Finding 498874 (2019-007)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
F
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2019
Accepted
2024-09-27
Audit: 321658
Organization: Virgin Islands Port Authority (VI)
Auditor: Bdo USA PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to conduct a required physical inventory count of equipment in the last two years, with the last count done in 2017.
  • Impacted Requirements: This noncompliance violates 2 CFR section 200.313 and 2 CFR section 200.303, which mandate proper equipment records and internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Improve internal controls and ensure timely coordination among departments to comply with physical inventory requirements.

Finding Text

Finding Number: 2019-007 Prior Year Finding Number: N/A Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Information on Federal Program(s) - U.S. Department of Transportation: Direct Program: Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program CFDA Number: 20.106 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Per 2 CFR section 200.313, Equipment, property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of property, who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the property, the location, use and conditions of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. Further, a physical inventory of equipment should be taken at least once every 2 years and reconciled to the equipment records along with the usage of an appropriate control system to safeguard and maintain equipment. Additionally, the Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition – The Authority did not conduct a physical inventory count of equipment in the last two years. The most recent physical inventory count was performed during fiscal year 2017. Further, it does not appear that internal controls over compliance are operating at a level of precision to ensure compliance with the physical inventory count requirement. Questioned Costs – Not determinable. Context – This is a condition identified per review of the Authority’s compliance with the specified requirements. Effect – There is a risk that inadequate monitoring of equipment could lead to misappropriation of assets and noncompliance with Federal regulations resulting in a return of Federal awards received. Cause – The internal controls established for the physical inventory count did not fully operate as designed causing the Authority to fall out of compliance with the required timing of such physical inventory count. Recommendation – We recommend that the Authority improve internal controls to ensure adherence to Federal regulations related to performing physical inventory counts of equipment. There should be timely coordination and communication amongst all departments that are responsible for handling and managing such assets. Views of Responsible Officials - The Authority concurs with the auditor’s findings and recommendations. The planned corrective actions are presented in the Authority’s Corrective Action Plan which is attached as Appendix B.

Corrective Action Plan

In September 2021, the Authority hired fixed assets manager and two staffs who are responsible for monitoring the fixed assets. The fixed assets team will conduct fixed assets physical count before the end of fiscal year 2024. The result of the physical count will be reconciled to the fixed asset records. Also, a new fixed asset module is set to be implemented in the Fiscal Year 2025.

Categories

Equipment & Real Property Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 498875 2019-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1075316 2019-007
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1075317 2019-008
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
20.106 Airport Improvement Program, Covid-19 Airports Programs, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs $4.18M
97.090 Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Agreement Program $283,520
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $146,494
97.072 National Explosive Detection Canine Team Program $134,667
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $26,156