Finding Text
#2024-001: Grant Program: Department of Health and Human Services – National Institutes for Health Research and Development Cluster – Cancer Control – Assistance Listing #93.399 – Lack of Required Written Policies Condition: The Consortium does not have written policies and procedures in place as required by 2 CFR § 200.302 and § 200.313. Specifically, the Consortium lacks documented policies for: • The timing of federal cash draws; • The allowability of costs charged to federal awards; and • Documentation of time-and-effort for personal services. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(6)–(7) requires nonfederal entities to have written procedures for (a) cash drawdowns and (b) determining cost allowability. § 200.305 requires written cash-management procedures that minimize the time between draw and disbursement. § 200.430 requires a written policy that is consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities for documentation of compensation for personal services. Context: At the time of completion of the audit for the year ended May 31, 2024, the written policies were not in place. Cause: The Consortium has not yet developed or adopted the required written policies due to limited administrative capacity and reliance on informal practices. Effect: The absence of written policies increases the risk of noncompliance with federal requirements, mismanagement of federal funds, and audit findings in future periods. It may also impair the Consortium’s ability to consistently apply federal cost principles and properly safeguard assets. Recommendation: We recommend that the Consortium develop and implement written policies and procedures that comply with the requirements of Uniform Guidance. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.