliance arising during the implementation of the grant-funded activities. Furthermore, failure to perform monitoring procedures or obtain Single Audit reports increases the risk for not properly identifying subrecipient program control weaknesses, noncompliance, and performing sufficient follow-up on any subrecipient corrective action. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified. Context: Disbursements to subrecipients for the ELC program totaled $367,405,431, or 76.5% of total reported program expenditures. Recommendation: Public Health should establish and document formal procedures for conducting risk assessments of its subrecipients, including criteria for evaluating organizational capacity, financial stability, compliance history, and programmatic capabilities. Public Health should also develop and implement specific subrecipient monitoring procedures and establish a process for obtaining single audit reports from its subrecipients. Furthermore, a monitoring mechanism should be implemented to track compliance with the single audit mandate among subrecipients, including regular follow-ups and documentation of communication efforts. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is reported in “Management’s Response and Corrective Action Plan” included in a separate section at the end of this report
2021-006: Audit Completion and Submission to the State and Federal Government - Material Weakness and Non-Compliance Criteria: Single Audits under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F 200.501- Audit Requirements are required to be submitted through the Federal Clearinghouse nine months from the recipient's year end. Condition: The Airport did not submit the audit report in the nine month time frame as required by the Uniform Guidance. Cause & Effect: A significant amount of turnover in the accounting department. Noncompliance with the federal requirement to submit an audit report nine-months after year end. Questioned Costs: None noted. Repeat Finding: Yes 2020-006 Recommendation: We recommend that the Airport file audit reports in compliance with 2 CFR 200.512(a)(1). Response: Please see final page of this report for management's response as found on the Airport's letterhead.
Title and Financial Assistance Listing Number of Federal Program: All federal programs Type of Finding: Federal Award Finding Finding Resolution Status: Resolved Information on Universe Population Size: N/A Sample Size Information: N/A Identification of Repeat Finding and Finding Reference Number: N/A Criteria: 2 CFR 200.501 Statement of Condition: The Organization failed to timely file a single audit with the Federal Audit Clearing House. Auditor considers this to be a material weakness. Cause: The Organization did not have controls in place to identify and track federal awards and therefore, the Organization was not aware of their reporting requirement under Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect: The Organization was did not comply with Uniform Guidance requirements for federal funds expended in excess of $750,000. Auditor Non-Compliance Code: S - Internal control deficiencies Questioned Costs: $- Reportable Views of Responsible Officials: The Organization received additional, one-time COVID-19-related funding that was out of the norm for the Organization. We were not aware that it caused us to exceed the $750,000 threshold for a Uniform Guidance audit. Recommendation: The Organization should develop a process for identifying and tracking federal expenditures for all awards that are federally sourced to ensure the organization completes required compliance audits in years where federal expenditures exceed $750,000.
Finding 2021-008 Subrecipient Agreements - Subrecipient Monitoring – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Agency Department of the Treasury ALN 21.019 Program COVID-19 - Coronavirus Relief Fund Award Year FY 2021 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number 20-CRF-024 Criteria 2 CFR 200.332 requires pass-through entities to ensure that subrecipients comply with the terms and conditions of 2 CFR 200.501 related to audit requirements. This includes ensuring that every subaward is (1) clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward; (2) includes the necessary information at the time of the subaward for subrecipient reporting on federal awards (2 CFR 200.332) and (3) includes requirement to follow 2 CFR 200.501 if expenditure thresholds are met. This also includes verifying that every subrecipient is audited as required by 2 CFR 200.501 if the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold. Condition During our testing of subrecipient monitoring, we noted the subrecipient agreements did not include the required federal award identification or applicability of audit requirements. No action was taken to ensure the subrecipients were audited in accordance with 2 CFR 200.501 if applicable. Cause The issuance of subrecipient agreements for these grants related to new funding streams in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant amounts of funding were provided in a short period of time, and systems to distribute these monies were newly created and implemented. The standard award agreements were not reviewed in advance to ensure adherence to federal requirements. Staff were not fully trained on the informational requirements and monitoring responsibilities related to audit requirements. Effect or potential effect Subrecipients may be unaware and not in compliance with the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Questioned costs Not applicable. Context We tested the sole subaward agreement for the program and noted the agreement did not contain the necessary language under 2 CFR 200.332 to inform subrecipients of the applicability of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation Management should establish policies to ensure subawards contain required federal award information. In addition, procedures should be established to monitor subrecipient compliance with audit requirements of 2 CFR 200.501. Views of responsible officials Management concurs with the finding. Management will revise policies and procedures related to subrecipient monitoring and will ensure that policies are established to ensure subawards contain the required federal award information.
Finding 2021-009 Monitoring Activities - Subrecipient Monitoring – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Agency Department of the Treasury ALN 21.019 Program COVID-19 - Coronavirus Relief Fund Award Year FY 2021 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number 20-CRF-024 Criteria 2 CFR 200.332 requires that pass-through entities monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. 2 CFR 200.332 also requires pass-through entities to verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in 2 CFR 200.501. Condition The City did not have controls in place to monitor subrecipient activities and ensure the subrecipient was audited in accordance with 2 CFR 200.501 if applicable. Cause Staff were not fully trained on the informational requirements and monitoring responsibilities related to audit requirements. Effect or potential effect The City was not in compliance with subrecipient requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.332. Furthermore, not communicating proper compliance requirements and other information may increase the likelihood of noncompliance on the part of the subrecipient and non-fulfillment of program goals and objectives. Questioned costs Not applicable. Context We were not able to verify controls over subrecipient monitoring. The audit of the subrecipient was completed by other auditors including an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance requirements on December 3, 2021. The City obtained the audited reports in April 2023. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation Management should establish policies and procedures to monitor subrecipient compliance with audit requirements of 2 CFR 200.501. Views of responsible officials Management concurs with the finding. Management will revise policies and procedures related to subrecipient monitoring and will ensure that policies are established to ensure subawards contain the required federal a ward information.
Reference Number: 2021-014 Category of Finding: Subrecipient Monitoring Type of Finding: Material Weakness and Material Instance of Noncompliance State Administering Department: California Department of Public Health (Public Health) Assistance Listing Number: 93.323 Federal Program Title: Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) Federal Award Number and Year: NU50CK000539; 2021 Criteria: Title 2 - Grants and Agreements. Subtitle A - Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. Chapter II - Office of Management and Budget Guidance. Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Subpart D - Post Federal Award Requirements. §200.303 Internal controls (2 CFR 200.303): The non-Federal entity must: (b) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Title 2 - Grants and Agreements. Subtitle A - Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. Chapter II - Office of Management and Budget Guidance. Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Subpart D - Post Federal Award Requirements. §200.332 Requirements for pass-through entities (2 CFR 200.332): All pass-through entities must: (c) Evaluate each subrecipient’s risk of noncompliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward for purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring described in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, which may include consideration of such factors as: (1) The subrecipient’s prior experience with the same or similar subawards; (2) The results of previous audits including whether or not the subrecipient receives a Single Audit in accordance with Subpart F of this part, and the extent to which the same or similar subaward has been audited as a major program; (3) Whether the subrecipient has new personnel or new or substantially changed systems; and (4) The extent and results of Federal awarding agency monitoring (e.g., if the subrecipient also receives Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency). (d) Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. Pass-through entity monitoring of the subrecipient must include: (1) Reviewing financial and performance reports required by the pass-through entity. (2) Following-up and ensuring that the subrecipient takes timely and appropriate action on all deficiencies pertaining to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the pass-through entity detected through audits, on-site reviews, and written confirmation from the subrecipient, highlighting the status of actions planned or taken to address Single Audit findings related to the particular subaward. (3) Issuing a management decision for applicable audit findings pertaining only to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the pass-through entity as required by §200.521. (4) The pass-through entity is responsible for resolving audit findings specifically related to the subaward and not responsible for resolving crosscutting findings. If a subrecipient has a current Single Audit report posted in the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and has not otherwise been excluded from receipt of Federal funding (e.g., has been debarred or suspended), the pass-through entity may rely on the subrecipient's cognizant