Finding 1169771 (2023-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2026-01-20

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization's procurement policies are not consistently followed, leading to a lack of evidence for compliance in 4 out of 8 tested purchases.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR Sections 200.303(a) and 200.320 regarding effective internal controls and documented procurement procedures.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement consistent procurement procedures and maintain thorough documentation to ensure compliance and avoid potential funding issues.

Finding Text

2023-002 Compliance and Internal Controls over Procurement (Material Weakness and Material Noncompliance) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program 2023 Funding Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.320, the Organization must have and use documented procurement procedures for acquisition of property and services under a federal award or a sub-award. Condition: While the Organization has approved policies and procedures for procurement, these are not consistently followed and therefore no observable evidence was available to verify that proper procurement procedures were followed for 4 out of 8 selected products and services for our testing. Cause: Majority of the purchases subject to potential procurement were from recurring vendors from prior years for whom documentation was not available at the Organization. For any new vendors, the policies were not applied consistently by the upper management. Effect: Not following procurement policies may result in funds to be returned back to grantor and / or impact future funding. Questioned Costs: Known costs of $169,575 and likely costs of $198,266. Perspective: As a result of not having a devoted, full-time employee in the senior financial management position, required controls and record keeping were not properly established. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: The Organization should establish procedures to ensure that controls related to procurement are consistently implemented and that all written records are maintained to support that the compliance requirement is met. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the recommendation, please see Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-002 Compliance and Internal Controls over Procurement (Material Weakness and Noncompliance) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 14.267 – Continuum of Care Program 2023 Funding Recommendation: The Organization should establish procedures to ensure that controls related to procurement are consistently implemented and that all written records are maintained to support that the compliance requirement is met. Corrective Action: In alignment with the recent leadership transition, a comprehensive policy and procedure manual has been established to ensure our procurement practices meet HUD guidelines. The following outlines our updated procurement policy: 1. Compliance with Standards: All procurement of property (goods, supplies, or equipment) and services must adhere to the standards of conduct and conflict-of-interest requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.317 and 200.318. 2. Micro Purchases (Under $9,999): Temenos CDC (TCDC) will document the reasonableness of costs for all micro purchases to ensure appropriate spending practices. 3. Small Purchases ($10,000 and above): For small purchases exceeding $10,000, TCDC will solicit a minimum of three bids for services to promote competitive pricing. 4. Vendor Vetting: 1. All new vendors will be vetted through the SAM (System for Award Management) Department prior to the initiation of services. 2. Continuous service providers will be subject to an annual vetting process to ensure ongoing compliance and quality. These measures are designed to reinforce our commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with HUD requirements. Responsible Parties: Sandra Robicheaux - Executive Director Madelyn Wages – Director of Supportive Services Ramona Edwards – Property Manager Date to be Corrected: Implementation for above changes went into effect 6/01/2024

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Subrecipient Monitoring Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1169767 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169768 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169769 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169770 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169772 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169773 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169774 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169775 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169776 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169777 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169778 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169779 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169780 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169781 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169782 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169783 2023-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169784 2023-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169785 2023-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169786 2023-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169787 2023-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169788 2023-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169789 2023-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169790 2023-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169791 2023-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1169792 2023-007
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $636,146
14.267 CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM $616,945