Finding 1171329 (2024-002)

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION-FINDING 2024-002 – PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (ESSER III) - ALN 84.425U-CONDITION: During my review of the District’s compliance with the requirements for noncompetitive procurement, I noted the District did not document its rationale for purchases made from ‘Associates in Counseling’. This is a repeat finding 2023-002 from the prior fiscal year-CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used.-EFFECT: The District did not comply with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance, and District Procurement Policy #626, regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement.-QUESTIONED COST: $163,315-CAUSE: The District utilized this vendor as they felt these professional services best fit the needs of the District. However, the additional procedures addressed in its Procurement Policy for Federal Programs (#626) which addresses the issue of noncompetitive procurement as outlined in Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’), were inadvertently not performed.-RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that for all future purchases involving noncompetitive procurement, that the District adhere to the requirements of 1) the District’s Procurement Policy for Federal Programs (#626), and 2) Section 2 CFR 200.320(c) of the Uniform Guidance.-VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).