Finding Text
Special Tests and Provisions ALN 10:761: USDA Decentralized Wastewater Technical Assistance & Training Program Criteria: In the USDA Decentralized Wastewater Training and Technical Assistance Program Performance Procedures, it discusses the requirements of this program. The Water Quality Action Specialist (WQAS) is to work with communities and local decision makers and key stakeholders to complete five Wastewater Community Assessment Reports and is to implement a minimum of one recommendation from each Wastewater Community Assessment Report. The WQAS must possess a Utility Management Certification (UMC) or attain this UMC within 180 days of placement in the program. The program period is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Condition: The Association did not have what was provided to Nationals on the five Wastewater Community Assessment Reports and did not have information on if, or how many, recommendations from those reports were implemented. They also did not have information on whether the WQAS had the required UMC. Context: The Association submitted this information to Nationals. Effect: The Association did not retain support on what was submitted to Nationals for the required assessments and could not provide information that the Program Performance Procedures were followed. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The WQAS employed by the Association submitted information directly to Nationals and no copy or information was retained by the Association. Nationals administers the UMC certification. Auditor Recommendation: We recommend the Association retain supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Program Performance Procedures. Association Response: The Executive Director and Executive Assistant will coordinate with the appropriate NRWA program manager on an ongoing basis to ensure that Montana Rural Water Systems retains copies of all Wastewater Community Assessment Reports, documentation showing implementation of recommendations, focus stories, certification records, and other supporting program documentation. Program staff will be required to provide the MRWS office with a copy of each required submission at the time it is submitted to NRWA. These records will be maintained in a centralized program file and retained for future audits and program reviews. MRWS will also contact NRWA to request copies of, or written confirmation regarding, the five Wastewater Community Assessment Reports, documentation showing implementation of recommendations, certification records, and other supporting program documentation from the audit period. Any documentation received will be placed in the Association's program files.