Finding Text
FINDING 2022-002 ? Questioned Costs Related to Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Communications Commission Program: COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund (ESF): 84.425 COVID-19 Telehealth Program: 32.006 Criteria: In accordance with Uniform Guidance procurement requirements found in 2 CFR Part 200.318 through 200.237, the School District is required to ensure that procurement methods used for purchases are appropriate based on the dollar amount of the purchase. Recipients of federal awards should have internal controls in place to ensure procurement practices are consistent and appropriate. Policies should dictate the method of procurement that should be used, who is authorized to approve purchases, and what procurement documentation and information should be maintained. The policy should also explain which items are eligible for non-competitive procurement (i.e., available only from a single source, public emergency, expressly authorized by awarding or pass-through agency, or if competitive procurement results are deemed inadequate). Condition: The School District did not adequately document its analysis that its technology purchases for the ESF and the Telehealth Program qualified for non-competitive procurement for being available through a single source. As a result, the School District did not have documentation to provide evidence of compliance which resulted in questioned costs. Cause: The School District did not have a formal procedure in place to adequately document the procurement procedures that were used. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the procurement requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs: $1,001,167 based on the technology equipment invoice applied to the ESF and $499,768 based on the technology equipment invoice applied to the Telehealth Program. Recommendation: We recommend that the School District ensures that their purchasing policy formally reflects the procurement requirements in the Uniform Guidance. We recommend that the School District establish procedures to ensure that their purchasing policy is followed, including the use of competitive bids or proposals, when appropriate. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The School District agrees with the recommendation. See separate Corrective Action Plan.