Finding 1203068 (2025-005)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
H
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to liquidate all financial obligations from the federal award within the required 120 days after the performance period ended.
  • Impacted Requirements: This non-compliance violates 2 CFR Section 200, which mandates timely liquidation of financial obligations under federal awards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a robust internal control structure to ensure compliance with federal requirements and implement formal policies for financial management.

Finding Text

Condition: The Organization did not liquidate all financial obligations under the federal award within 120 days after the end date of the period of performance. Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, the Organization must liquidate all financial obligations incurred under the Federal award no later than 120 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance (Section 200.344(c)). Effect: The Organization was not in compliance with period of performance provisions of 2 CFR Section 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Cause: The Organization had no internal control structure in place to implement the period of performance provision of 2 CFR Section 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Recommendation: The Organization should create an internal control structure in place to implement the period of performance provision of 2 CFR Section 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and comply with such requirements. Repeat Finding: No Views of Responsible Officials: Management of Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, Inc. acknowledges the findings identified in the audit and is in agreement with the condition as stated. We recognize that certain deficiencies were identified related to donor-restricted grants, and federal grant compliance requirements. As this was the Organization’s first experience managing federal funding, some compliance requirements were not fully understood at the time; however, all actions taken were in good faith and with the intent to appropriately steward funds. Management is committed to strengthening internal controls and ensuring full compliance moving forward. Corrective actions have already been initiated, including the liquidation of remaining federal funds in accordance with grant requirements and the development of formalized policies and procedures to address procurement, financial tracking, and documentation practices.

Corrective Action Plan

Condition: The Organization did not liquidate all financial obligations incurred under the NASA federal award within 120 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance, as required by 2 CFR Section 200.344(c). Corrective Action Steps: Establish a written close-out procedure for federal awards that identifies all required actions, including liquidation of all financial obligations, within the 120-day close-out window prescribed by 2 CFR Section 200.344(c). Designate a responsible staff member to monitor upcoming award end dates and initiate the close-out checklist no later than 30 days before the period of performance ends. Maintain a federal award close-out tracker that documents the award end date, the 120-day liquidation deadline, all outstanding obligations, and the date each obligation is liquidated. Coordinate with program staff to identify and process all outstanding invoices, subcontractor payments, and other obligations prior to the liquidation deadline. Review all active and recently expired federal awards to assess whether any obligations remain unliquidated and remediate as needed. Responsible Party: CLC NWI Executive Director. Target Date: Executive Director Partially Completed. All funds have been liquidated as of 3/23/26. All other corrective action steps to be implemented by May 15, 2026.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Period of Performance Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1203067 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1203069 2025-006
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
43.009 MISSION SUPPORT $941,000