Finding 2022-004: Period of Performance (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: U.S. Department of State ALN 19.040 Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR Section 200 defines the period of performance as the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the Federal award per 2 CFR Section 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period. Condition: During the year ended December 31, 2022, FCE had seven grants under ALN 19.040, which supported the same projects and programs which had different periods of performance. We noted that costs totaling less than $25,000 were incurred outside the period of performance for two of the grants under ALN 19.040. Cause: FCE has no accounting policies and procedures in place to provide guidance to management on requirements related to accounting for federal awards in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect: FCE charged costs outside the period of performance for two grants under ALN 19.040. Recommendation: FCE should develop accounting policies and procedures to provide guidance to management regarding the proper internal controls over both financial reporting and compliance with federal awards. Action Taken: FCE acknowledges the discrepancy with respect to Period-of-Performance reporting, and the recommendation to develop accounting policies and procedures for proper financial reporting and compliance with Federal awards. FCE will develop and implement formal accounting policies and procedures to correct this deficiency.