Finding 1080136 (2024-003)

Special Education Cluster – Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Education Special Education Cluster (Special Education – Grants to State (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education – Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) Assistance Listing numbers 84.027 and 84.173) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and testing of various vendors, we noted that the District is not following its procurement procedures for the Special Education program purchases and is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performed required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required procurement testing, a review of vendors charged to the special education cluster and therefore represents purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that their procurement procedures are being followed and that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: As of November 1, 2024, the District will have implemented a process to determine the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds.