Finding Text
2025-001 - Internal Control over Compliance and Compliance with Subrecipient Monitoring Requirements Information on the Federal Program: United States Department of Treasury Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Assistance Listing Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Pass-Through Entity: Prince George’s Country Maryland Pass-Through Entity Number: 52-6000-998 Award Period: February 28, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Criteria– In accordance with §200.303(a), Internal Controls, a non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. In accordance with 2 CFR §180.300, Suspension and Debarment, non-federal entities cannot enter into awards, subawards, or contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Non-federal entities must either check for exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM); collect a certification from the entity, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity prior to entering into a covered transaction with a non-federal entity. In addition, in accordance with §180.415(b), non-federal entities cannot renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extension) with any excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, unless the non-federal entity obtains an exception under §180.135. 2 CFR §200.332(b), Requirements for pass-through entities, indicates that pass-through entities must ensure that every subaward is clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward and that the subaward document includes the best available information provided within 2 CFR §200.332(b)(1). Condition – During our testing of the two subrecipients under this program, we noted that management did not determine whether the subrecipients were suspended or debarred prior to entering into the agreement with the subrecipients or when the subaward agreements were amended. Additionally, the agreements between The Community Foundation and the subrecipients did not contain certain key information, such as the assistance listing number, as required by 2 CFR §200.332(b)(1). Context – During our review of The Community Foundation’s compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements, we noted that there were two subrecipients under the applicable federal program. Both subrecipients were selected for testing, resulting in a 100% examination rather than a sample-based approach. Upon identification of compliance errors, management subsequently verified the status of the subrecipients in the System for Award Management (“SAM”) to confirm that neither was suspended nor debarred. We reviewed supporting documentation from SAM and confirmed that both subrecipients were not suspended or debarred. Following the audit procedures, which identified missing data elements required by 2 CFR §200.332(b)(1), management issued communications to each subrecipient, providing the relevant information that had initially been omitted from the subaward agreements. Cause - The Community Foundation’s policies include requirements to determine whether vendors/subrecipients are suspended are debarred when working on Federal programs. The individuals executing the agreements between The Community Foundation and the two subrecipients did not properly follow the procurement policy with respect to checks for suspension and debarment. In addition, the individuals executing the agreements with the two subrecipients did not properly review the regulations and did not identify the need to include the information in 2 CFR §200.332(b)(1). Effect or Potential Effect - The lack of adherence to the established internal control policies and procedures can lead to noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the provisions of grant agreements which could ultimately lead to disallowed costs for the major federal program. Questioned Costs - There are no questioned costs. Repeat Finding - This is not a repeat finding from prior year. Recommendation - We recommend that The Community Foundation ensure consistent adherence to its policies and procedures. Given that federal funding is not received on a recurring basis, certain policies and procedures may become outdated. We further recommend that, upon receipt of federal funding in the future, management designate an individual with appropriate knowledge and experience to review applicable federal regulations and update policies and procedures as necessary to maintain compliance. Views of Responsible Officials – Management agrees with the finding and has implemented corrective actions, including verifying subrecipients’ eligibility in SAM.gov before awarding or amending federal subawards, updating subaward templates to meet federal requirements, and revising procurement and cash management policies for compliance. The Controller will act as Compliance Coordinator for future federal funding, overseeing regulation review, staff training, and quarterly compliance checks, with any deficiencies reported to the CFO for prompt resolution. These measures aim to ensure ongoing adherence to federal grant requirements.