CONDITION: The Moniteau School District contracted with a third-party vendor (Smart Solutions Technologies) for technology equipment (Smart Boards and Mobile Carts) for the District which exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The District was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation.
CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public-School Code and Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a school district whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted annually for an inflation index. As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure retention of the appropriate procurement documentation, in all instances, so as to comply with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I am recommending that management contact the PA Department of Education, and explain the circumstances and oversight, and seek direction as to the allowability of this program cost in writing for their permanent files.
MANAGEMENT’S CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: Management will review and update as necessary, it’s current procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. The timeframe for completion of this process will be finalized during the District’s 2024-2025 fiscal year and will be revised on an ongoing basis as required by new policy directives from oversight agencies.