audit agency or cognizant oversight agency to perform audit follow-up and make management decisions related to cross-cutting findings in accordance with section§200.513(a)(3)(vii). Such reliance does not eliminate the responsibility of the pass-through entity to issue subawards that conform to agency and award-specific requirements, to manage risk through ongoing subaward monitoring, and to monitor the status of the findings that are specifically related to the subaward. (f) Verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient’s Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in §200.501. (g) Consider whether the results of the subrecipient’s audits, on-site reviews, or other monitoring indicate conditions that necessitate adjustments to the pass-through entity’s own records. Condition: Public Health did not establish a formal risk assessment process over its subrecipients of federal awards to determine the frequency and extent of subrecipient monitoring to be performed. While Public Health received reimbursement invoices from subrecipients, there did not appear to be other financial or programmatic monitoring to verify subrecipents compliance with applicable requirements. In addition, Public Health did not obtain Single Audit reports from those subrecipients as required. Identification as a Repeat Finding This was not a repeat finding from the immediate prior year. Cause: Public Health failed to identify and report its federal expenditures related to its subrecipient agreement with its bona fide agent. Consequently, required subrecipient monitoring procedures were not designed nor implemented by Public Health. Effect: By not properly evaluating the risk of noncompliance, Public Health may inadvertently award grant funds to subrecipients who lack the necessary mechanisms or understanding to adhere to federal statutes. This increases the likelihood of noncompliance arising during the implementation of the grant-funded activities. Furthermore, failure to perform monitoring procedures or obtain Single Audit reports increases the risk for not properly identifying subrecipient program control weaknesses, noncompliance, and performing sufficient follow-up on any subrecipient corrective action. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified. Context: Disbursements to subrecipients for the ELC program totaled $367,405,431, or 76.5% of total reported program expenditures. Recommendation: Public Health should establish and document formal procedures for conducting risk assessments of its subrecipients, including criteria for evaluating organizational capacity, financial stability, compliance history, and programmatic capabilities. Public Health should also develop and implement specific subrecipient monitoring procedures and establish a process for obtaining single audit reports from its subrecipients. Furthermore, a monitoring mechanism should be implemented to track compliance with the single audit mandate among subrecipients, including regular follow-ups and documentation of communication efforts. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan Management’s response is reported in “Management’s Response and Corrective Action Plan” included in a separate section at the end of this report
CFDA Number: 11.307 CFDA Title: Economic Adjustment Assistance Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Award Number: 04-79-07293 Type of Finding: Noncompliance Compliance Requirements: Reporting Criteria: The regulations in 2 CFR section 200.501 (a) requires a single or program-specific audit for any year in which an entity expends $750,000 or more in federal awards. Per 2 CFR Section 200.501 (c), a program specific audit may be elected when an entity expends federal awards under only one federal program and the Program does not require a financial statement audit. In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.507 for Program Specific Audits , the audit must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor's reports or 9 months after the end of the audit period. Condition: The Foundation expended greater than $750,000 under one federal program for the year ended December 31, 2020 but did not have a program-specific audit performed. Cause: The Foundation was not aware of the audit requirement since it does not receive federal funds on a recurring basis. Effect or Potential Effect: The Foundation's ability to obtain future funding for their projects could be impacted by not complying with the reporting requirements referred to above. Questioned Costs: None Context: The occurrence of not complying with the reporting requirements referred to above appears to be an isolated instance. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: The Foundation should take appropriate action to ensure that all reporting requirements are known in the future and met on all of its potential future federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Planned: Management of the Foundation concurs with the audit finding. When management discovered the requirement had not been met, they immediately contacted an independent auditor to perform the program-specific audit to satisfy the reporting requirements.
