Finding Text
2025 – 004 Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education (IDEA Cluster) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027, 84.173 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number: 2024-591029-DPI-FLOW-341, 2025-591029-DPI-PRESCH-347 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Other Matter Condition: During our testing of small purchase procurement transactions greater than $500 it was noted they were not supported by an adequate number of quotes (at least two). In addition, during our testing of suspension and debarment, we identified two vendor contracts that were entered into that did not include language related to suspension and debarment. Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement state that if the small purchases method is used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources (at least 2). Any response to publicized requests for proposals must be considered to the maximum extent practical. Additionally, when a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Question Costs: None Effect: Obtaining price quotes and proposals from an adequate number of vendors allows the District to use federal funds in the most fiscally responsible way. The lack of price quotes or proposals may cause the District to overpay for supplies or services. The lack of documentation related to suspension and debarment could result in the District doing business with a suspended or debarred vendor. Cause: The District did not follow their Federal Funds Procurement Policy and District controls did not properly document procurement, suspension and debarment requirements in accordance with Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: We recommend the District review their policies and procedures related to Uniform Guidance and the District’s Federal Funds Procurement Policy. We also recommend the District evaluate current procedures and controls, including segregation of duties, to ensure that policies are consistently followed and properly documented in accordance with District policies. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.