Finding 1167910 (2024-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-01-06

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to perform and document required checks to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred from federal programs.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.213), which mandates checks before using federal funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement procedures to conduct and document suspension and debarment checks for all relevant transactions.

Finding Text

Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.213) requires non-federal entities to ensure that federal funds are not awarded to or expended with parties that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. This requirement can be satisfied by obtaining a vendor certification or by checking the SAM.gov system prior to entering into covered transaction. Condition: We noted that the Organization did not perform or document required suspension and debarment checks for certain vendors and contractors paid with federal funds. The Organization did not obtain or retain evidence, such as a certification from the vendor or verification from the System for Award Management (SAM), to ensure the vendors were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from federal programs. Context: The Organization did not perform the suspension and debarment check. Cause: The Organization did not have an adequate procedures in place to ensure that suspension and debarment checks were consistently performed and documented. Questioned Costs: None Effect: Without performing suspension and debarment checks, the Organization risks expending federal funds on ineligible vendors, which could result in questioned costs and potential repayment of federal funds. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement procedures to ensure suspension and debarment check are performed for all covered transactions and that evidence of such checks is retained in the procurrent files. Views of Responsible Officials (unaudited): The Organization agrees with the finding and recommendation. The Board of Directors of the Organization will develop policies and procedures to ensure they meet the Uniform Guidance Requirements.

Corrective Action Plan

Views of Responsible Officials (unaudited): The Organization agrees with the finding and recommendation. The Board of Directors of the Organization will develop policies and procedures to ensure they meet the Uniform Guidance Requirements.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1167906 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1167907 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1167908 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1167909 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1167911 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.924 CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM $250,985
15.631 PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE $171,370
10.069 CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM $84,867
10.902 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION $81,616
10.932 REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM $70,204
15.663 NFWF-USFWS CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP $67,344
10.912 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM $65,721