Finding Text
Reporting Information on the Federal Program U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the State of New York Division of Housing and Community Renewal – Federal Assistance Listing Number 93.568, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Criteria Per the grant contract agreement with State of New York Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Cumulative Financial Report (CFR) and claims for payment with all back-up documentation are due the 20th of each month. Condition We noted that for the year ended June 30, 2023, monthly reports for Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) ending 12/31/22, 01/31/23 and 04/30/23 which are due on the 20th day of the following month were submitted on 01/24/23, 02/21/23 and 05/22/23, respectively and the final CFR dated 06/30/23 was submitted on 09/25/23. While for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), monthly report ending 01/31/23 which is due on the 20th day of the following month was submitted on 02/21/23. Cause The Weatherization Assistance Program had undergone significant instability since fiscal year 2022, as evidenced by multiple turnover of personnel, affecting the over-all efficiency in the performance of these contracts. Effect Restoration is non-compliant with the reporting requirements applicable to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Questioned Costs None. Context Five of the Fifteen monthly reports were not submitted by Restoration on time. Identification as a Repeat Finding Repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that Restoration emphasize the importance of complying with reporting requirements of its funding agency. Views of Responsible Official The instability at the Weatherization Assistance Program was a direct result of the personnel situation. Management endeavored diligently to rectify such situation. After multiple attempts until towards the end of fiscal year 2025, it was then that the program was able to refocus and regain footing.