Finding Text
Questioned Cost $ – Finding No. 2025-001: Reporting (Significant Deficiency) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce AL Number and Title: 11.029 – Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (“TBCP”) Award Number and Award Year: NT23TBC0290054 2025 Repeat Finding? No Condition During our audit, we tested the performance reporting for the semi-annual reporting period ended March 31, 2025, and noted that the total expenditures reported did not agree with the federal expenditures reported on SF-425, resulting in a variance. Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.329, recipients must submit accurate and complete performance reports that are consistent with financial data reported on the Federal Financial Report (SF-425). Effect The performance report did not accurately reflect the total federal expenditures for the reporting period, leading to inconsistencies between the financial and performance data submitted to the federal awarding agency. This reduces the reliability of reported information and represents a deficiency in internal control over compliance. Cause and View of Responsible Officials The discrepancy occurred because the program personnel lacked a clear understanding of the difference between cash and accrual basis accounting. As a result, the Cash on hand amount reported on the SF-425 was incorrectly included in the total expenditures on the performance report. The review control did not identify this error prior to submission. Recommendation We recommend that management provide training to staff responsible for preparing and reviewing performance and financial reports to ensure a proper understanding of cash versus accrual basis reporting. Management should also implement a reconciliation and review process to verify that the total federal expenditures reported in the performance report agree to the federal share of expenditure reported on SF-425 prior to submission.