Finding 1153702 (2024-004)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-22
Audit: 366838
Organization: Thumb Electric Cooperative (MI)
Auditor: Eide Bailly LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Cooperative's procurement policy does not meet the requirements outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326, leading to potential non-compliance.
  • Impacted Requirements: The lack of adherence to Uniform Guidance for procurement, suspension, and debarment procedures increases the risk of non-compliance with federal program standards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should create a compliant written policy and ensure proper documentation for procurement processes to align with federal requirements.

Finding Text

Department of the Treasury, Passed through the State of Michigan Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.029, CV0019120, 2024 COVID-19 – Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria – Uniform Guidance and 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 set forth the procurement standards non-federal entities other than states must follow when operating federal programs and the procurement procedures required. Condition – In our testing of procurement, suspension, and debarment it was identified that the Cooperative’s written policy did not address the requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. In addition, the Cooperative did not follow procurement, suspension, and debarment procedures required under the Uniform Guidance prior to entering into contracts with vendors. Cause – Lack of oversight, awareness, or understanding of all of the specific requirements under the Uniform Guidance and applicable CFR sections, and controls were not adequately designed to ensure compliance with all of these requirements. Effect – A lack of compliant policies and procedures increases the overall risk of non-compliance. Questioned Costs – None reported. Context/Sampling – Overall procurement, suspension, and debarment process. Repeat Finding from Prior Years – No. Recommendation – We recommend that management establish a written policy that is in compliance with all of the procurement requirements for federal programs as identified in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 and maintain adequate supporting documentation and records to document history and methods of procurement, suspension, and debarment procedures performed to comply with these CFR sections. Views of Responsible Officials – There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Department of the Treasury, Passed Through the State of Michigan Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.029, CV0019120, 2024 COVID-19 - Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material NoncomplianceFinding Summary: During the course of the engagement, it was identified that the Cooperative's written policy did not address the requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. In addition, the Cooperative did not follow procurement, suspension, and debarment procedures required under the Uniform Guidance prior to entering into contracts with vendors. Responsible Individuals: Director of Administration Services, General Manager Corrective Action Plan: The Cooperative will update its Board Policy No. 205 to include the requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. In addition, the Cooperative will maintain adequate supporting documentation and records to document history and methods of procurement, suspension, and debarment procedures performed to comply with these CFR sections. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2025

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1153701 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.029 Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund $2.17M