Finding 1162507 (2024-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-11-17
Audit: 372227
Organization: TOWN OF SHIRLEY (MA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Town failed to verify suspension and debarment compliance for four transactions, risking contracts with ineligible vendors.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-federal entities must ensure compliance with 2 CFR section 200.214, which prohibits contracting with suspended or debarred parties.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement procedures to document checks on all contractors to confirm they are not suspended or debarred.

Finding Text

2024-002 U.S. Department of the Treasury COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – ALN 21.027 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Over Compliance and Other Matter Finding Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for four covered transactions. Cause: Lack of appropriate oversight resulted in required suspension and debarment checks not being performed. Effect: Grant transactions are not supported adequately, and the Town is at risk of awarding contracts to vendors not eligible to participate in federal awards programs. It was determined that none of the four vendors were suspended or debarred from federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The Town should implement procedures to document that all contractors under covered transactions that are performing services for the grant are not suspended or debarred.

Corrective Action Plan

Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for four covered transactions. Corrective Action Planned: The Town will implement procedures to include a suspension and debarment certification in all federal contracts that are considered covered transactions to ensure that the contractors are eligible to receive federal funds and not excluded or disqualified from doing business. Anticipated Completion Date: March 31, 2026 Contact: Bryan Sawyer, Town Administrator

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Subrecipient Monitoring Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1162506 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $1.19M
16.738 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM $39,995
20.600 STATE AND COMMUNITY HIGHWAY SAFETY $1,259