Finding 30552 (2022-003)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-05
Audit: 31365
Organization: Oklahoma City University (OK)
Auditor: Forvis LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The University lacks a procurement policy required by federal guidelines, risking noncompliance with federal grant agreements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Federal procurement requirements under 2 CFR 200.318-326, including vendor review for suspension or debarment.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should ensure the new procurement policy is fully implemented and maintained for compliance.

Finding Text

COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ? Institutional Aid Portion, ALN 84.425F U.S. Department of Education, Award Year 2022 Criteria or Specific Requirement ? Procurement and Suspension and Debarment ? Section 18004(a)(1) Institutional Aid Portion ? 2 CFR 200.318-326 Condition ? The University does not have a procurement policy as required under federal guidelines. No support exists to show that vendors are reviewed for suspension or debarment. No support is maintained for sole source purchases. Questioned Costs ? None Context ? The University does not have a procurement policy in place to meet the Uniform Guidance procurement requirements. No errors were specifically found in testing of purchases against federal procurement requirements, but support could not be provided to show University procedures to check suspension or debarment. While none were selected for testing, it was additionally noted that no support was maintained for sole source purchases. Effect ? It is possible that purchases may be made that are not in accordance with federal procurement requirements that could lead to material noncompliance with federal grant agreements. Cause ? The University does not have a procurement policy in accordance with Uniform Guidance in place as is required under federal guidelines. Identification as a Repeat Finding ? N/A Recommendation ? The University should draft and approve a procurement policy that covers all aspects of federal procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions ? Management agrees with the finding and implemented a procurement policy after year-end.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2022-003: Procurement Policy a. Comments on Finding and Each Recommendation The University agrees with this finding. As a small, private institution with few federal grants a formal procurement policy had not been previously deemed as necessary. In addition, a cumbersome process for approving official University Policies prevented a timely adoption of a Procurement policy once circumstances warranted one. Action(s) Taken or Planned on the Finding The University updated its process for implementing policies in January 2023. The policy committee began meeting in 2023 and is developing a procurement policy for the University that addresses Federal Procurement requirements. For inquiries regarding this finding, please contact Anna Davis at (405) 208-5542 who is responsible for the corrective action.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 30550 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 30551 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 30553 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 606992 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 606993 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 606994 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 606995 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $41.64M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $1.55M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $1.54M
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $1.06M
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $244,325
16.746 Capital Case Litigation Initiative $151,195
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $136,017
12.900 Language Grant Program $2,647