Finding 1157762 (2024-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-30
Audit: 369902
Organization: Vibrant Hawaii (HI)
Auditor: Verity CPAS

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of management review and approval for meal reimbursement claims submitted by the Hawaii Child Nutrition Program.
  • Impacted Requirements: Failure to comply with federal internal control standards (2 CFR § 200.303) increases the risk of unsubstantiated claims.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a process for management to document their review and approval of meal reimbursement claims with a sign-off.

Finding Text

Type of Finding: Significant deficiency Federal Agencies, Programs, and Assistance Listing Numbers: o U.S. Department of Agriculture:  State of Hawaii, Office of Education, Hawaii Child Nutrition Program: Summer Food Service Program for Children (Assistance Listing No. 10.559) Criteria – In accordance with Title 2, Subtitle A, Chapter II, Section 200.303 (2 CFR § 200.303), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the award. Segregation of duties and management oversight are essential components of effective internal control. Condition – During our audit, we noted that the meal reimbursement claims submitted for June and July 2024 reconciled to supporting documentation. However, there was no evidence of management's review and approval of the submitted meal reimbursement claims. Cause – The Organization's meal reimbursement process did not require management review or approval of claims prior to submission. Effect – Insufficient management review increases the risk of unsubstantiated claim reimbursements which could result in noncompliance with program requirements. Questioned Costs – None Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – In addition to existing processes and controls over meal reimbursement claim submissions, we recommend management document their review and approval of meal reimbursement claims with a reviewer sign off. Views of Responsible Official(s) and Planned Corrective Action – See Corrective Action Plan on page 41.

Corrective Action Plan

All reimbursement claims submitted under federal or state food service programs shall undergo documented management review prior to submission, in compliance with 2 CFR §200.303 and program requirements. Claims must be signed and dated by the Program Director (or designee) and reviewed by the CEO or CFO on a sample basis to verify compliance.

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.559 Summer Food Service Program for Children $2.14M
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $528,276
45.024 Promotion of the Arts Grants to Organizations and Individuals $3,339