Finding 390132 (2022-004)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
BI
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-03-29
Audit: 301014
Organization: Public Law Center (CA)
Auditor: Davis Farr LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Center failed to keep necessary documentation for competitive bidding and vendor verification, leading to questioned costs of $804.05.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR 200.403 and 2 CFR 200.320 regarding cost documentation and procurement procedures.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure all future contracts have proper bidding evidence and vendor checks, and retain all invoice documentation for review.

Finding Text

(2022-004) Allowable Costs and Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury CFDA No.: 21.027 Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award Year: 2022 Control Category: Allowable Costs and Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $804.05 Condition The Center did not retain evidence of competitive bidding or evidence of verifying suspension and debarment for the two contracts selected for testing. Additionally, the Center did not retain invoice support and documentation of approval for two disbursements selected for testing. Criteria 2 CFR 200.403 Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs, states, in part that costs “be adequately documented”. 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement includes several required procurement procedures including competitive bidding and verification that vendors re not suspended or debarred from working with the federal government. Cause The Center did not retain evidence of bidding, suspension and debarment, or invoice documentation for certain purchases. Effect We are unable to determine if the costs are allowable in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Management Response The Center will retain evidence of competitive bidding, unless an emergency or other situation precluding the delay of competitive bidding has arisen (in which case, the Center will retain the evidence and rationale justifying the sole source contract). The Center will retain verification of suspension and debarment for all potential contract service providers. The Center notes that one of the contracts selected for testing arose during an emergency situation (flooding). CFO will ensure that all invoices and supporting documentation are retained. ED and/or Director of Legal Services(depending on amount of expenditure, both may be required) will approve electronic payments inBill.com. Approval of expenses paid with paper checks will be indicated by signature of checks after reviewing accompanying support.

Categories

Questioned Costs Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Allowable Costs / Cost Principles

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 390129 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 390130 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 390131 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 966571 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 966572 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 966573 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 966574 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $264,211
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $206,000
93.048 Special Programs for the Aging_title Iv_and Title Ii_discretionary Projects $127,451
93.604 Assistance for Torture Victims $109,450
93.914 Hiv Emergency Relief Project Grants $86,547
21.008 Low Income Taxpayer Clinics $52,052
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $3,280