Finding 395904 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-05-06

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of documentation showing that vendor suspension and debarment checks were performed before contract agreements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Internal controls over compliance with federal award management, as outlined in CFR 200.303(a).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure management keeps proper records to demonstrate compliance with vendor checks to prevent future issues.

Finding Text

Department of Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.033, Award 22ERP060843 Community Development Financial Institutions Equitable Recovery Program (CDFI ERP) Suspension & Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition: In our testing of procurement, suspension, and debarment, it was identified that there was no observable documentation to directly indicate that a search for suspension and debarment was performed on vendors prior to entering into contracts. Cause: Meda has designed internal controls over these areas; however, the controls were not performed timely. Effect: Failure to document the search for suspension and debarment before entering the contact could result in possibly noncompliance. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context: Two vendors, accounting for $149,320 of expenses were selected for testing out of a total of two vendors. Repeat Finding from Prior Years: No Recommendation: We recommend that management maintain adequate supporting documentation and records to document history and methods of the procedures performed to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Federal Agency Name: Department of Treasury Program Name: Community Development Financial Institutions Equitable Recovery Program (CDFI ERP) CFDA #21.033, Award 22ERP060843 Finding Summary: The internal control structure for procurement is not designed to properly test and document for suspension and debarment of vendors prior to entering contracts. Responsible Individuals: Mesude Cingilli - VP of Finance, Nelly Chick - Controller, Kevin Grafstrom - Accountant. Corrective Action Plan: The Organization is currently revising its procurement policy and procedures to include clear guidance on search required on vendors for Federally Funded Programs. It is anticipated that the revised policy will be implemented by December 31, 2024. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 972346 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.033 Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Equitable Recovery Program (cdfi Erp) $2.56M
11.805 Mbda Business Center $420,167
59.005 Small Business Development Center Program $46,674
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $12,600