Finding Text
Finding 2024-003 – Special Tests and Provisions – SEMAP reporting
ALN 14.871 – Noncompliance & Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 24 CFR Part 985.3 states that PHAs “must leave a clear audit trail that can be used to verify that the PHA’s quality control sample was drawn in an unbiased manner.”
Condition & cause:
We noted during our review of the 2024 SEMAP submission and supporting documentation that the PHA did not maintain a clear audit trail to support the self-certification. Upon inquiry, we found that the Authority was not maintaining any documentation for SEMAP.
Effect:
The SEMAP certification provides HUD with a system to evaluate a PHA’s Section 8 performance. Failure to provide proper supporting documentation can lead to ineffective measurements of Authority performance, as well as its ability to meet the needs of eligible families. Furthermore, misleading SEMAP certifications can disguise a troubled agency who may need HUD intervention.
Recommendation: We recommend that the PHA personnel obtain the appropriate training for SEMAP documentation and certification and appropriately document the SEMAP reports in future years. We also recommend that the PHA utilize the existing computer system to adequately document SEMAP on a regular basis.
Questioned Costs: None
Repeat Finding: Yes
Was sampling statistically valid? Yes