Finding 371308 (2021-010)

Material Weakness
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2021
Accepted
2024-02-29
Audit: 292985
Organization: City of Bethel, Alaska (AK)
Auditor: Bdo USA PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The City improperly used sole source procurement without sufficient justification, violating federal guidelines.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.320, which outlines conditions for noncompetitive procurement.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement and adhere to established procurement controls to ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Finding Text

Finding 2021-010 Sole Source Vendors - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Agency Environmental Protection Agency ALN 66.202 Program Congressionally Mandated Projects Award Year FY 2021 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number(s) 18EQ57, 20ER77, 21ES93 Criteria 2 CFR 200.320 states the non-federal entity must have and used documented procurement procedures consistent with 2 CFR 200.317-.319, and identifies the methods of procurement to be followed. 2 CFR 200.320(c) states the specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Condition During our testing of procurement and suspension and debarment, we noted the following exception: One of the three procurement transactions tested was procured via sole source without adequate support of the rationale to limit competition. Cause The City’s policies and procedures were not appropriately designed to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance concerning use of noncompetitive procurement. Effect or potential effect The City was not compliant with 2 CFR 200.320 concerning specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. The incorrect use of noncompetitive procurement increases the probability that federal funds are spent wastefully. Questioned costs $208,291 Context We tested a sample of three procurement transactions totaling to $1,516,880 from a population of four procurement transactions totaling to $1,560,666. We noted one exception as noted in the condition. This is a condition identified per review of the City’s compliance with the specified requirements not using a statistically valid sample. The known amount of the one exception is $208,291. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the controls and processes that have been established be implemented and to ensure the City is following its procurement policy and meeting the Uniform Guidance compliance requirements. Views of responsible officials Management agrees with the finding. The City will follow the Uniform Guidance thresholds that are established for federal programs, as well as follow the City Council’s policy.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2021‐010 Sole Source Vendors – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Corrective Action Plan The City will follow the Uniform Guidance thresholds that are established for federal programs, as well as follow the City Council’s policy. Expected Completion Date Fiscal Year 2025.

Categories

Questioned Costs Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 371302 2021-005
    Material Weakness
  • 371303 2021-005
    Material Weakness
  • 371304 2021-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 371305 2021-007
    Significant Deficiency
  • 371306 2021-008
    Material Weakness
  • 371307 2021-009
    Material Weakness
  • 371309 2021-011
    Material Weakness
  • 371310 2021-012
    Material Weakness
  • 371311 2021-013
    Material Weakness
  • 947744 2021-005
    Material Weakness
  • 947745 2021-005
    Material Weakness
  • 947746 2021-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 947747 2021-007
    Significant Deficiency
  • 947748 2021-008
    Material Weakness
  • 947749 2021-009
    Material Weakness
  • 947750 2021-010
    Material Weakness
  • 947751 2021-011
    Material Weakness
  • 947752 2021-012
    Material Weakness
  • 947753 2021-013
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $7.57M
66.202 Congressionally Mandated Projects $1.10M
66.458 Capitalization Grants for Clean Water State Revolving Funds $89,940
97.067 Homeland Security Grant Program $21,930