Finding 1172354 (2024-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-02-04
Audit: 385388
Organization: 1890 Universities Foundation (DC)
Auditor: SB & COMPANY LLC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Management failed to review and approve employee time and effort allocations for federal grants, leading to significant adjustments post-close.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR §200.430 regarding allowable costs for employee compensation under federal awards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure management implements a review process for time and effort allocations to guarantee accurate tracking and billing of compensation.

Finding Text

Program: ALL No. 10.523 Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance over Allowable Costs/Costs Principles (Payroll Costs) Repeat Finding: Yes Condition: Management did not review and approve the time and effort allocation of employees working under federal grants resulting in significant post-close adjustments. Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR §200.430, the non-federal entity may compensate for personal services including all remuneration, paid currently or accrued, for services of employees rendered during the period of performance under the federal award, including but not necessarily limited to wages and salaries. The costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of this part. Additionally, as defined in 2 CFR Ch. II (1-1-18 Edition) §200.430(g), for compensation to members of nonprofit organizations, trustees, directors, associates, officers, or the immediate families thereof, determination must be made that such compensation is reasonable for the actual personal services rendered rather than a distribution of earnings in excess of costs. This may include director’s and executive committee member’s fees, incentive awards, allowances for off-site pay, incentive pay, location allowances, hardship pay, and cost-of-living differentials. Cause: Management did not review and approve the time and effort allocation of employees working under federal grants. Effect: If the time and allocation efforts of employees working under federal grants were not reviewed and approved in compliance with Uniform Guidance, the Foundation would not identify the compensation allocation and billing to the federal grants are reasonable amount. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Recommendation: We recommend that the Foundation review and approve the time and effort allocation of employees working under federal grants to ensure proper tracking and billing for compensation amount allowed per the federal award. Auditee Response and Corrective Action Plan: Refer to management’s corrective action plans. Auditor’s Conclusion: Finding remains as stated.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2024-002: Significant Deficiency Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Cost/Cost Principle (Payroll) Responsible Official’s Response and Corrective Action Plan We concur with the finding related to deficiencies in our time tracking Process. Starting in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, a time tracking system using Paychex Time & Attendance was implemented. This system is designed to accurately capture, and record employees’ hours worked by project/grant. Comprehensive training sessions have been conducted for all affected employees to ensure they are proficient in using the new time tracking system. Supervisors have received additional training on monitoring and verifying time entries. Planned Implementation Date of Corrective Action Plan October 2025 Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan Natésha Johnson, Director of Finance and Administration Dr. Felecia Nave, President and Chief Executive Officer

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Period of Performance Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1172330 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172331 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172332 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172333 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172334 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172335 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172336 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172337 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172338 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172339 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172340 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172341 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172342 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172343 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172344 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172345 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172346 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172347 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172348 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172349 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172350 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172351 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172352 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172353 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172355 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172356 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172357 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.727 UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE $610,497
10.902 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE $384,126
10.727 UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS $250,000
10.902 UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE $100,000
10.523 CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS $20,657