Finding 48529 (2022-003)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-14

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The District improperly requested reimbursement for $7,415 worth of devices that were not eligible under federal guidelines.
  • Impacted Requirements: The District failed to comply with OMB 47 CFR § 54.1710, which mandates funding requests be for devices needed for remote learning.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The District should seek guidance from the Federal Communications Commission and establish better controls for future program expenditures.

Finding Text

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COVID-19 EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND - AL NUMBER 32.009 AUDIT PERIOD - YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022 Special Tests and Provisions Criteria or specific requirement: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 47 CFR ? 54.1710 requires entities requesting funding to certify that they are only seeking support for eligible equipment provided to students and school staff who would otherwise lack connected devices sufficient to engage in remote learning. Condition: During testing, we identified the District purchased and requested reimbursement totaling $7,415 for devices purchased for the sole purpose of anticipated loss or breakage, which did not meet the definition of eligible equipment. Cause: District's unfamiliarity with the new federal program. Effect: The District received funding in excess of the unmet need for their students and school staff resulting in unallowable costs of $7,415 paid from the Emergency Connectivity Fund. Questioned costs: The District was reimbursed for 24 devices or $7,415 more than eligible. Context: Of the 446 devices purchased, 24 were not eligible to be reimbursed. Recommendation: The District should contact the Federal Communications Commission for guidance regarding this matter and implement proper controls over program expenditures. Views of responsible officials: The District will seek guidance from the Federal Communications Commission on how the remaining devices should be used and implement proper controls over the program.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Number: 2022-003 Finding. The district purchased and requested reimbursement totaling $7,415 for devices purchased for the sole purpose of anticipated loss or breakage which did not meet the definition of eligible equipment. Corrective Action Plan: The district will seek guidance from the Federal Communications Commission on how the remaining devices should be used and implement proper controls over the program. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2023

Categories

Questioned Costs Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Special Tests & Provisions Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 48528 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 624970 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 624971 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $625,248
10.553 School Breakfast Program $457,513
32.009 Emergency Connectivity Fund Program $233,973
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $115,651
84.367 Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants $94,341
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $72,207
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $56,702
93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (elc) $55,254
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $52,648
10.555 National School Lunch Program $40,434
84.358 Rural Education $36,908
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $31,638
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $8,863
84.425 Covid-19 - Education Stabilization Fund $231