Finding 1054416 (2022-012)

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Requirement
H
Questioned Costs
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Year
2022
Accepted
2024-07-09
Audit: 314691
Organization: Oklahoma County (OK)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: One out of three federal projects did not meet the Period of Performance requirement, leading to noncompliance with federal regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: The County failed to adhere to its own policies and the Public Assistance Program deadlines for project completion.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The County should implement internal controls to ensure compliance with federal laws and grant agreements regarding project timelines.

Finding Text

Noncompliance with Period of Performance Requirement – Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters) PASS-THROUGH GRANTOR: Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Department of Homeland Security ASSISTANCE LISTING NO: 97.036 FEDERAL PROGRAM NAME: Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters) FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER: FEMA-4575-DR-OK FEDERAL AWARD YEAR: 2022 CONTROL CATEGORY: Period of Performance QUESTIONED COSTS: $0 Condition: During the testing of 100% of federal projects of the ALN# 97.036 for compliance with the Period of Performance compliance requirements, the following was noted: • Of the three (3) federal projects tested, one (1) was not completed within the allowable period. Cause of Condition: The County did not follow their policies and procedures over the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance with federal laws and regulations and grant agreements. Recommendation: OSAI recommends the County follow their policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the federal laws and regulations regarding Period of Performance. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: Oklahoma County will design and implement internal control procedures to ensure that all period of performance requirements are met. 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. In addition, Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, Version 4, Chapter 11, Section V – Work Completion Deadlines states in part: “The deadline for Emergency Work is 6 months from the declaration date. The deadline for Permanent Work is 18 months from the declaration date.”

Categories

Period of Performance Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 477972 2022-010
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 477973 2022-011
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 477974 2022-012
    -
  • 1054414 2022-010
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1054415 2022-011
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $13.24M
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $6.77M
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $2.13M
97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant $675,890
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $549,000
16.554 National Criminal History Improvement Program (nchip) $176,165
20.608 Minimum Penalties for Repeat Offenders for Driving While Intoxicated $169,665
10.555 National School Lunch Program $86,290
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $74,496
10.553 School Breakfast Program $45,286
16.922 Equitable Sharing Program $35,840
97.042 Emergency Management Performance Grants $18,188
15.226 Payments in Lieu of Taxes $15,894
16.034 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program $11,250
97.073 State Homeland Security Program (shsp) $6,214