Finding 1181620 (2024-008)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-03-19

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of effective internal controls and documentation for costs charged to federal programs.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR §200.303 and §200.403 regarding internal controls and allowable costs.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Implement and document internal control procedures, including maintaining invoices and establishing review processes for compliance.

Finding Text

U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency Passed through State Department of Natural Resources and Conservation FFAL# 21.027 COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Activities Allowed/Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Material Non-compliance Material Weakness in Internal Control Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.303, non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Per 2 CFR §200.403, costs must be adequately documented to be allowable under federal awards Condition: During our testing of allowable costs under Uniform Guidance, we noted that the client did not provide evidence of internal controls over the review and approval of costs charged to the federal program. Additionally, for 3 out of 4 sampled transactions, the client was unable to provide supporting documentation (invoices) for the expenditures tested. Cause: The client has not implemented sufficient procedures to ensure documentation is retained and controls are evidenced for allowable costs. Effect: Without evidence of internal controls and supporting documentation, there is an increased risk of noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements and potential questioned costs. Questioned Costs: $1,124,156 Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of four invoices were selected for testing. Repeat Finding from Prior Years: No. Recommendation: We recommend the client implement and document internal control procedures over allowable costs, including maintaining invoice support for all expenditures charged to federal programs. Controls should include documented review and approval processes to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Agree.

Corrective Action Plan

The Board of Directors for the district will be monitoring all filing to be able to account for documentation available within the district. Also, there will be implementing document control procedures for all costs and invoices within the district.

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Material Weakness Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1181621 2024-009
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1181622 2024-010
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $1.06M
14.218 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/ENTITLEMENT GRANTS $267,859