Finding 1162720 (2024-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-11-19
Audit: 372350
Organization: Village of Fayette (OH)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Village failed to obtain required sealed bids or competitive proposals for a $403,969 engineering contract, violating federal procurement regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR § 200.320(b) and 2 CFR § 200.318(i) regarding formal procurement methods and record-keeping.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement procedures to ensure proper documentation of procurement history, including vendor selection rationale and competition limitations.

Finding Text

2 CFR 1000.10 gives regulatory effect to the U.S. Department of Treasury for 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 which describe specific procedures non-Federal entities must follow when entering into procurement transactions using Federal funds. 2 CFR § 200.320(b) provides formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a Federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Formal procurement methods are competitive and require public notice. 2 CFR § 200.320(b) outlines two formal methods of procurement that are used for procurement transactions above the simplified acquisition threshold, which are (1) sealed bids and (2) competitive proposals. Further, 2 CFR § 200.318(i) indicates the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement transaction. These records must include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Due to inadequate controls over the procurement process, for one out of three (33%) vendors examined during testing of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the Village did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals before contracting with Arcadis G & M of Ohio to provide engineering services. Expenditures for these services funded with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds during 2024 totaled $403,969. Failure to obtain proposals from a variety of vendors may result in the Village not utilizing the most qualified vendor as well as further noncompliance with federal requirements. The Village should adopt procedures to help ensure records are maintained to document the history of the procurement, including the rationale for the purchase method, selection of vendors, cost/price analysis (if applicable) and the reason for limiting competition (if applicable).

Corrective Action Plan

The Village will ensure that proposals be submitted for architectural and engineering professional services, and that documentation will be maintained for the proposals obtained as well as the Village’s determination of the most qualified vendor.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1162719 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $43,967
16.710 PUBLIC SAFETY PARTNERSHIP AND COMMUNITY POLICING GRANTS $25,667