CFDA Number: 11.307 CFDA Title: Economic Adjustment Assistance Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Award Number: 04-79-07293 Type of Finding: Noncompliance Compliance Requirements: Reporting Criteria: The regulations in 2 CFR section 200.501 (a) requires a single or program-specific audit for any year in which an entity expends $750,000 or more in federal awards. Per 2 CFR Section 200.501 (c), a program specific audit may be elected when an entity expends federal awards under only one federal program and the Program does not require a financial statement audit. In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.507 for Program Specific Audits , the audit must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor's reports or 9 months after the end of the audit period. Condition: The Foundation expended greater than $750,000 under one federal program for the year ended December 31, 2020 but did not have a program-specific audit performed. Cause: The Foundation was not aware of the audit requirement since it does not receive federal funds on a recurring basis. Effect or Potential Effect: The Foundation's ability to obtain future funding for their projects could be impacted by not complying with the reporting requirements referred to above. Questioned Costs: None Context: The occurrence of not complying with the reporting requirements referred to above appears to be an isolated instance. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: The Foundation should take appropriate action to ensure that all reporting requirements are known in the future and met on all of its potential future federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Planned: Management of the Foundation concurs with the audit finding. When management discovered the requirement had not been met, they immediately contacted an independent auditor to perform the program-specific audit to satisfy the reporting requirements.
Finding No.: 2019-012 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Criteria: In accordance with CFR part 200.332, a pass-through entity’s monitoring responsibilities include verification that every subrecipient is audited when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the $750,000 threshold set forth in §200.501 Audit requirements. In addition, to equally distribute subawards, CHCC should issue public publication notices for interested nonprofit organizations to apply. Condition: Of five subrecipients tested, aggregating $160,000 of a total population of $468,864, the following deficiencies were noted: 1. For five (or 100%), documentation of the monitoring procedures performed to determine whether any of the subrecipients expended $750,000 or more in federal funds and whether those that expended $750,000 or more were audited, were not provided. Total FY2019 expenditures under the subrecipient agreements were $353,864, which is a questioned costs. Finding No.: 2019-012, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Condition, continued: Test of fourteen nonpayroll expenditures pertaining to subrecipient transactions, aggregating $438,864 of a total population of $468,864, the following deficiencies were noted: 2. For fourteen (or 100%), public publication notices of subaward opportunities were not provided. Total FY2019 expenditures under the subrecipient agreements for Document Numbers 1436077, 1436266, 1456803 and 1446815 amounted to $115,000, which are for the same subrecipients, are questioned. No questioned costs are presented for the other Document Numbers as amounts are questioned at Condition 1, for which are for the same subrecipients. Finding No.: 2019-012, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Condition, continued: 3. For one (or 7%), supporting documents were not provided. No questioned costs is presented as the amount questioned at Condition 2 for Document Number 1436077 is for the same subrecipient. Cause: CHCC did not enforce recordkeeping and monitoring controls over applicable subrecipient monitoring requirements. Effect: CHCC is in noncompliance with applicable subrecipient monitoring requirements and questioned costs of $468,864 result. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Finding No. 2018-019. Recommendation: CHCC should establish and enforce required monitoring procedures and establish a recordkeeping system whereby underlying support for each transaction is processed timely and filed accordingly for easy retrieval to substantiate costs. Finding No.: 2019-012, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Views of Responsible Officials: CHCC’s Corrective Action Plan provides a detailed rationale for disagreement with the finding described in Conditions 1 to 3. Auditor Response: Condition 1 - Invoices, receipts and progress reports from prior disbursements were not provided. Condition 2 - Public publication notices of subaward opportunities were not provided. Condition 3 - We were not made aware that the transaction was voided and the corresponding reversal journal entry was also not provided. In addition, initial draft reports were provided to CHCC on 09/06/24 and 09/24/24. It was also agreed during the 09/06/24 and 10/04/24 meetings for CHCC to provide corresponding underlying accounting records to resolve the finding; however, no documentations were provided within the agreed timeline. Accordingly, finding is sustained.
