Finding 511985 (2024-001)

Material Weakness
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-11-25

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to check federal fund recipients against the exclusion database and lacked written procurement and conflict of interest policies.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR 200.318 and 2 CFR 200.214 regarding procurement standards and internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a process to verify all federal fund recipients against the exclusion database and create written procurement and conflict of interest policies.

Finding Text

Programs Affected 21.027 COVID-19 State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Criteria 2 CFR 200.318 requires that non-federal entities must maintain written standards establishing its procurement policies. Additionally, CFR 200.214 requires that non-federal entities establish internal controls to restrict transactions with parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context Through our compliance testing, it was noted that the Organization did not compare recipients of federal funds to the exclusion database of the Office of Inspector General for disbursements during the year ended June 30, 2024. Additionally, the Organization did not establish written policies regarding procurements and conflicts of interest. Cause and Effect The conditions identified were a result of the Organization not establishing policies and procedures to help ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. The non statistical sample of 20 recipients of federal funds did not identify any recipients of federal funds who were excluded parties. Questioned Costs N/A Identification of Repeat Findings N/A Recommendation We recommend the Organization perform a comparison of all recipients of federal funds to the Office of Inspector General's database to ensure all are permitted to receive grant funding prior to issuance of payment. The search results should be documented. We also recommend the Organization establish a written procurement policy and conflict of interest policy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions Management agrees with the finding. See attached Planned Corrective Actions.

Corrective Action Plan

Management at the Central Maine Growth Council is aware of its responsibility under 2 CFR 200.516(a) as it relates to the requirements to perform control activities related to suspension and debarment. • All recipients of expenditures under federal grants will be compared to the Office of Inspector General’s Exclusion Database to help ensure they are permitted to receive federal funding. This verification process will be documented and retained. • A written formal procurement policy and conflict of interest policy will be established. Responsible party: Garvan Donegan, Director of Economic Development and Strategic Projects (207) 680-7300 Anticipated completion date: December 31, 2024.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 511986 2024-001
    Material Weakness
  • 1088427 2024-001
    Material Weakness
  • 1088428 2024-001
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
11.020 Cluster Grants $210,898
59.059 Congressional Grants $115,363
59.065 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition $111,990
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $83,334