Finding 1155428 (2024-005)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-25
Audit: 367713
Organization: Forth Mobility Fund (OR)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Forth Mobility Fund failed to follow its own documented procurement procedures, leading to material non-compliance with federal requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-adherence to 2 CFR sections 200.318-326, which mandate compliance with procurement policies that align with federal, state, and local laws.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure strict adherence to procurement policies, enhance documentation practices, and provide training for staff on updated procedures.

Finding Text

2024-005 Finding – Federal Award Type: Procurement – Material Non-Compliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance. (Repeat of finding 2023-005) Identification of Federal Program: AL Number: 81.086 Conservation Research and Development Program Criteria / Requirement: Per 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 an entity receiving federal funds must follow their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Condition / Context: During the audit it was noted that Forth Mobility Fund has an established Procurement Policy which incorporates procurement requirements identified in 2 CFF Part 200. However, of the 3 items selected for testing, all 3 did not follow the Procurement Policy. Either a sufficient number of quotes were not obtained or proper documentation was not maintained. Cause: While the Procurement Policy is documented, the procedures and policies were not being followed. Effect: Failure to maintain sufficient internal controls and proper procedures may result in wrongful use of federal funds and non-compliance with federal awards. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Organization should follow the establish written policies and procedures regarding procurement and properly document the process for each procurement made. Management’s Response: We agree with the auditor's comments and have taken steps to strengthen compliance with procurement policies. We have established additional documentation requirements for all procurements and will update our policies to incorporate explicit internal controls and approval processes. Staff involved in procurement will also receive guidance on these updated requirements.

Corrective Action Plan

2024-005 Conservation Research and Development Program – Assistance Listing #81.086 Recommendation: The Organization should follow established written policies and procedures regarding procurement and properly document the process for each procurement made. Explanation of disagreement with audit findings: There is no disagreement with the audit findings. Action Plan: We agree with the auditor’s comments and have taken steps to strengthen compliance with procurement policies. We have established additional documentation requirements for all procurements, ensuring that each transaction clearly reflects adherence to policy, including vendor selection rationale and approval workflows. Procurement policies are being updated to incorporate explicit internal controls and approval processes. Staff involved in procurement will receive guidance on these updated requirements. Name(s) of the contact people responsible for correction action: Gina Avalos-Limardo, Director of Finance & Operations and Cho Heide, Contracts & Compliance Manager Plan completion date for corrective action plan: September 30, 2025

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1155425 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1155426 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1155427 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.766 Community Facilities Loans and Grants $61,458
81.117 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination, Outreach, Training and Technical Analysis/assistance $16,781
81.086 Conservation Research and Development $984