Finding 384302 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-25

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Association did not follow proper procurement procedures for purchases using Federal funds, risking non-compliance with U.S. Government requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Under 2 CFR 200.318, documented procurement procedures must ensure full and open competition to secure the best value.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure all procurement records over the purchase threshold include selection justification or competition waivers, with clear documentation of conclusions.

Finding Text

Finding: 2023-001 Procurement Information on the Federal Program: Assistance Listing Number 16.582 Criteria: Under 2 CFR 200.318, a recipient of U.S Government funds must use their own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable Uniform Guidance requirements to procure goods and services in order to ensure that all purchases are conducted in a manner that provides full and open competition. Condition: The Association did not perform and document adequate procurement procedures over qualifying purchases using Federal funds. Cause: The Association's internal policies and procedures governing procurement were not consistently applied. Effect: Purchases of goods and services could be made above prevailing market rates if the prescribed procurement procedures are not adhered to, and thus, there lies the potential that the Association will not receive the best value for its purchases. The procurement process also allows for the evaluation of potential conflicts of interest with prospective vendors and contractors. Failure to perform the proper procurement procedures could result in disallowance of Federal expenditures based on lack of fair competition. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of testwork completed on individual expenditures charged to the Federal awards. The report in which samples were selected was generated directly from the Association's accounting system. We consider our sample to be representative of the population. The condition appeared to be systemic in nature. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that all procurement records for purchases in excess of the purchase threshold include the following, at a minimum: (a) basis for contractor/goods selection or (b) justification for lack of competition when competitive bids or offers are not obtained. Additionally, the conclusion should be clearly documented and accompanying the procurement documentation.

Corrective Action Plan

Views of Responsible Officials: Management acknowledges the comment and subsequent to fiscal year end; has implemented internal procedures to ensure procurement is performed and documented for purchases in excess of our purchase threshold.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 384303 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 384304 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 384305 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 960744 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 960745 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 960746 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 960747 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $1.38M
16.817 Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program $367,478
16.827 Justice Reinvestment Initiative $79,646
16.582 Crime Victim Assistance/discretionary Grants $67,224
27.011 Intergovernmental Personnel Act (ipa) Mobility Program $63,881