Finding Text
Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.403(b) states that costs must "Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items". Per the Federal award (contract 2018-51300-28430, PTEIN C0535A-A), there was no specific allowability for “Fees”, and the budget indicated $0 allocated to “Fees”. 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards to "Establish and maintain internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award." 2 CFR 200.430(i)(1) states that "Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed."
Condition: (10.307) During testing of general disbursements, it was noted that the Organization did not retain documentary evidence of review and approval of disbursements for 4 out of 17 samples tested. In addition, for 1 sample, the Organization charged unallowable costs (bank fees) to the major program. During testing of payroll, it was noted that inadequate time and effort documentation was retained for 2 out of 26 samples tested, resulting in wages being charged erroneously between programs.
(10.311) During testing of general disbursements, it was noted that the Organization did not retain documentary evidence of review and approval of disbursements for 5 out of 14 samples tested. During testing of payroll, it was noted that inadequate time and effort documentation was retained for 2 out of 21 samples tested, resulting in wages being charged erroneously between programs. During testing of indirect costs, it was noted that direct costs used to calculate the applied indirect cost rate were not supported by underlying documentation of costs incurred.
Questioned costs: None
Context: (10.307) For testing of general disbursements, a sample of 17 was made from a population of 113 disbursement transactions. Of the 17 sampled, 4 did not include documentary evidence of review and approval of the disbursement. In addition, 1 sample was found to be out of compliance with the provisions for 2 CFR 200.403(b). For testing of payroll, a sample of 26 was made from a population of 168 unique employee paychecks. Of the 26 sampled, 2 had inadequate documentation of time and effort spent on the major program, resulting in an overbilling in one sample and an underbilling in the second sample.
(10.311) For testing of general disbursements, a sample of 14 was made from a population of 90 disbursement transactions. Of the 14 sampled, 5 did not include documentary evidence of review and approval of the disbursement. For testing of payroll, a sample of 21 was made from a population of 139 unique employee paychecks. Of the 21 sampled, 2 had inadequate documentation of time and effort spent on the major program, resulting in an overbilling in one sample and an underbilling in the second sample. For testing of indirect costs, a sample of 6 was made from a population of 21 monthly reimbursement invoices. Of the 6 sampled, 3 did not include sufficient documentation to support the direct costs used to apply the indirect cost rate.
Cause: The Organization does not have adequate controls around the documentation of the supervisor review and approval process. Supervisory review and approvals are currently being communicated verbally. In addition, inadequate documentation is retained to document the time and effort of employee time spent on grants and the total direct costs that should be considered when applying the indirect cost rate.
Effect: Without adequate records retained, the Organization is at risk of noncompliance with Federal programs and grant regulations, which could result in penalties or repayment obligations. Without adequate documentation and controls in place to ensure costs are reasonable and intended for the program charged, the Organization could incorrectly charge expenditures to the Federal program, report fraudulent expenditures, or not request appropriate reimbursement that the Organization is entitled to under the terms of the grant.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: CLA recommends for the Organization to evaluate its current policies and procedures to implement an additional layer of review, and to formally document such review and approval procedures for all transactions affecting federal funds (i.e. approval of general expenditures, approval of timesheets, approval of indirect cost allocations). In addition, the Organization should emphasize the importance of detailed reviewed timesheets, including a second level review by the Finance Manager to ensure the accuracy and documentation of time and effort billed to each Federal program.
Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding.