Finding 1217312 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-06-10

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to verify vendor eligibility for rental agreements, despite total payments exceeding $25,000.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with federal procurement rules (2 CFR 180.300, 2 CFR 200.214, and 2 CFR 200.318) regarding contracts with suspended or debarred parties.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement annual SAM.gov verification procedures for all covered transactions and before signing new rental agreements.

Finding Text

Reference Number: 2024-001 Program Name: 14.267 Continuum of Care Reference Number: 2025-001 Program Name: 14.267 Continuum of Care Description: Procurement Criteria: 2 CFR 180.300 and 2 CFR 200.214 prohibit nonfederal entities from contracting with parties that are suspended or debarred. For covered transactions equal to or exceeding $25,000, the Organization must verify that the vendor is not excluded by checking the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) or through other approved methods. Additionally, HUD procurement requirements under 2 CFR 200.318 require entities to ensure vendor eligibility. When multiple transactions with the same vendor exceed $25,000 in aggregate, the total amount should be considered in determining whether suspension or debarment requirements apply. Condition: The Organization entered into multiple rental agreements with the same rental companies. While each contract was less than $25,000, total payments to the rental companies exceeded $25,000. The Organization did not perform or document a suspension and debarment verification. Questioned Costs: None identified. Cause: The Organization did not follow their procurement policy. The Organization’s procurement policy states that “no contract shall be made to the parties listed on the General Services List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-procurement Programs in accordance with E.O.’s 12549 and 12689”. Effect: The Organization is not in compliance with federal and HUD procurement requirements and may have contracted with a suspended or debarred party. This increases the risk of questioned costs. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is not repeat finding. Auditors’ Recommendation: We recommend the Organization implement procedures to ensure SAM.gov verification is performed annually on all covered transactions and prior to signing leases with new rental companies. Views of Responsible Officials: See attachment for the Organization’s corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Reference Number: 2025-001 Description: Procurement Corrective Action Plan: Guest House has modified its staffing structure, training, and procurement protocols to ensure that all contractors, including local landlords receiving payments under federal grant programs, are verified against the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov) prior to contract execution. Anticipated Corrective Action Plan Completion Date: April 1, 2026 Contact Information: For additional information regarding these corrective actions, contact Stephen Bauer, CEO at 414.345.3240. Stephen Bauer CEO Guest House of Milwaukee

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1217313 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.267 CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM $1.93M
64.024 VA HOMELESS PROVIDERS GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM $558,224
14.239 HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM $305,000
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $111,597
93.778 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM $19,807
14.231 EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM $14,558
14.218 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/ENTITLEMENT GRANTS $13,000