Finding Text
Finding Reference 2024-004
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Pass-through Agency: Puerto Rico Department of Family
Program: Child Care and Development Block Grant (ALN 93.575)
Compliance Requirement: Earmarking (G)
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls (SD), Instance of Noncompliance (NC)
This finding is similar to prior-year finding 2023-004.
Statement of Condition In our Earmarking Test, we found that the Program did not comply with the quality earmark limitation that requires the program to spend at least nine percent (9%) of the funds on quality activities and at least an additional three percent (3%) on quality improvement for infants and toddlers on the program. Also, we found that the Program did not comply with the direct spending earmark limitation that requires the program to spend no less than seventy percent (70%) to fund direct services.
Criteria 45 CFR, Subpart F, Section 98.50 (b) (1) states that of the aggregate amount of funds expended by a State or Territory, no less than seven percent in fiscal years 2016 and 2017, eight percent in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, and nine percent in fiscal year 2020 and each succeeding fiscal year shall be used for activities designed to improve the quality of child care services and increase parental options for, and access to, high-quality child care as described at 45 CFR Subpart F, Section 98.53. Section 98.50 (b) (2) states that no less than three percent in fiscal year 2017 and each succeeding fiscal year shall be used to carry out activities as such activities relate to the quality of care for infants and toddlers. Also, section 98.50 (b) (3) states that nothing in this section shall preclude the State or Territory from reserving a larger percentage of funds to carry out activities described in paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of Section 98.50.
45 CFR, Subpart F, Section 95.50 (f) (2) states that from Discretionary amounts provided for a fiscal year, the Lead Agency shall use no less than 70 percent to fund direct services (provided by the Lead Agency).
Cause of Condition The program’s budget, approved by the pass-through entity, was not distributed according to the cost limitations required for the administrative, quality and direct costs. Therefore, the amounts spent per category of expenditure did not meet the minimum amounts.
Effect of Condition The program is not in compliance with 45 CFR, Subpart F, Section 98.50.
Recommendation We recommend the Program’s Management to request to the pass-through entity a revision of the approved budgeted amounts in order to make all the required adjustments to comply with the program cost limitations.
Questioned Cost None
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action In this case, for the year 2024-2025 it has already been verified that ACUDEN complies with the provisions of the contract. As an internal control and prevention measure, the budget sent by the Agency will be verified with the percentages (%) established in the contract. If they do not match, ACUDEN will be asked to amend the budget.
Implementation Date: During fiscal year 2024-2025.
Responsible Person: Mrs. Natasha Vásquez
Federal Programs Director