Finding 28753 (2022-003)

-
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-09-28

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Timesheets for employees under the coronavirus grants were submitted late, leading to payroll costs based on budgeted amounts instead of actual hours worked.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR 200.430(i) was violated, as timely submission and approval of timesheets are necessary for accurate payroll charges.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: CRMSDC should strengthen internal controls to ensure timely completion and approval of timesheets, with supervisors reviewing for accuracy before payroll processing.

Finding Text

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs Federal Program: 11.805 - MBDA Business Center-Coronavirus Recovery/Relief Grant Award: MB21OBD8050183 Condition/Context: For some employees working under the coronavirus grants, timesheets were submitted and approved several months after the grant period ended. As a result, payroll costs charged to the grant were based on budgeted amounts rather than actual hours worked per timely submitted timesheets. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.430(i) states that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Timesheets must be submitted and approved in a timely manner. Cause: CRMSDC's internal controls over payroll charging practices for the federal program were not properly implemented to ensure timesheets were completed and approved promptly. Effect: CRMSDC's actual payroll costs per the late timesheets exceeded the budgeted amount charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: No overcharge costs resulted since CRMSDC charged less than actual supported costs. Recommendation: We recommend CRMSDC implement proper internal controls to ensure timesheets are completed, submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to payroll processing and charging payroll costs to the federal program. Supervisors should be required to review timesheets for appropriateness and accuracy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: See Corrective Action Plans section

Corrective Action Plan

Management agrees that we should improve our timesheet input and approval process. The current process is manual, and the corrective action includes two elements: 1.Education process of proper timesheet reporting for new employees and an annual review. 2.Automate the process to increase efficiencies and make the review process more effective. Our 2024 budget submission will include a tool that can be used for these purposes. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Sharon Pinder, President, (301)593-5860. Planned completion date for corrective action plan: December 31, 2023.

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
11.805 Mbda Business Center $463,117