Finding Text
Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participante (FISAP) Federal Program and Specific Federal Award Identification CFDA Title and Number 84.033 Federal Work Study Program (FWS) 84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program Federal Award Year June 30, 2025 Federal Agencies U. S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Not applicable Criteria OMB 2 CFR 200, Subpart F Compliance Supplement Part 5, Appendix A, Student Financial Assistance – Reporting Compliance Requirement, Special Reporting Section (L) (3) indicates that the University should submit its FISAP report containing critical information. The Compliance Supplement requires the auditor to examine financial reports to provide reasonable assurance that the reports of Federal awards submitted to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity include all activity of the reporting period, be supported by underlying accounting or performance records, and are fairly presented in accordance with program requirements. Conditions and Context The University did not provide the supporting documentation for the FISAP for the audit year. As a result, audit procedures could not be performed to verify the accuracy and completeness of the reported information. In addition, the report was not filed by the prescribed deadline of October 1, 2025. Cause Changes in the University’s staffing prevented key personnel from completing the FISAP reporting timely to ensure the supporting documentation for the FISAP was retained and made available for audit. Questioned Costs For the purpose of this finding, I have not questioned any costs. Effect Due to the lack of supporting documentation, there is no assurance that the information reported on the FISAP is accurate and complete, which may result in noncompliance with federal reporting requirements. Repeat Finding Yes. See 2024-004. Recommendation The University should implement procedures to ensure that all FISAP data is fully supported by appropriate documentation and that such documentation is retained and readily available for audit. Management should also establish a review process to verify the accuracy, completeness, and timely submission of the FISAP prior to submission. Management’s Response The University acknowledges the finding related to the FISAP report. During the reporting period, newly hired Financial Aid staff had limited access to required U.S. Department of Education systems. Because these employees had not yet been fully authorized by the Department of Education, they were unable to enter FISAP data or view the system-generated error notifications that are normally used to validate and finalize the report. This contributed to delays in completing the FISAP and in maintaining the supporting documentation needed for audit review. Corrective Actions 1. Resolution of System Access Issues: The University is working with the Department of Education to ensure all relevant staff will soon have full and active system credentials, allowing timely FISAP data entry and error review. 2. Strengthened Reporting Procedures: Internal processes have been updated to ensure supporting documentation for the FISAP is compiled, retained, and stored in a centralized digital repository. 3. Staffing and Oversight Improvements: Responsibilities for FISAP preparation have been reassigned and supplemented with supervisory review to prevent delays during staffing transitions or access lapses. 4. Accounting Entries: The accounting office will continue to update the general ledger to agree with the activities generated from the ECSI report and be prepared to provide the relevant data to the auditors upon request. 5. Earlier Internal Deadlines: The University has established internal timelines ahead of the federal deadline to allow adequate time for review, corrections, and document retention. The University believes these measures will prevent future access related delays and ensure timely, accurate, and fully documented FISAP submissions in compliance with federal requirements.