Finding 390137 (2023-001)

Material Weakness
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-29

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to retain documentation proving that it reviewed multiple bids for purchases over $10,000, despite obtaining the required quotes.
  • Impacted Requirements: This lack of documentation violates Uniform Guidance, which mandates effective internal controls over federal awards and procurement processes.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement procedures to ensure documentation is retained and designate an individual to review procurement processes before purchases exceeding $10,000.

Finding Text

2023-001 Agency and Pass Through Entities: U.S. Department of Treasury passed through Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Feeding Wisconsin, Inc. Federal Program and Award Numbers: 21.027, COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP). Award number 445404. Criteria: Uniform Guidance requires the Organization establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards over procurement by obtaining price quotations from an adequate number of sources when payments are expected to be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($10,000). Statement of Condition: The Organization did not retain documentation that supported that a review occurred over multiple bids that were obtained when purchases exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold ($10,000). During the course of the audit process, management reproduced and provided evidence that the Organization complied with the requirements. Questioned Costs: The amount of questioned costs could not be determined. Context: In four out of the eight selections tested, management obtained multiple price quotations but did not retain documentation that supported a review occurred for purchases that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold ($10,000). Effect: Federal funds could be used with bias or inefficiently. Cause: Management did not have controls in place to ensure documentation was retained and documentation that the bids and quotes were reviewed when purchases exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold ($10,000). Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and controls in which the Organization retains documentation to support multiple quotes were obtained for purchases that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold ($10,000). Management should designate an individual to perform a review of the procurement process and supporting documentation prior to purchases occurring. Management Response: Management acknowledges that while the Organization has the policies in place and obtained the required number of quotes/bids, the Organization did not have consistent adherence to documentation of all quotes/bids. Management agrees with the recommendation and have prepared a corrective action plan with the VP of Finance reviewing the procurement process and ensuring supporting documentation prior to these specific purchases occurring.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 Finding 2023‐001 Second Harvest has a procurement policy that applies to federal funds. Purchases that are above the simplified acquisition threshold ($10,000) must have quotes obtained from an adequate number of sources. The quote process includes review of multiple quotes to ensure procurement compliance requirements are met. The review of quotes or attempts to obtain quotes was informal and in certain cases inadequate documentation of the review was available to provide as part of the single audit. Second Harvest was in compliance with procurement compliance requirements and followed our procurement policy for the year. Status: In progress Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2023 Corrective Action: 1. We will continue to review our procurement policy at least annually to ensure alignment with acquisition thresholds. 2. The VP of Finance (VPF) will include any necessary clarification on the process, including explicit requirement for final approval by VPF of any purchases that meet the threshold for multiple quotes. 3. When the threshold applies, the VPF will ensure that adequate quotes were obtained, with proper documentation, before approving the purchases. Management agrees with the finding and will perform that corrective action as outlined above. Responsible individual for corrective action: Michelle Orge Title: President and CEO Contact information: michelle.orge@secondharvestsw.org Date: March 22, 2024

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 966579 2023-001
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $2.46M
10.561 State Administrative Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program $236,833