2023-001: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls and Compliance Finding -Child Nutrition Cluster ALN (10.553, 10.555,10.559): A competitive procurement process, which includes suspension and debarment certifications, was not properly performed by the Town for the purchase of school lunch food product. (Questioned Costs: $453,359)
The Town of Clinton/School Department will maintain proper procurement procedures in compliance with Local, State and Federal laws and regulations. State procurement laws (MGL Chapter 30B for Goods and Services and MGL Chapter 149 Construction) are followed however the district is aware of the federal requirements. When there are exemptions from state procurement laws, or when federal regulations are stricter the district will use the strictest rules, under 2 CFR 200.318-327. These procedures have been updated in the Financial Procedures Manual (pages 231-240, under Section II Procurement System). The Town of Clinton/School Department has expanded membership with French River Education Center – Purchasing Cooperative to include several school lunch food products.
The Town of Clinton/School Department will utilize two methods to determine if a potential vendor has been suspended or disbarred. Prior to approving a requisition for a contracted service in excess of $25,000 funded by a Federal grant, district will verify Sam.gov and will require the vendor to sign a Vendor Compliance Certification.