Finding 501738 (2020-008)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2020
Accepted
2024-10-03

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance, with a specific instance of a purchase order created after the invoice.
  • Impacted Requirements: Failure to maintain effective internal controls as required by 2 CFR 200.303, leading to potential misuse of federal funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure consistent adherence to ASRWSS policies and procedures, and maintain proper documentation for all expenditures.

Finding Text

ederal Agency: U.S. Department of Reclamation Federal Program Title: Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System ALN Number: 15.516 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: R03AV60749 March 31, 2019 R18AV00011 September 30, 2022 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Other Noncompliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.303 awardees must establish and maintain effective internal control to provide reasonable assurance that federal funds are being used appropriately. Condition/Context: During our testing of expenditures, it was noted that of the 60 samples tested, 1 purchase order was created after the invoice. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $14,525.00. Unable to determine likely questioned costs. Cause: ASRWSS policies and procedures were not consistently followed. Effect: ASRWSS is at risk of expending monies that are not necessary and reasonable for the administration of the award. Lack of proper controls can result in misappropriation of ASRWW resources. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: CLA recommend that ASRWSS policies and procedures be followed consistently. We also recommend that supporting documentation be maintained and properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Corrective Action Plan: See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

U.S. Department of Interior Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System – CFDA No. 15.516 2020-008 Allowable Costs/Costs Principles – Nonpayroll Expenses Recommendation: CLA recommend that ASRWSS policies and procedures be followed consistently. We also recommend that supporting documentation be maintained and properly documented. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management agrees with this recommendation. Condition: During our testing of expenditures, it was noted that of the 60 samples tested, 1 purchase order was created after the invoice. Action taken in response to finding: Corrective action began in May 2019 with implementation of vouchers to document authorization of purchases by the signature or initial of the general manager. Supporting documentation for all purchases is now properly recorded and filed with each expense. Currently, purchase request forms are used rather than vouchers, but they serve the same purpose to document account coding and approval to initiate requisitions. Requisitions are entered by administrative staff, either the Administrative Officer or Secretary. Management reviews and will correct any errors in account coding before approval of requisitions in the accounting software. After requisitions are approved, they are made into purchase orders that encumbrance the accounts. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Ashleigh Weeks, General Manager, and Jodi Miller, Finance Officer Planned completion date for corrective action plan: Complete

Categories

Questioned Costs Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 501732 2020-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 501733 2020-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501734 2020-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 501735 2020-005
    Material Weakness
  • 501736 2020-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501737 2020-007
    Material Weakness
  • 501739 2020-009
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501740 2020-010
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 501741 2020-011
    Significant Deficiency
  • 501742 2020-012
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 501743 2020-013
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1078174 2020-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1078175 2020-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1078176 2020-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1078177 2020-005
    Material Weakness
  • 1078178 2020-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1078179 2020-007
    Material Weakness
  • 1078180 2020-008
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1078181 2020-009
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1078182 2020-010
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1078183 2020-011
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1078184 2020-012
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1078185 2020-013
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
15.516 Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System $12.18M
15.048 Bureau of Indian Affairs Facilities Operations and Maintenance $3.15M