Finding Text
2023-002: Lack of Documentation for Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Testing
Federal Department: Department of Labor
Assistance Listing #: 17.274
Material Weakness in Internal Controls and Noncompliance
Category of Finding – Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment
Criteria - Uniform Guidance and CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 set forth the procurement standards non‐federal entities other than states must follow when operating federal programs and the procurement procedures required depending on the amount of the transaction.
Condition - There was no documentation maintained related to the search for price comparisons or suspension and debarment testing performed on vendors.
Context – It was communicated by management during audit fieldwork that there was no documentation maintained related to the search for price comparisons or suspension and debarment testing performed on vendors.
Cause – Lack of oversight, awareness, or understanding of all of the specific requirements under the Uniform Guidance and applicable CFR sections, therefore controls were not adequately designed to ensure compliance with all of these requirements.
Effect - Increased overall risk that Change Inc. is contracting and awarding contracts to suspended or debarred vendors or is not obtaining the best possible prices for goods or services.
Recommendation - We recommend that management implement a process to perform price comparisons and suspension and debarment testing as required by their procurement policy, and that as part of this process they maintain adequate supporting documentation and records to document history and methods of procurement, suspension, and debarment and the procedures performed to comply with these CFR sections. This could include the use of standard forms and templates for purchase orders, contracts, cost/price analyses, bid evaluation, and suspension & debarment testing.
Auditee’s comments and response – Management is in agreement with this finding. Management is in the process of obtaining additional training and updating processes to comply with these requirements.
Responsible party for corrective action: Jill Johnson, Associate Director
Repeat Finding: 2022-003