Finding Text
Criteria - District policy requires formal bidding procurement for expenditures in excess of $25,000 in compliance with 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21, unless specifically exempted. Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.320 also requires competitive procurement for purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold. Condition - We reviewed the District's purchase of playground equipment and installation in the amount of $89,100 under the ESSER III grant award. The District was unable to provide documentation supporting competitive procurement or explicit approval of exemption from competitive procurement procedures. Context - Although the District was unable to provide documentation supporting competitive procurement for the playground equipment, the December 16, 2021 Board of Education meeting minutes indicate explicit approval of the procurement in advance of work performed and payment made. Additionally, the Board of Education meeting minutes indicate performance of competitive bids for other District purchases. Effect - The District purchased $89,100 of playground equipment and installation from one vendor without obtaining bids or quotes; therefore the District cannot be sure it received teh best possible price for the equipment and installation under the ESSER program. Cause - The District has not historically used federal grant awards to fund procurements in excess of federal micro-purchase thresholds and was not aware of the competitive procurement requirements for federal awrds under uniform guidance. Recommendation - We recommend the District review their procurement policy and Uniform Guidance procurement requirements to ensure compliance with future purchases in excess of $25,000.