Finding 1217980 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-06-19

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The contractor file for the Public Housing Capital Fund Program lacked essential documentation required for compliance with HUD regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Missing items included the New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, bid proposals, and various signed forms, violating HUD procurement guidelines.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Executive Director should ensure the Capital Fund Program Coordinator uses a HUD checklist for contractor files to guarantee compliance before any payments are made.

Finding Text

MAJOR FEDERAL AWARD PROGRAM AUDIT Finding #2025-001 Contractor File Maintenance - 14.872 Department of Housing and Urban Development Public Housing Capital fund Program – CFDA #14.872 Compliance Requirement – Procurement Type of Control Finding – Material Weakness Condition During our audit of the Public Housing Capital Fund Program, we identified deficiencies related to procurement compliance within a contractor file. Specifically, the contractor file reviewed did not contain documentation required to ensure compliance with applicable HUD laws and regulations. Total of possible contractor file sample = 1 Auditor deemed a sample size of 1 contractor file = 100% Deficiencies Noted: We the following items could not be presents upon review of the contractor file: New Jersey Business Registration Certificate A Bid Proposal A Bid Tabulation Proof that the Contractor was not on the HUD Debarred List Price cost Analysis form A Notice to Proceed Letter to the Contractor A Board Resolution for Acceptance of the Contractor A Schedule of Payments made to the Contractor A Disclosure Form signed by the Contractor A Non-Collusion Form signed by the Contractor A License from the Contractor Site Inspections performed by the Authority Contractor Certified Payroll Forms during the construction period Signed HUD- 11 Employee Interview Forms Criteria HUD regulations require that all contractor files be properly maintained and include complete documentation demonstrating compliance with procurement and contracting requirements. Applicable guidance is contained within HUD Handbook No. 7460.8 REV 2 and 24 CFR §85.36. Cause The Capital Fund Program (CFP) Coordinator did not adequately review the contractor file to ensure compliance with HUD procurement and documentation requirements. Effect As a result, the contractor file lacked essential documentation required by HUD and the State of New Jersey, increasing the risk of noncompliance with federal and state procurement regulations. Questioned Cost = Amounted to $299,656 Recommendation The Executive Director should instruct the Capital Fund Program Coordinator to utilize the HUD procurement and contractor file review checklist for each contractor file to ensure full compliance with HUD requirements prior to authorizing any payments. Relevant guidance is provided in HUD Handbook No. 7460.8 REV 2. Management’s Response Management concurs with the auditor’s finding that the contractor file did not contain the required HUD documentation. The Authority has implemented corrective measures, including a formal corrective action plan, to address the deficiencies identified and strengthen contractor file compliance going forward.

Corrective Action Plan

Housing Authority of the City of Salem Corrective Action Plan: For Year Ending September 30, 2025 Audit Finding Prepared By: Charles Matthew Bailey, Executive Director Audit Finding #2005-001 Contractor File Maintenance Corrective Action: The Housing Authority of the City of Salem, the Executive Director will instruct the Capital Fund Program Coordinator to utilize the HUD procurement contractor file review checklist for all the contractors going forward prior to authorizing any payments to the contractor. Anticipated date: July 1, 2026

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment HUD Housing Programs

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.850 PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND $1.02M
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $602,148
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $345,722