Finding 10540 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-01-29

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Timely reinspections of units with life-threatening violations were not conducted, risking participant safety.
  • Impacted Requirements: Federal regulations mandate reinspection within 24 hours and enforcement through voucher abatements.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Strengthen internal controls, document voucher abatement steps, and establish compliance enforcement processes.

Finding Text

Finding 2023-002 AL Number and Title: CFDA 14.881—MTW Demonstration Program for Vouchers – Special Tests – HQS Enforcement Criteria: The federal program's compliance requirements include timely reinspection of units that fail HQS inspections, particularly when violations are deemed life-threatening. Federal regulations require that when lifethreatening violations are identified, the unit must be reinspected within 24 hours. Furthermore, the program should enforce compliance through voucher abatements and potential voucher loss when necessary. Condition: During the audit, a sample of 40 HQS failed inspections were reviewed. Of these, 10 inspections revealed life-threatening violations that warranted re-inspections within 24 hours. However, no timely reinspections were conducted, and no voucher abatement steps were taken to enforce compliance. Cause: The cause of noncompliance was due to inadequate internal controls and oversight, leading to a failure to prioritize and conduct timely re-inspections of units with life-threatening violations. Additionally, there was a lack of documented voucher abatement steps taken to enforce compliance and potential voucher loss. Effect or Potential Effect: The failure to conduct timely re-inspections of units with life-threatening violations poses a significant risk to the safety and well-being of program participants. Additionally, the absence of voucher abatement steps and the failure to enforce compliance through potential voucher loss may result in noncompliance with federal program requirements and potential financial implications. Questioned Costs: To be determined based on the financial impact of noncompliance. Context: The noncompliance findings are based on a statistically valid sample of 40 HQS inspections. These findings may represent systemic issues in the administration of the MTW Demonstration Program for Vouchers. Further analysis is required to quantify the dollar value of questioned costs. Recommendation: The auditee should take the following corrective actions: (1) Implement and strengthen internal controls and procedures to ensure timely re-inspections of units with life-threatening violations, in accordance with federal requirements; (2) Develop and document clear voucher abatement steps to address instances of noncompliance with HQS standards; (3) Establish a process for enforcing compliance through voucher abatements and potential voucher loss when necessary. Responsible Official's Response and Corrective Action Planned: Management acknowledges the audit findings and is committed to taking corrective actions.

Corrective Action Plan

Comments on the Finding and Each Recommendation: Management agrees with both the finding and the recommendations. Action(s) Taken or Planned on the Finding Under the direction of the Assistant Executive Director, the Housing Administrator has already established an inspection oversight process with HQS staff addressing the deficiencies noted in the finding, including the timeliness of reinspection. The process also includes implementing an updated voucher abatement and loss procedure before 12/31/2023. The operations memorandum detailing the oversight process will be distributed to staff before 01/01/2024.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 586982 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.881 Moving to Work Demonstration Program $38.24M
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $12.82M
21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $6.03M
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $4.44M
10.415 Rural Rental Housing Loans $2.52M
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $1.95M
10.427 Rural Rental Assistance Payments $319,402
14.241 Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids $288,759
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $264,001
93.917 Hiv Care Formula Grants $122,582
14.870 Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services - Service Coordinators $94,027
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $600