Finding Text
REPORTING - MATERIAL WEAKNESS
Federal Program
COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund (ALN 84.425 C, F, & M)
Criteria
As described under Section 314 (e) of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, and defined by the United States Education Department, an institution shall submit a quarterly expense report documenting the expenditures for both the student portion of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) money as well as institutional use of the HEERF money. These reports should be posted to the College’s website in a timely and accurate manner for the previously ended quarter.
Condition
The College did not complete the required quarterly reports related to the HEERF funding. These quarterly reports are to be completed quarterly and be publicly available.
Cause
The College had significant turnover within the accounting office. The current staff cannot locate any quarterly reports for the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2023 and there is no evidence of the reports posted publicly.
Effect
Failure to comply with the HEERF reporting requirements could jeopardize future federal funding.
Questioned Costs
None.
Context
The College’s website regarding HEERF funding included valuable information for the College’s students regarding ways to apply for funding and available programs. The website also included the required quarterly reports submitted for the student and institutional aid portion of HEERF awards for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022. However, the College did not complete the required reporting for the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2023.
Repeat Finding
No
Recommendation
We recommend that the College review and reconcile reports to the underlying accounting records including the schedule of expenditures of federal awards to ensure that the reports completed and finalized to reflect the activity occurred during the reporting period and properly post the reports for public review. The College should assign responsibility for completion of the reports and oversight and accountability for management review.
Management Response
See corrective action plan included in this report package.