Finding 516469 (2020-007)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2020
Accepted
2024-12-20

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: CUAHSI lacks documentation proving compliance with its procurement policy, particularly for a $15,000 payment to a Board Member.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with federal regulations regarding vendor verification and procurement processes as outlined in 2 CFR and FAR clauses.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: CUAHSI should enhance its documentation practices and prioritize compliance with procurement policies to avoid legal and reputational risks.

Finding Text

MW2020-007 PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-004) Condition CUAHSI had a policy in place regarding procurement of which they were unable to provide any documentation that they complied with the policy. There was no documentation for one payment made to the Board Member for $15,000. While there were invoices for the remaining amounts, there was no documentation maintained that showed CUAHSI verified expenses were incurred from vendors that were not suspended or debarred. Criteria The requirements for this compliance requirement are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.317- 200.326; 48 CFR parts 03, 15, 44, and the clauses at 48 CRF sections 52.244-2, 52.244-5, 52.203-13, 52.203-16 and 52.215-12; agency FAR supplements; 2 CFR part 180; OMB M-18- 18; and the terms and conditions of the federal award. There is a requirement to verify that contractors in covered transactions or any of its vendors are not federally debarred, suspended, or excluded. Cause CUAHSI has a policy in place to meet the procurement requirements but there was no evidence of compliance with that policy. Effect CUAHSI is not in compliance with UG requirements, there could be future legal action, the repayment of funds, loss of reputation and possible suspension or debarment.Recommendation It is recommended that CUAHSI strive to prioritize compliance. CUAHSI should ensure that, to the extent practicable, the use of a competitive procurement process in compliance with 2 CFR section 200/317. Current Year Status This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the audit, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and support to document their review of vendor files. Such failure led to non-compliance with the procurement, suspension and debarment policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended December 31, 2020. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Statement of Concurrence or Nonconcurrence: CUAHSI agrees with the finding and recommendation. CUAHSI Corrective Action: Action by CUAHSI impacting audit year 2020: NA Corrective actions to processes and responsibilities impacting subsequent years: CUAHSI considers the finding to be closed as current practices are compliant and adhere to appropriate policies and procedures. When vendors are onboarded by CUAHSI, a check on disbarment is required and the CUAHSI Director of Finance performs this verification. New procurement requirements were added to CUAHSI policies in 2024 to clarify thresholds and processes for competitive procurement. Also in 2024, an approval certification step was added for all outgoing vendor payments, requiring a monthly certification by the Director of Finance or Executive Director to ensure those receiving payments from CUAHSI are not suspended or disbarred. Name of Contact Person: 􀁸 Maureen S. Ako, Director of Finance 􀁸 Telephone: (339)221-5400 􀁸 Email: msabino@cuahsi.org Projected Completion Date: NA; is complete

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 516467 2020-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516468 2020-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516470 2020-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516471 2020-009
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092909 2020-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092910 2020-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092911 2020-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092912 2020-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1092913 2020-009
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
47.050 Geosciences $2.31M
47.080 Office of Cyberinfrastructure $127,911
47.070 Computer and Information Science and Engineering $70,695
47.083 Integrative Activities $14,635
47.079 Office of International Science and Engineering $3,306
10.652 Forestry Research $2,401