Finding 396591 (2023-003)

Material Weakness
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-05-13

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Town of Charlestown lacks procedures to verify if entities in covered transactions are suspended or debarred.
  • Impacted Requirements: This affects compliance with 2 CFR Section 180.995 regarding verification for contracts over $25,000.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement verification procedures to ensure compliance before entering into covered transactions.

Finding Text

Criteria - When a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended, or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. “Covered transactions” include those procurement contracts for goods and services awarded under non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. This requirement applies to contracts entered into to procure goods and services with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Condition - The Town of Charlestown does not have a specific procedure in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Cause - The Town has not established suspension and debarment policies and procedures for federal awards. Effect – Contracts for goods and service that were “covered transactions” were entered into prior to verifying that an entity was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs – None Recommendation - We recommend that the Town implement verfication procedures to ensure that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action: 1. Verification Procedures Implementation: The Town should establish verification procedures to confirm the eligibility of potential transaction partners. 2. Documented Verification Process: Develop a documented verification process outlining the steps to be taken to verify the status of potential transaction partners. This process should include checking relevant databases and contacting appropriate authorities, if necessary. This can be accomplished through the use of sam.gov to verify transaction partners current standing. 3. Designated Responsible Party: Assign a designated responsible party within the Town administration to oversee the verification process. 4. Integration into Transaction Process: Integrate the verification procedures into the Town's transaction approval process. Ensure that verification is completed before finalizing any covered transactions. 5. Regular Review and Updates: Establish a schedule for regular review and updates of the verification procedures to ensure they remain effective and up-to-date with any changes in regulations or requirements. 6. Training and Awareness: Provide training to relevant staff members involved in the transaction approval process to ensure they understand the importance of the verification procedures and their role in implementing them effectively. By implementing these corrective actions, the Town will enhance its compliance with regulations, mitigate the risk of engaging in transactions with excluded entities, and ensure the integrity of its procurement and contracting processes. Anticipated Completion Date – 8/31/2024 Contact Person – Patrick Gormley, Treasurer

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 973033 2023-003
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $1.38M
66.129 Southeast New England Coastal Watershed Restoration Program $100,996
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $49,597
15.659 National Wildlife Refuge Fund $10,850
20.600 State and Community Highway Safety $7,670
93.069 Public Health Emergency Preparedness $5,275
14.228 Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $80