Finding 391612 (2023-005)

Material Weakness
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-04-01
Audit: 302063
Organization: City of Eureka (CA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The City failed to follow procurement rules by not obtaining required quotes for vehicle purchases under the Emergency Solutions Grant.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR 200.320 and City procurement policies, risking $199,274 in questioned costs.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Implement stronger internal controls and ensure staff understand procurement compliance before contract agreements.

Finding Text

Finding – Internal control deficiencies over procurement requirements Identification of the Federal Program: Assistance Listing Number and Title: 14.231, Emergency Solutions Grant Coronavirus Program Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Award/Contract Number: NA Pass-through Entity Name: California Department of Housing and Community Development Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 20-ESGCV-3-00002 Compliance Requirement – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Condition: The City did not comply with 2 CFR 200.320 or with City procurement policies. The City did not obtain quotes for vehicles purchased. Criteria: Grant recipients must comply with Uniform Guidance for procurement, specifically with 2 CFR sections 200.318 thru 200.326 including ensuring the procurement method used for the contracts are appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320(a)(1) and (2). Cause: The City did not have proper internal control over the procurement requirements of this federal program. Effect: The City is out of compliance with procurement requirements. Questioned Costs: $199,274 Context: A small purchase could have been applied as the total amount spent under the contract was more than the micro-purchase amount but less than the simplified acquisition threshold. Under small purchase procedures price or rate quotes must be obtained. Identification of a repeat finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the City establish and maintain effective internal control ensuring an understanding of procurement compliance requirements prior to entering into contracts with vendors with the intention of using grant monies. Views of responsible officials: Management concurs with the finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding – Internal control deficiencies over procurement requirements Name of contact person: Lane Millar, Finance Director Corrective action: The City will ensure that employees receive comprehensive training on procurement requirements as a prerequisite before undertaking those responsibilities. Proposed completion date: March 1, 2024

Categories

Questioned Costs Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 391611 2023-004
    Material Weakness
  • 391613 2023-006
    Material Weakness
  • 968053 2023-004
    Material Weakness
  • 968054 2023-005
    Material Weakness
  • 968055 2023-006
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $711,241
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction $255,820
66.818 Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements $200,405
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $78,377
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $36,444
97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant $26,960
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $15,931
15.657 Endangered Species Conservation Ð Recovery Implementation Funds $10,445
20.600 State and Community Highway Safety $8,007
20.608 Minimum Penalties for Repeat Offenders for Driving While Intoxicated $5,228