Finding Text
2024-003 –LACK OF CONTROLS OVER SUSPENSION AND DEBAREMENT - ALN 21.027 – SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY FINDING TYPE: SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Finding 2024-003 Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds ALN: 21.027 Year(s): SLFRP5402, 2024 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Pass Through Agency: North Dakota State Treasurer Office Questioned Cost: $0 Condition Morton County did not have documented policies in place to verify that vendors receiving federal funds were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. During the audit period, the County did not perform checks of the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov) or obtain certifications from vendors to demonstrate compliance with federal suspension and debarment requirements. Context During the audit period, Morton County entered one contract in the amount of $190,400. The vendor was not on the suspension and debarment listing on SAM.gov. Effect Without documented controls to verify vendor eligibility, the County was exposed to an increased risk of noncompliance with federal requirements. Although no instances of transactions with suspended or debarred parties were identified during audit testing, the lack of controls limits the County’s ability to demonstrate ongoing compliance with suspension and debarment regulations. Cause Morton County was not aware of the requirement to establish and document procedures specific to suspension and debarment compliance under the Uniform Guidance. As a result, controls and documentation practices were not implemented during the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR §200.214 and 2 CFR §180.300 require non-federal entities to verify that parties to covered transactions are not suspended or debarred prior to entering such transactions. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.303 states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Repeat Finding NO. Recommendation We recommend Morton County develop and implement documented procedures to verify vendor eligibility under federal suspension and debarment requirements prior to entering into contracts. Acceptable verification methods include SAM.gov checks, vendor certifications, or contract clauses, and documentation of compliance should be retained. Morton County’s Response See Corrective Action Plan.