Finding 1146993 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-07-07
Audit: 361562
Organization: Austin Street Center (TX)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to obtain required competitive quotes for purchases over $10,000 and did not follow formal procurement procedures for a purchase exceeding $250,000.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR §200.320, which mandates documented procedures for full and open competition in federal procurement.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Enhance internal controls by implementing a pre-procurement review process and providing staff training to ensure compliance with procurement standards.

Finding Text

Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR §200.320, federal procurement standards require non- Federal entities to follow documented procedures that promote full and open competition. For small purchases between $10,000 and $250,000, price or rate quotations must be obtained from at least three qualified sources. Purchases exceeding $250,000 must undergo formal procurement procedures such as sealed bidding or competitive proposals. Condition: During our testing of procurement transactions, we identified two vendors with individual purchases exceeding the small purchase threshold of $10,000 for which no documentation of competitive quotes was obtained. Additionally, one vendor exceeded the $250,000 threshold for which a formal competitive procurement process, such as sealed bids or proposals, was not conducted. Cause: While the Organization had a procurement policy aligned with federal requirements, the policy was not effectively enforced throughout the year. Possible effect: The Organization risked overpaying for goods or services and may not have achieved the best value for federal expenditures. Questioned cost: $325,883 – Represents the total expenditures with the three identified vendors during fiscal year 2024. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization enhance its internal controls over procurement by implementing a pre-procurement review process and staff training to ensure consistent compliance with federal procurement thresholds and documentation requirements. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and will implement procedures to ensure procurement compliance.

Categories

Questioned Costs Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 570550 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 570551 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 570552 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1146992 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1146994 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $323,542
97.024 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program $75,000
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $36,972
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $25,517