Finding Text
Criteria: Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 200.318-322, requires the non-Federal entity to have and use documented procurement procedures consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. For “formal purchases,” those where the aggregate dollar amount is higher than the simplified acquisition threshold, sealed bids are publicly solicited through an invitation and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation and is the lowest in price. Condition: During our testing, we noted one contract that did not include documentation demonstrating that competitive bids were obtained. Additionally, there was no evidence that due diligence was performed to substantiate the vendor’s designation as a sole source, nor was there documentation indicating that no other vendors could meet the district’s needs. Context: The matter was found in one of the two samples we reviewed. Questioned Cost: There is no questioned cost associated with this non-compliance. Cause: District relied on a letter from the vendor, believing that this was a sole source. Effect: This resulted in one contract totaling $632,765 being awarded without competitive bidding documentation. Recommendation: We recommend that the District comply with 2 CFR, section 200.318-322, which requires that an LEA maintain the documented procedures for procurement transactions under a federal award. Views of Responsible Officials: We agree with the auditor’s comments, and the following actions have or will be taken to ensure the procurement of goods and services for the nutrition services department follows all applicable steps according to Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR) sections 200.317-200.327; Title7, Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR), parts 210 and 220; and all applicable state and local rules: 1. During the school year 2024/2025, changes were made to staff to allow for additional oversight. A Procurement Specialist reporting directly to the Director of Purchasing was added to staff in lieu of a Buyer that had previously reported to the Director of Nutrition Services. This move allowed for an additional step to ensure proper procurement is happening. 2. All purchasing methods, including Micropurchase, Simplified Acquisition, and Formal, will be followed in accordance with all applicable regulations, in line with RUSD’s written procurement procedures. 3. Any noncompetitive procurement will only occur if the conditions outlined in applicable regulations are met and sufficient evidence and documentation is received and retained, including participating in performing due diligence to ascertain whether a single source document is accurate from any given vendor. 4. In addition, documented annual training will take place for all staff involved in the procurement process. This procedure includes a review and annual update of procurement procedures, if applicable, and an acknowledgement of the nutrition services code of conduct in regards to purchasing.