Finding 485729 (2024-001)

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Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
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Year
2024
Accepted
2024-09-05

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The required Federal Financial Report (FFR) was not submitted on time due to access delays with the Payment Management System (PMS).
  • Impacted Requirements: Timely reporting as mandated by the grant agreement was not met, affecting compliance.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should enhance processes and controls to ensure timely report submissions in the future.

Finding Text

Timeliness of Reporting - Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Award Name: Consolidated Appropriations Act – NH Food Bank Mobile Food Pantries; Program Year: 2024; ALN #: 93.493. Criteria: Management was responsible for submitting timely reporting based on the terms of the grant agreement. Condition: During compliance testing, it was identified that the required Federal Financial Report (FFR) was not submitted timely to the Payment Management System (PMS). Context: The required FFR was not submitted timely based on the terms of the grant agreement. Cause: Management has processes and controls over the reporting process but experienced difficulty in obtaining access to PMS resulting in a delayed FFR submission. In an email dated March 26, 2024, a PMS Alert was issued from Congressionally Directed Community Projects. The PMS Alert stated that "PMS is reporting substantial delays in establishing access to accounts, due to increased fraudulent activities. They have indicated that a 30-day delay on access may be common." Management reports that the process took well over 30 days. Effect: As a result of the condition, the Organization's required reporting was not submitted timely based on the terms of the grant agreement. Recommendation: In the future, the Organization should ensure it implements appropriate processes and controls to ensure required reports are filed timely in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement. Views of Responsible Officials: Management acknowledges the finding. The existing processes and controls will be updated to ensure timely filings in the future.

Corrective Action Plan

Timeliness of Reporting - Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Award Name: Consolidated Appropriations Act – NH Food Bank Mobile Food Pantries; Program Year: 2024; ALN #: 93.493. Criteria: Management was responsible for submitting timely reporting based on the terms of the grant agreement. Condition: During compliance testing, it was identified that the required Federal Financial Report (FFR) was not submitted timely to the Payment Management System (PMS). Context: The required FFR was not submitted timely based on the terms of the grant agreement. Cause: Management has processes and controls over the reporting process but experienced difficulty in obtaining access to PMS resulting in a delayed FFR submission. In an email dated March 26, 2024, a PMS Alert was issued from Congressionally Directed Community Projects. The PMS Alert stated that "PMS is reporting substantial delays in establishing access to accounts, due to increased fraudulent activities. They have indicated that a 30-day delay on access may be common." Management reports that the process took well over 30 days. Effect: As a result of the condition, the Organization's required reporting was not submitted timely based on the terms of the grant agreement. Recommendation: In the future, the Organization should ensure it implements appropriate processes and controls to ensure required reports are filed timely in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement. Contact: David Hildenbrand, Chief Financial Officer. Corrective Actions Taken or Planned: Management acknowledges the finding and will ensure controls are implemented to prevent this error from reoccurring. Anticipated Completion Date: By December 31, 2024.

Categories

Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $443,293
10.182 Local Food Purchase Assistance $377,713
93.493 Consolidated Appropriations Act - Nh Food Bank Mobile Food Pantries $326,890
10.559 Summer Food Service Program for Children $65,756
20.513 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities $39,218