Finding 20079 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-01-02

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The District incurred $7,905 for hail damage that should have been covered by insurance but was not reported in time.
  • Impacted Requirements: Costs that could have been covered by insurance are considered unallowable under 2 CFR § 200.447.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a regular vehicle inspection process and enhance understanding of federal cost principles.

Finding Text

2022 ? 001 INSURANCE COVERAGE - ALLOWABLE COSTS PRINCIPLES Criteria: 2 CFR ? 200.447 explains that costs which should have been covered by permissible insurance are unallowable. Condition: During our testing of the TANF program we found the District incurred a cost in the amount of $7,905 for hail damage that would have been covered by insurance if the damage had been reported to the insurance company in a timely manner. Cause: The District did not have a process in place to inspect vehicles on a regular basis nor were they aware that these costs were not allowable under the grant. Effect: Reimbursement for an unallowable cost under the grant was received. Questioned Cost: Less than $25,000, actual known cost of $7,905. Recommendation: We recommend that management develop a process to inspect vehicles on a regular basis. Furthermore, management should continue striving to more clearly understand federal cost principles.

Corrective Action Plan

Re: Management Response to - Section Ill - Federal Awards Findings & Questioned Costs During Fiscal Year 2022 HRDC management acknowledges that there were key changes within the organizational structure including changes to personnel within the employment & training department, as well as, various other operating changes. Included below is management's response to Section Ill - Federal Awards Findings & Questioned Costs for the Fiscal Audit ended June 30, 2022. 2022 - 001 INSURANCE COVERAGE - ALLOWABLE COSTS PRINCIPLES The agency carries adequate insurance coverage for all vehicles and property as required by the Code of Federal Regulations. The agency has a written vehicle inspection and maintenance procedure which includes detailed procedures for vehicle inspection, maintenance, reporting of problems, cleaning procedures, and recordkeeping. The agency followed its procedures for vehicle inspections and maintenance and minor observable damage was noted to the vehicle. Shortly after the inspection, key staffing changes occurred and the manager failed to follow up on the report nor continue to note the damage on subsequent monthly reports. Upon return of the leased vehicle to the dealership, the dealership noted hail damage. While the damage was noted in our inspection reports, the length of time to report such a claim to insurance had expired and would not be covered through an insurance claim. Under CFR Section 200.447 Insurance and Indemnification, losses which could have been covered by permissible insurance are unallowable, however costs incurred because of losses not covered under nominal insurance coverage provided in keeping with sound management practice, and minor losses not covered by insurance are allowable. The agency has interpreted this provision as a loss not covered under nominal insurance coverage provided in keeping with sound management practices which would be an allowable cost under CFR 200.447. The Auditors disagreed with our interpretation of the regulations. The agency will continue to inspect vehicles on a regular basis under procedures that have been in effect and are part of our control systems. In addition program managers and directors will be instructed to continue to include any damage on vehicle inspections reports until fixed. The agency believes this is an isolated instance but will continue to try to ensure that all outstanding items are resolved during any staff transition period. The agency also will consider the interpretation of CFR 200.447 for further clarification on what may be included as allowable costs from granting Agencies and federal regulations.

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 596521 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $2.22M
93.568 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance $2.10M
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $1.62M
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $813,671
93.569 Community Services Block Grant $763,011
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $350,665
17.259 Wia Youth Activities $291,872
81.042 Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons $280,511
14.241 Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids $269,009
93.550 Transitional Living for Homeless Youth $234,966
10.561 State Administrative Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program $125,773
21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $106,223
10.567 Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations $99,030
14.276 Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program $92,194
93.499 Low Income Household Water Assistance Program $60,544
14.169 Housing Counseling Assistance Program $58,809
97.024 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program $4,529