Finding No.: 2019-012 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Criteria: In accordance with CFR part 200.332, a pass-through entity’s monitoring responsibilities include verification that every subrecipient is audited when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the $750,000 threshold set forth in §200.501 Audit requirements. In addition, to equally distribute subawards, CHCC should issue public publication notices for interested nonprofit organizations to apply. Condition: Of five subrecipients tested, aggregating $160,000 of a total population of $468,864, the following deficiencies were noted: 1. For five (or 100%), documentation of the monitoring procedures performed to determine whether any of the subrecipients expended $750,000 or more in federal funds and whether those that expended $750,000 or more were audited, were not provided. Total FY2019 expenditures under the subrecipient agreements were $353,864, which is a questioned costs. Finding No.: 2019-012, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Condition, continued: Test of fourteen nonpayroll expenditures pertaining to subrecipient transactions, aggregating $438,864 of a total population of $468,864, the following deficiencies were noted: 2. For fourteen (or 100%), public publication notices of subaward opportunities were not provided. Total FY2019 expenditures under the subrecipient agreements for Document Numbers 1436077, 1436266, 1456803 and 1446815 amounted to $115,000, which are for the same subrecipients, are questioned. No questioned costs are presented for the other Document Numbers as amounts are questioned at Condition 1, for which are for the same subrecipients. Finding No.: 2019-012, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Condition, continued: 3. For one (or 7%), supporting documents were not provided. No questioned costs is presented as the amount questioned at Condition 2 for Document Number 1436077 is for the same subrecipient. Cause: CHCC did not enforce recordkeeping and monitoring controls over applicable subrecipient monitoring requirements. Effect: CHCC is in noncompliance with applicable subrecipient monitoring requirements and questioned costs of $468,864 result. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Finding No. 2018-019. Recommendation: CHCC should establish and enforce required monitoring procedures and establish a recordkeeping system whereby underlying support for each transaction is processed timely and filed accordingly for easy retrieval to substantiate costs. Finding No.: 2019-012, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CFDA Program: 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Award Number: 5U79SP020710-04 Area: Subrecipient Monitoring Questioned Costs: $468,864 Views of Responsible Officials: CHCC’s Corrective Action Plan provides a detailed rationale for disagreement with the finding described in Conditions 1 to 3. Auditor Response: Condition 1 - Invoices, receipts and progress reports from prior disbursements were not provided. Condition 2 - Public publication notices of subaward opportunities were not provided. Condition 3 - We were not made aware that the transaction was voided and the corresponding reversal journal entry was also not provided. In addition, initial draft reports were provided to CHCC on 09/06/24 and 09/24/24. It was also agreed during the 09/06/24 and 10/04/24 meetings for CHCC to provide corresponding underlying accounting records to resolve the finding; however, no documentations were provided within the agreed timeline. Accordingly, finding is sustained.
THE COUNCIL DID NOT SUBMIT THE REPORTING PACKAGE TIMELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE REQUIREMENT OF SUBMITTING THE REPORTING PACKAGE WITHIN 9 MONTHS OF YEAR END. IN ADDITION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE APR WAS FILED LATE. PER 2 CFR SECTION 200.328 AND 329, THE COUNCIL MUST COMPLY WITH ANY FINANCIAL AND PROGRAMATIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. PER SECTION 200.501, THE COUNCIL MUST HAVE AN AUDIT PERFORMED WITHIN 9 MONTHS OF YEAR END. QUESTIONED COSTS NOT DETERMINED, MANAGEMENT DID NOT ENSURE THAT THAT THE AUIDT AND ALL REPORTS WERE FILED/SUBMITTED TIMELY
THE COUNCIL DID NOT SUBMIT THE REPORTING PACKAGE TIMELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE REQUIREMENT OF SUBMITTING THE REPORTING PACKAGE WITHIN 9 MONTHS OF YEAR END. IN ADDITION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE APR WAS FILED LATE. PER 2 CFR SECTION 200.328 AND 329, THE COUNCIL MUST COMPLY WITH ANY FINANCIAL AND PROGRAMATIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. PER SECTION 200.501, THE COUNCIL MUST HAVE AN AUDIT PERFORMED WITHIN 9 MONTHS OF YEAR END. QUESTIONED COSTS NOT DETERMINED, MANAGEMENT DID NOT ENSURE THAT THAT THE AUIDT AND ALL REPORTS WERE FILED/SUBMITTED TIMELY