Finding 1206063 (2023-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2026-04-07
Audit: 397946
Organization: Voices of Tomorrow (WA)
Auditor: CLARK NUBER PS

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to follow its own procurement policy, leading to noncompliance with federal requirements under 2 CFR Part 200.
  • Impacted Requirements: The procurement actions did not align with the criteria set forth in the Uniform Guidance, specifically Sections 200.318 through 200.326.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement measures to ensure adherence to the procurement policy and enhance documentation of procurement methods for all transactions.

Finding Text

Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Program Title: Social Services Research and Demonstration Program Assistance Listing Number: 93.647 Project Number: 90XP0459-01-00 Award Period: August 31, 2022 – August 30, 2023 Criteria Requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Subpart D – Post Federal Award Requirements, Sections 200.318 through 200.326, require that a nonfederal entity establish and follow a written procurement policy that conforms to federal standards. Among other requirements, the written procurement policy must identify formal and informal procurement actions to be taken based on the size of the procurement, covering both goods and services. In this instance, the Organization did not follow their established procurement policy when conducting procurement actions, resulting in noncompliance with both their internal procedures and the federal requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.318–200.326.. Condition The Organization did not follow their established written procurement policy when conducting procurement transactions. Cause The Organization’s internal controls were insufficient to ensure that the Organization’s written procurement policy provisions were followed. Effect or Potential Effect In our testing, the Organization did not follow the written procurement policy in all 5 samples selected for testing. Questioned Costs $23,064 Recommendation We recommend the Organization implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy is followed for all transactions that fall within the policy. Management should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement.

Corrective Action Plan

Contact Person: Iftin Hagimohamed; Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Sosa: Finance Manager Explanation and specific reasons for disagreement with the audit finding or that corrective action is not required (if applicable): Management concurs with the finding. Procurement documentation did not consistently evidence compliance with internal policy and 2 CFR §§200.318–200.326. Status: Corrective Action Taken Corrective action planned: Voices of Tomorrow will implement procurement software to automate workflows and approval processes for procurement purchases. Voices of Tomorrow will • Revise and formalize procurement policy to align fully with Uniform Guidance requirements.Implement a standardized procurement documentation checklist requiring evidence of procurement method, cost/price analysis, and approvals. • Require CFO pre-approval for federally funded procurements above established thresholds. • Conduct staff training on federal procurement standards. • Implement quarterly internal procurement compliance reviews. Anticipated completion date: April 2026: Policy revision and training completed within 60 days; quarterly reviews beginning next fiscal quarter.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1206061 2023-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206062 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206064 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206065 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.647 SOCIAL SERVICES RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION $2.25M