Finding 1019498 (2022-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-05-11
Audit: 312731
Organization: Bergman School District (AR)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Unallowable costs of $56,940 were incurred for 157 devices intended primarily for on-campus use, violating OMB guidelines.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with OMB 47 CFR § 54.1706(b) regarding eligible equipment usage is critical for funding eligibility.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The District should seek guidance from the Federal Communications Commission and strengthen internal controls over program spending.

Finding Text

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIONEMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND PROGRAM - AL NUMBER 32.009AUDIT PERIOD - YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022Activities Allowed or UnallowedCriteria or specific requirement: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 47 CFR ? 54.1706 (b) states that eligible schools cannot request and receive support for the purchase of eligible equipment and services for use solely at the school; however, some on-campus use is permitted for eligible equipment that was purchased primarily to provide off-campus access.Condition: During testing, we identified unallowable costs totaling $56,940 were paid from the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program for 157 connected devices that were purchased primarily for on-campus use.Cause: Lack of internal controls and management oversight of program expenditures.Effect: Unallowable costs of $56,940 were paid from the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program.Questioned costs: The amount of questioned costs was $56,940.Context: As a result of an examination of Emergency Connectivity Fund checks paid, review of inventory records maintained for connected devices purchased, and interviews of District personnel, it was determined the devices purchased were not primarily for off-campus use and resulted in unallowable costs.Recommendation: The District should contact the Federal Communications Commission for guidance regarding this matter and implement proper controls over program expenditures.

Categories

Questioned Costs Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Equipment & Real Property Management Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 443055 2022-001
    Material Weakness
  • 443056 2022-002
    Material Weakness
  • 1019497 2022-001
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Covid-19 - Education Stabilization Fund $822,056
10.553 School Breakfast Program $263,613
32.009 Emergency Connectivity Fund Program $210,215
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $177,228
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $57,047
93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (elc) $48,445
10.555 National School Lunch Program $39,086
84.367 Supporting Effective Instructions State Grants $28,119
10.582 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program $22,350
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $13,461
93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services_projects of Regional and National Significance $10,000
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $5,977