Finding 1162227 (2021-004)

COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund Federal Assistance Listing Number 93.498 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Criteria: Reporting (45 CFR 75.342) and Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles (Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 563 and Pub. L. No. 116-139, 134 Stat. 622 and 623). The District is required to prepare and submit period one provider relief fund report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This report is to be prepared using accurate financial information and submitted by the deadline established. Any construction in progress expenses must be for capital assets placed in services within the period of eligibility. Condition: The District reported COVID-19-related expenditures within the HHS Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Distribution (PRF) portal for construction in progress items that were not placed in service within the period of eligibility. Questioned Costs: $760,229. Questioned costs were estimated by evaluating claimed expenditures for capital asset items not placed in service within the period of eligibility. Context: The period one provider relief fund report was tested. The District’s reporting of allowable expenses included construction in progress expenses incurred for assets not yet placed in service at the close of the period of eligibility. Effect: The District submitted ineligible expenses under the PRF program. Cause: The guidance provided by HHS to providers across the country as to how to report their COVID-19-related expenses and lost revenues is, at times, difficult to comprehend and apply. Internal controls were not in place to ensure the District correctly applied the guidance. Recommendation: Management should ensure proper internal controls are put into place to ensure that claimed expenses reported are allowable under the terms of the program. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: See attached corrective action plan.