Finding 1156795 (2024-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-30
Audit: 369173
Organization: Mzc Foundation Inc. (GA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Foundation lacks approved procurement policies and procedures, violating federal requirements for managing federal awards.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR Sections 200.303(a) and 200.320, which mandate effective internal controls and documented procurement processes.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Strengthen procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and prevent potential funding issues.

Finding Text

2024-001: Procurement – Material Weakness Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Transportation FALN: 20.942 Thriving Communities Program Award Year: 2023-2025 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non‐federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.320, the Foundation must have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of goods and services under a federal award or a sub‐award. Condition: 2 CFR Section 200.320, the Foundation is required to have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of goods and services under a federal award. The Foundation does not have approved policies and procedures over procurement. The Foundation was unable to identify any controls to ensure that transactions weren’t had between ineligible parties. Effect: Not having a procurement policy may result in funds to be returned back to grantor and/or impact future funding. Cause: Supporting procurement documentation for the acquisition of goods and services were not properly established largely due to overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend the Foundation strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure procurement is adequately documented for that goods and services purchased in accordance with Uniform Guidance and other federal guidelines.

Corrective Action Plan

Recommendation: We recommend the Foundation strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure procurement is adequately documented for the goods and services purchased in accordance with Uniform Guidance and other federal guidelines, including simplified acquisition procedures for purchases above the micro-purchase threshold ($10,000). Grantee Response and Corrective Action Plan 2024-001: In response to the audit finding under 2 CFR Section 200.320 regarding the necessity to have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of goods and services under a federal award or a sub‐award, it is acknowledged that the Foundation did not previously have a formal policy specifically addressing procurement. Recognizing the importance of formalizing these practices into policy, we are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive policy that explicitly addresses procurement. In line with our recent enhancements in internal controls, including the engagement of a Finance Manager in 2024, this policy will reinforce our ongoing efforts to uphold the highest standards of compliance and accountability in all our operations. Responsible Parties: Allie Kelly, Executive Director Anticipated Correction Date: December 31, 2025

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Eligibility Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1156796 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
20.942 Thriving Communities Program Capacity Builders Cooperative Agreements $1.95M