Finding 394819 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-04-26
Audit: 304706
Auditor: Donovan PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The School did not document price comparisons for small purchases between $10,000 and $249,999, violating federal procurement standards.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR 200.318 and 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) regarding procurement procedures and documentation.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Develop and implement clear procedures for obtaining and documenting price comparisons for small purchases.

Finding Text

FINDING 2023-001 PROCUREMENT SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Federal Program: Charter School Programs Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.282A Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.318, “The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through 200.327.” Per 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) Small Purchase Procedures, “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition The School was unable to provide documentation to support that price comparisons were obtained from vendors for costs falling in the category of small purchases (between $10,000 and $249,999). Additionally, the School’s procedures manual did not include procedures for the handling of these transactions. Cause Documentation was not maintained to support that this step in the procurement process was completed. Effect Not documenting these procedures could result in the School completing procurement transactions not in compliance with Federal regulations. Recommendation We recommend the School develop procedures to ensure price comparisons are obtained and documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The School’s Corrective Action Plan is included on page 23.

Corrective Action Plan

April 15, 2024 Donovans CPA www.cpadonovan.com RE: Findings 2023-001 Procurement Assistance Listing Number 84.282A Dear Sirs; Lawrence County Independent Schools has implemented the following Corrective Action Plan in response to the finding of the Single Audit for fiscal years ending 2023. Corrective Action Plan 1. The LCIS Procurement Policy has been updated by the Director of Schools, Joanne Symcox, under the non-Federal entity (Per 2 CFR 200.318) to conform to procurement standards identified in 200.317 through 200.327. 2. The updated policy will be presented at the March 21, 2024 Board Meeting for review and approval. 3. The corrective action plan was implemented beginning Mar 13, 2024. 4. The Director of Schools, Joanne Symcox is responsible for plan implementation and adherence. Sincerely, Joanne Symcox

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 394820 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 971261 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 971262 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $202,121
10.555 National School Lunch Program $122,962
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $108,914
84.282 Charter Schools $32,788
10.553 School Breakfast Program $25,797
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $17,030
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $12,375
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $10,000
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $1,271