Finding Text
2024-001 – Data Collection Forms Condition: Champlain Fire District did not certify or submit the required Data Collection Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 related to the 2024 Single Audit. As of the date of our 2024 single audit, the Data Collection Form and accompanying reporting package remain unsubmitted. Criteria: Under federal reporting requirements, auditees must submit the Data Collection Form and reporting package to the Federal Clearinghouse within the earlier of 30 days after receipt of the auditor’s report or nine months after the end of the audit period. The submission must include certification by both the auditee and the auditor. Effect: Failure to submit the Data Collection Form results in material noncompliance with Uniform Guidance reporting requirements. This may delay federal oversight activities and could put the Fire District at risk for additional monitoring or restrictions by funding agencies. Cause: Champlain Fire District did not have an effective process in place to monitor federal expenditures, their reporting deadlines and ensure timely completion of the Data Collection Forms. Recommendation: We recommend that the Fire District implement procedures to ensure the timely preparation, certification, and submission of the annual Data Collection Form and reporting package when federal funds are received. This should include assigning responsibility for tracking deadlines, establishing a completion checklist, and documenting management review prior to submission. Response: Champlain Fire District agrees with the finding and will implement procedures to address the recommendation in 2025.