Finding Text
2023-002 Improve Documentation and Controls Over Procurement Federal Program(s) Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Cluster/Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds AL Number(s): 21.027 Award Year: 2023 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement Per 2 CFR 200.318–200.327, non-federal entities must use their 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 set forth in the Uniform Guidance. In some cases, the Uniform Guidance may establish stricter requirements for procurement, including the need for full and open competition, documentation of procurement history, and specific justifications for sole source or exempt procurements. Entities must comply with the stricter requirements when procuring services. Condition and Context During testing of procurement transactions, the Town was unable to provide documentation supporting procurement for one selected vendor for a design project. The project proceeded with an existing provider for the Town engaged on other projects rather than following the policies and procedures for soliciting competitive sealed bids or proposals for the specific project under the grant. The Procurement Manager relied on an exemption for engineering services under Massachusetts procurement law, which in this case is less restrictive than Uniform Guidance requirements. As a result, the Town did not comply with the federal procurement standards applicable to this transaction. Cause The Town’s internal controls over procurement did not ensure that federal requirements under Uniform Guidance were followed when state and federal rules differed. The Procurement Manager applied state-level exemptions rather than adhering to more restrictive federal standards. Effect or Potential Effect The absence of procurement documentation and use of state exemptions rather than federal requirements increase the risk of non-compliance and may result in unallowable costs. Questioned costs reported as a result of this transaction are $110,901. TOWN OF NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 13 SECTION III - FEDERAL AWARDS FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) 2023-002 Improve Documentation and Controls Over Procurement (Continued) Recommendation The Town strengthen its internal controls over procurement to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, regardless of state law exemptions. The Town should ensure adequate documentation is retained for all federally funded procurements, and that procurement staff are trained on the distinction between federal and state procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Officials Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.