FAC Explorer

Finding 1227813 (2025-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-08-25
Audit: 409781
Organization: The New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association (NM)
Auditor: HINKLE + LANDERS PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: NMFMA lacks adequate controls over SF-425 reporting, leading to late submissions and clerical errors.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.327, which mandates timely and accurate financial reporting for federal awards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Create a compliance calendar, assign roles for report preparation and review, and ensure thorough checks before submission.

Finding Text

Type of Finding: (F) Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance of Federal Awards (G) Instances of Noncompliance related to Federal Awards Federal Agency: United States Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grants Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.331 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2022-70423-38069, 2021-70030-35719 Award Period: Project period: multiple; Budget period: multiple Questioned Costs: None Statement of Condition NMFMA did not have adequate controls over the SF-425 reporting timeline. For two out of two SF-425 Federal Financial Reports tested, the annual and close-out reports were submitted after the due date (90 days for annual and close-out reports). Also, the annual report seems to have some clerical errors and the amounts reported did not match the general ledger for the period reported, due to markets payments being reconciled late. The difference is immaterial, and client will adjust in the next report. CriteriaIn accordance with 2 CFR 200.327 (Financial Reporting) and award terms requiring SF-425 is required to be submitted for the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grants program. Recipients use the SF-425 as a standardized format to report expenditures under Federal awards, as well as, when applicable, cash status. The due dates are 30 days after the end of the reporting period for quarterly reports, and 90 days after the end of the reporting period for the annual and close-out reports. Also, the reports need to be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. CauseNMFMA has not properly implemented a formal reporting calendar, responsibility matrix, or documented pre-submission tie-out/review due to staff turnover. EffectNoncompliance with reporting requirements; risk of USDA sanctions; risk that SEFA and drawdown monitoring rely on inaccurate data. RecommendationEstablish an SF-425 compliance calendar with automated reminders; assign preparer and independent reviewer roles; perform a documented tie-out (SF-425 to GL, bank, and SEFA) with sign-offs before submission; NMFMA staff should improve internal controls by implementing reminders with the due dates of the reports and reviewing the accuracy of the reports before submission. View of Responsible OfficialThe Executive Director will take action to make sure USDA reports are filed on time. The ED will work with the Finance Director and other accounting staff to ensure deadlines are met. TimelineTarget implementation September 30, 2026. Staff Responsible Executive Director

Corrective Action Plan

2025-002 [2023-002]—SF 425 Reporting CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN Type of Finding: (F) Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance of Federal Awards (G) Instances of Noncompliance related to Federal Awards Federal Agency: United States Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grants Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.331 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2022-70423-38069, 2021-70030-35719 Award Period: Project period: multiple; Budget period: multiple Questioned Costs: None Statement of Condition NMFMA did not have adequate controls over the SF-425 reporting timeline. For two out of two SF-425 Federal Financial Reports tested, the annual and close-out reports were submitted after the due date (90 days for annual and close-out reports). Also, the annual report seems to have some clerical errors and the amounts reported did not match the general ledger for the period reported, due to markets payments being reconciled late. The difference is immaterial, and client will adjust in the next report. CriteriaIn accordance with 2 CFR 200.327 (Financial Reporting) and award terms requiring SF-425 is required to be submitted for the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grants program. Recipients use the SF-425 as a standardized format to report expenditures under Federal awards, as well as, when applicable, cash status. The due dates are 30 days after the end of the reporting period for quarterly reports, and 90 days after the end of the reporting period for the annual and close-out reports. Also, the reports need to be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. CauseNMFMA has not properly implemented a formal reporting calendar, responsibility matrix, or documented pre-submission tie-out/review due to staff turnover. EffectNoncompliance with reporting requirements; risk of USDA sanctions; risk that SEFA and drawdown monitoring rely on inaccurate data. RecommendationEstablish an SF-425 compliance calendar with automated reminders; assign preparer and independent reviewer roles; perform a documented tie-out (SF-425 to GL, bank, and SEFA) with sign-offs before submission; NMFMA staff should improve internal controls by implementing reminders with the due dates of the reports and reviewing the accuracy of the reports before submission. View of Responsible OfficialThe Executive Director will take action to make sure USDA reports are filed on time. The ED will work with the Finance Director and other accounting staff to ensure deadlines are met. TimelineTarget implementation September 30, 2026. Staff Responsible Executive Director SIGNATURE TITLE DATE

Categories

Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1227812 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.331 GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM $412,967
10.182 PANDEMIC RELIEF ACTIVITIES: LOCAL FOOD PURCHASE AGREEMENTS WITH STATES, TRIBES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS $252,002
10.170 SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM - FARM BILL $93,194
10.168 FARMERS MARKET PROMOTION PROGRAM $74,195
93.304 RACIAL AND ETHNIC APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH $6,761