Finding Text
Finding No. 2022-001 Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: June 7, 2021 through December 31, 2026 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: The Town must verify that an entity with which the Town plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The Town does not have formal policies or procedures in place for verification that an entity with which the Town plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: Although the Town did not have formal policies or procedures in place in conformity with the federal Uniform Guidance criteria, the entities for which the Town made purchases from were not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Effect: With the absence of compliant policies and procedures, the Town is at risk of noncompliance as it relates to federal suspension and debarment requirements. Cause: The Town was not aware of the details surrounding suspension and debarment requirements, and therefore formal policies and procedures were not in place. Recommendation: We recommend that the Town review its formal procurement policies and make necessary revisions to formally include policies and procedures to meet the requirements for verification that an entity with which the Town plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the auditors? recommendations. Corrective action will be taken to ensure the policy is updated and the correct procurement procedures are followed.