Finding 384228 (2023-001)

Material Weakness
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-25
Audit: 297336
Organization: White Castle Housing Authority (LA)
Auditor: Mike Estes PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of written monitoring notes for contractor work and absence of proof of insurance.
  • Impacted Requirements: Failure to comply with federal regulations regarding documentation and contractor insurance.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a system for timely written monitoring reports for all jobs, even brief notes will suffice.

Finding Text

Capital Fund #14.872 Finding 2023-001-Contractor Payments-Special Tests Criteria and Condition Federal regulations require that monitoring of construction or rehabilitation type expenses be documented in writing. Monitoring notes of construction progress, lack of progress, or issues such as contractor delay must be timely made and available for third parties. There are not required forms or format. However, the more they correlate to field reports prepared by architects, the more reliable they are. In addition, contractors must present proof of insurance before they are allowed to work on Authority jobs. Context In the audit year, approximately $71,897 was paid in approximately twenty payments to one contractor. It appears there were no written monitoring notes made on the various type of rehab work. In addition, it appears that the contractor did not present proof of contractor insurance of bond to Authority management. Cause Apparent oversight. Effect Federal regulations were not complied with. In addition, assurance was not as strong as necessary that the work was properly done and in accordance with specifications. Management attests that they timely review the work. However, written documentation is required. In addition, the Authority would likely be liable if the contractor or his employees were injured on the job. Questioned Costs NoneRecommendation Written monitoring reports need to be made on each job. These notes do not need to be extremely detailed. For small type jobs, a punch list type of review with a few words, and initials and dates of the reviewer will suffice. View of Responsible Official I will comply with the auditor’s recommendation.

Corrective Action Plan

WHITE CASTLE HOUSING AUTHORITY 55050 Veteran St. White Castle, LA 70788 Phone No. (225) 545-3967 Fax No. (225) 545-9951 HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WHITE CASTLE, LOUISIANA CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Corrective Action Plan Finding: Finding 2023-001-Contractor Payments-Special Tests Condition: Federal regulations require that monitoring of construction or rehabilitation type expenses be documented in writing. Monitoring notes of construction progress, lack of progress, or issues such as contractor delay must be timely made and available for third parties. There are not required forms or format. However, the more they correlate to field reports prepared by architects, the more reliable they are. In addition, contractors must present proof of insurance before they are allowed to work on Authority jobs. Corrective Action Planned I will comply with the auditor’s recommendation. Person responsible for corrective action: Don O’Bear, Executive Director Telephone: (225) 545-3967 White Castle Housing Authority Fax: (225) 545-9951 55050 Veteran St. White Castle, LA 70788 Anticipated Completion Date- September 30, 2024

Categories

Subrecipient Monitoring Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 960670 2023-001
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $454,031
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $331,478