Finding 500283 (2023-006)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
F
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-09-30
Audit: 323064
Organization: Ecostudies Institute (WA)
Auditor: 410746749

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to conduct a required physical inventory and reconciliation of property records, violating federal compliance standards.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2), which mandates inventory checks every two years.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement formal policies for regular inventory counts and reconciliations, ensuring documentation and attestation by responsible personnel.

Finding Text

Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Compliance and Internal Control over Compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense Federal Program Name: Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations Assistance Listing Number: 12.005 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI083313 - 2020 Award Period: September 28, 2020, through September 27, 2025 Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2) states that a physical inventory of property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property record at least once every two years. Condition: During testing, it was noted that a physical inventory and reconciliation with the property records had not been performed. Questioned costs: None. Context: A sample of 4 was made from a population of 4 pieces of equipment purchased with funds from the major program (entire population). Of the 4 sampled, all belonged to a population of assets that had not been part of a formal physical inventory and property reconciliation. Cause: The Organization does not currently have procedures in place to perform a formal inventory count and reconciliation with the property records at least once every two years. Effect: Without periodic equipment counts, the Organization is in noncompliance with federal regulations around Equipment and Real Property Management. In addition, there is an increased risk of errors and inaccuracies in the inventory records and an increased risk of fraud or theft going undetected. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: CLA recommends that the Organization adopt policies and procedures that include performing a formal inventory count and reconciliation back to the property records at least once every two years, in compliance with 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2). The inventory count should be documented and signed by the individual performing the count as a form of attestation to the amounts recorded. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Compliance and Internal Control over Compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense Federal Program Name: Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations Assistance Listing Number: 12.005 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI083313 - 2020 Award Period: September 28, 2020, through September 27, 2025 Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2) states that a physical inventory of property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property record at least once every two years. Condition: During testing, it was noted that a physical inventory and reconciliation with the property records had not been performed. Questioned costs: None. Context: A sample of 4 was made from a population of 4 pieces of equipment purchased with funds from the major program (entire population). Of the 4 sampled, all belonged to a population of assets that had not been part of a formal physical inventory and property reconciliation. Cause: The Organization does not currently have procedures in place to perform a formal inventory count and reconciliation with the property records at least once every two years. Effect: Without periodic equipment counts, the Organization is in noncompliance with federal regulations around Equipment and Real Property Management. In addition, there is an increased risk of errors and inaccuracies in the inventory records and an increased risk of fraud or theft going undetected. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: CLA recommends that the Organization adopt policies and procedures that include performing a formal inventory count and reconciliation back to the property records at least once every two years, in compliance with 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2). The inventory count should be documented and signed by the individual performing the count as a form of attestation to the amounts recorded. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: The organization has strengthened their property record policy to include a formal inventory count and reconciliation on an annual basis in compliance with 2 CFR 200.313(d)(2). This inventory also includes description of the condition of the property and documented signature by the individual performing the inventory. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Gary Slater Planned completion date for corrective action plan: 10/1/2024

Categories

Equipment & Real Property Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 500279 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 500280 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 500281 2023-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 500282 2023-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 500284 2023-007
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1076721 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1076722 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1076723 2023-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1076724 2023-005
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1076725 2023-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1076726 2023-007
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
12.005 Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations $1.96M
12.630 Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering $279,520
10.723 Community Project Funds - Congressionally Directed Spending $191,824
10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program $80,862
12.017 Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (repi) Program $80,579
15.634 State Wildlife Grants $52,341
10.215 Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education $51,981
15.944 Natural Resource Stewardship $3,449
15.657 Endangered Species Recovery Implementation $1,212
15.631 Partners for Fish and Wildlife $84