Finding 1080207 (2024-003)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-10-25

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Community Health Center failed to include required provisions in contracts under Federal awards, violating compliance standards.
  • Impacted Requirements: Contracts must adhere to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, specifically Appendix II, which outlines necessary terms like termination clauses and equal employment opportunities.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Enhance internal control policies to ensure all contracts include the required provisions and that procurement procedures are properly documented.

Finding Text

2024-003 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Financial Assistance Listing #93.526 Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Significant Deficiency In Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria – Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requires contract to contain applicable provisions described in Appendix II to Part 200 for contracts under Federal Awards. The OMB Compliance Supplement states that non-Federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Non-Federal entities may verify that a party is not suspended or debarred by checking the Excluded Parties List System, collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction. Condition – Certain applicable provisions described in Appendix II to Part 200 were not included in the contract as required. Cause – The Community Health Center did not have an internal control policy to ensure contracts under Federal awards contained all of the applicable provisions or to ensure that all procurement procedures were completed and documented. Effect – Contractors may not be aware of additional terms and conditions required to be followed to be in compliance with the procurement standards within the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs – None reported. Context/Sampling – A nonstatistical sample of 2 out of 4 vendors were selected for detail testing, including one contract subject to Appendix II to Part 200. The contract was missing certain applicable provisions, which include termination clauses, equal employment opportunity, and anti-lobbying, among others. Repeat Finding from Prior Years – No. Recommendation – We recommend the Community Health Center enhance internal control policies to ensure all contracts under Federal awards contain the applicable provisions in Appendix II to Part 200. Views of Responsible Officials – Management agrees with the finding.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 503764 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 503765 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1080206 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.527 Affordable Care Act (aca) Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program $2.40M
93.224 Community Health Centers $799,243
93.224 Covid-19 Community Health Centers $235,132
93.526 Fip Verification $234,019
93.788 Opioid Str $135,171
93.276 Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grants $96,428
93.969 Pphf Geriatric Education Centers $92,823
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $87,965
21.027 Covid-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $76,621
93.391 Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (stlt) Health Department Response to Public Health Or Healthcare Crises $53,368