Finding 42398 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-11-17
Audit: 39204
Organization: Harford Community College (MD)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College lacked a policy to verify vendor debarment or suspension for transactions over $25,000.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates Uniform Guidance and federal regulations regarding vendor eligibility.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure compliance by implementing and following the updated policy before any future transactions with vendors over $25,000.

Finding Text

Criteria or specific requirement: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6, a nonfederal entity must have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction greater than $25,000 is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The College did not have a policy in place to verify that a vendor had not been suspended or debarred, at the time the College entered into certain transactions greater than $25,000 with vendors. This policy was updated late in the year ended June 30, 2022, and the vendors were reviewed at that time. Questioned costs: None Context: This condition occurred for 5 of 5 vendors selected for testing. Cause: The general Terms & Conditions attached to College Purchase Orders were designed to protect the College when entering into agreements with vendors. Unfortunately, these Terms & Conditions were not updated to include the Uniform Guidance criteria pertaining to transactions with debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded vendors until late in the year ended June 30, 2022. Effect: The College could enter a covered transaction with a vendor who is suspended or debarred and not be in compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend the College continue to follow its policy which dictates how the College will ensure suspension and debarment procedures are followed for any aggregate disbursements with vendors greater than $25,000. This process should occur prior to entering into the transaction. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Refer to the College?s response on attached letterhead.

Corrective Action Plan

Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: The College has updated verbiage in our general Terms & conditions to include compliance with the suspension and debarment regulation. Additionally, a Suspension and Debarment Self Certification statement will be included with all the college solicitations. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Karina Jackson, Director for Finance Planned completion date for corrective action plan: April 30, 2022

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 42397 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 618839 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 618840 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $4.45M
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $2.34M
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $246,667
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $203,050
47.076 Education and Human Resources $87,678
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $80,923
16.525 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus $69,587
12.903 Gencyber Grants Program $44,221
84.002 Adult Education - Basic Grants to States $42,513
45.162 Promotion of the Humanities_teaching and Learning Resources and Curriculum Development $37,638
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $20,000
59.037 Small Business Development Centers $18,170