Finding 403964 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-06-28
Audit: 310821
Organization: Disability Rights Washington (WA)
Auditor: Clark Nuber P S

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance, specifically regarding payroll cost documentation for federal awards.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.430, which mandates proper allocation of direct costs based on benefits received.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: DRW should strengthen internal controls to ensure all payroll costs are properly documented and compliant with federal requirements.

Finding Text

Finding 2023-002 Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance and instances of noncompliance related to allowable costs/cost principle compliance requirements. Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Program Title: Developmental Disabilities Basic Support and Advocacy Grants Assistance Listing Number: 93.630 Awards Number: 2201WAPADD-00 & 03; 2001WAPAPH-00 & 01 Award Period: 10/01/2021 - 9/30/2024 Criteria 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) Subpart E section 2 CFR 200.430 (as codified by the Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] in 45 CFR 75) requires direct costs to be allocated based on the proportional benefit received by each award. Condition/Context For the year ended September 30, 2023, in a sample of 25 transactions, there were three instances of payroll costs being charged to the award that were not supported by proper documentation of the allocation applied. Effect/Potential Effect DRW was unable to substantiate allocations of payroll costs based on documentation retained. Questioned Costs $125.03 Cause DRW’s internal controls related to payroll costs allocation was not sufficient to prevent or detect errors in compliance with the standards and to ensure consistent treatment with policies and procedures. Repeat Finding Not applicable Recommendation We recommend that DRW implement internal controls to ensure that all payroll costs charged to the federal awards are supported by proper documentation. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding and has provided the corrective action plan following the Single Audit Report.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action: DRW will review and revise it cost allocation and program income documentation. Steps: Review current policies, procedures, and internal control documentation. Review will include agency cost allocation method and implementation as well as program income documentation. 1. DRW will update internal controls based on the suggestions for process, procedural and internal control improvement made by outside consultants. Suggestions will include the use of project codes in payroll documentation. 2. Review supporting records, level of effort and timekeeping systems to ensure proper level of documentation. 3. DRW supervisors will be trained on expectations of oversight and participate in quarterly review of financial status to ensure proper implementation. 4. The process will be implemented by the Fiscal Manager, the Comptroller and the Fiscal and Operations Specialist and overseen by the Executive Director. Anticipated Completion: September 30, 2024

Categories

Questioned Costs Allowable Costs / Cost Principles

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 403965 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 403966 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 403967 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 980406 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 980407 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 980408 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 980409 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
96.009 Social Security State Grants for Work Incentives Assistance to Disabled Beneficiaries $533,586
93.138 Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness $523,143
84.240 Program of Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights $411,928
93.618 Voting Access for Individuals with Disabilities-Grants for Protection and Advocacy Systems $144,749
93.843 Acl Assistive Technology State Grants for Protection and Advocacy $75,960
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $71,302
93.873 State Grants for Protection and Advocacy Services $66,294
93.630 Developmental Disabilities Basic Support and Advocacy Grants $65,224