Finding 1159861 (2024-007)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
ABIL
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-10-03
Audit: 370401
Organization: Opportunities Credit Union (VT)
Auditor: Rsm US LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Credit Union lacks written policies and procedures for managing its federal grant program.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates Section 5.1 of the grant agreement and 2 CFR Part 200, which stress the need for effective internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-up: The Credit Union should create and implement the necessary policies and procedures to ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Finding Text

Identifying Number: 2024-007 Information on the Federal Program: ALN#21.033, U.S. Department of Treasury: COVID-19 Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Equitable Recovery Program (CDFI ERP) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Section 5.1 of the grant agreement incorporates 2 CFR Part 200, which establishes uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards (Uniform Guidance (UG) Administrative Requirements). UG administrative requirements puts emphasis on written policies and procedures as central in its objective to maintain effective internal controls over federal awards. Condition: The Credit Union did not develop written policies and procedures relating to the administration of its federal grant program. Cause: Management did not have effective controls in place to monitor and comply with grant requirements. Effect: Lack of written policies could result in deficiencies relating to accountability, transparency or improper use of federal grant funds. Questioned Costs: Not applicable. Context: This is applicable to all grants awarded to the credit union. Repeat finding: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the Credit Union establish policies and procedures for its federal grant programs required by the grant agreement. Views of responsible individuals: Management agrees with the Finding and recommendation. See corrective action plan for further information.

Corrective Action Plan

Management acknowledges the oversight and agrees with the recommendation. At the time of the finding, the Credit Union had not established written policies and procedures specific to the administration of the CDFI ERP program, which was required under the grant agreement. However, this finding relates to the pre-merger entity’s administration of the CDFI ERP program. Since the merger, the current Credit Union is no longer a member of the CDFI Fund and therefore does not participate in federal programs subject to these requirements. Accordingly, the development of written policies and procedures related to federal grant administration is no longer applicable. To address the finding: • The issue has been documented as part of merger due diligence. • Management has confirmed that no further actions are required, as the current Credit Union does not administer CDFI or federal grant programs. CU1 will prepare adequate policies and procedures if it becomes applicable in the future. Expected Completion Date – Completed Responsible Parties – Wendy Gorevan, CFO (FAFCU pre-merger) and Scott McDonald, CFO (post-merger)

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles HUD Housing Programs Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1159858 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1159859 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1159860 2024-006
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.033 Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Equitable Recovery Program (cdfi Erp) $883,705
21.025 Small Dollar Loan Program $23,724
21.020 Community Development Financial Institutions Program $13,172