Finding 370868 (2022-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-02-28
Audit: 292559
Organization: The Fogarty Center (RI)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Center's internal tracking spreadsheet did not match quarterly submissions for 3 out of 10 reports, and 9 were submitted late.
  • Impacted Requirements: Accurate documentation is required for cost reimbursement grants, and reports must be submitted within two weeks after the reporting period ends.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Strengthen the review process for tracking spreadsheets to ensure accuracy and timely submission of reports.

Finding Text

Condition: The Center's internal tracking spreadsheet did not agree to the quarterly reporting submissions for three out of ten submissions and the Center reported nine out of ten submissions late. Criteria: Companies are required to maintain relevant and reliable documentation related to expenditures claimed on cost reimbursement grants. Further, the funding under the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds require Workforce and Expenditure Reports to be submitted two weeks after the last day of the reporting period. Cause: Because the client's internal tracking included payroll accruals and estimates which were amended after year end and there is improper review of the Center's internal tracking spreadsheet, the Center reported inaccurate expenditures claimed on the grant. Additionally, due to the inaccurate tracking of report dates, submission of the quarterly Workforce and Expenditure Reports were not submitted timely by the Center. Recommendation: We recommend that the Center strengthen its review of tracking spreadsheets to ensure that accurate information is accurately reported and continue efforts to ensure future reporting submissions are filed timely. Views of responsible officials: Management of the Center agrees with the finding. The Company's corrective action plan is included at the end of this report.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan: The Fogarty Center (the “Center”) originally reported on data that didn’t include accruals and sometimes included estimates. The reports were amended and forwarded to proper authorities after year end. The Center worked with the State of Rhode Island contact to explain the variances and why the Center needed to file amended reports. Corrective Action Plan: The Fogarty Center (the “Center”) submitted several quarterly reports after the required due date. There were various reasons why this occurred. • There was some initial miscommunication from the State of Rhode Island as to which report was due when • The State of Rhode Island was creating an electronic portal that caused delays for agencies to report • The grants were new to the Center and it took much more time to gather the data then originally discussed with the State of Rhode Island • The Center incurred some technical difficulties in gathering data for the reports and needed assistance from a software vendor The Center was in contact with the State of Rhode Island representative regarding these items throughout the year; however, some of the email conversations occurred after the deadlines had passed. At the end of the contract, the State of Rhode Island did send an email stating that they understood the reasons for the delays and that the reports were accepted as submitted and are in compliance.

Categories

Cash Management Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 370867 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 370869 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 370870 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 947309 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 947310 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 947311 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 947312 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $1.79M
93.498 Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (arp) Rural Distribution $224,135
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $21,193