Finding 1201222 (2024-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-03-30
Audit: 395879
Organization: Town of Bridgton (ME)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Town's procurement policy is missing key provisions required by federal regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR §200.318(a) could lead to unallowable costs and unfair procurement practices.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Revise the procurement policy to meet all federal requirements and establish a regular review process.

Finding Text

SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCIES 2024-001 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Program Information: United States Department of Agriculture ALN - 10.760 - Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Criteria: The following CFR applies to this finding: 2 CFR §200.318(a) Condition: During our testing we reviewed the procurement policy for the Town and identified multiple provisions required were not included in the policy. Cause: The control lapse occurred because there was turnover in key positions and the policy has not been reviewed. Effect: Procurement activities conducted under this incomplete policy may not adhere to required federal standards, increasing the risk of noncompliance, unallowable costs, or procurement practices that do not ensure fair and open competition. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The procurement policy in effect during the fiscal year was reviewed. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Town revise its procurement policy to fully incorporate all elements required by 2 CFR §§200.317-200.327. Additionally, we suggest that the Town implement a regular policy review process to ensure continued compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town Manager of the Town of Bridgton.

Corrective Action Plan

RE: CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN (Concerning Finding 2024-001) Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Coleen Laprise, Finance Director Corrective Action: The Town of Bridgton will take the following actions to address finding 2024-001: The Town of Bridgton will review and update the current Municipal Purchasing and Sale of Supplies, Materials or Equipment Policy (Approved 9/22/2015) to fully incorporate all elements required by 2 CFR sections 200.317-200.327. We will also implement a regular review policy to ensure we remain in compliance with federal regulations and share the updated policy with all Department Heads and Foremen responsible for procurement. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2026. It is our intention to have a revised, compliant document completed by the end of our fiscal year.

Categories

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Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1201218 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1201219 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1201220 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1201221 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.760 WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES $561,618
66.202 CONGRESSIONALLY MANDATED PROJECTS $116,447
14.218 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/ENTITLEMENT GRANTS $87,060
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $30,150
16.589 RURAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM $4,401
66.458 CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND $2,000
20.616 NATIONAL PRIORITY SAFETY PROGRAMS $1,463