Finding 516471 (2020-009)

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

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: CUAHSI failed to properly manage and report program income from federal grants, violating 2 CFR 200 regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: Lack of documentation and controls over program income allocation and reporting, risking penalties and future funding opportunities.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement comprehensive controls and policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and timely submission of required reports.

Finding Text

MW2020-009 PROGRAM INCOME (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019- 011) Condition The use of program income generated through a federally funded program will be governed by the terms and conditions of the federal grant award, or sub-award, are subject to the same allowability requirements in 2 CFR 200 for same award objectives and the regulations at 2 CFR 200.307. Program income is defined as “Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of performance” by 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Program income consists of registration fees collected for training, meetings or workshops and the proceeds from the sale of publications as a result of the federal award during the period of performance. Program income is treated as an additive to the federal funds received by CUAHSI. During a drawdown, program income reduces the amount that is requested to cover reimbursable costs through the Flexible Billing module. This allows program income to be applied to the award before a reimbursement is requested from NSF adding the value of program income received to the awarded amount. Program income reporting is due annually on November 15th. NSF requires that all cumulative program income is reported for all open grants and agreements in the current year. CUAHSI recorded $293,591 of program income for the year ended December 31, 2019. This amount should have been deducted from the grant drawdowns for the year ended December 31, 2019 in accordance with the criteria listed above. There was no audit evidence to support whether the grant revenue was adjusted on the drawdowns. These matters warrant resolution as they may have subsequent adverse impacts. They may ultimately need to be addressed by the oversight agencies. Criteria Pursuant to 2 CFR 200 for award objectives and the regulations at 2 CFR 200.307, program income is defined as “Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of performance” by 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.Criteria (continued) CUAHSI lacked comprehensive documentation demonstrating the proper authorization, allocation, and approval processes for the utilization of program income. 2 CFR 200.307 mandates that clear documentation be maintained to support the proper allocation of program income and its alignment with the program's goals. The non-compliance with program income regulations, as outlined in this finding, highlights the need for corrective action to align CUAHSI’s practices with the stipulated regulations. Management's commitment to addressing these issues will play a pivotal role in rectifying the deficiencies identified during the audit. Effect This is a violation of the terms and conditions of the federal contract with the NSF. Noncompliance can lead to penalties, fines, or even termination of the contract. It may also damage CUAHSI’s reputation and future eligibility for federal funding and jeopardize CUAHSI’s ability to secure future grants or contracts from other funding agencies. Granting organizations typically prioritize funding recipients with a track record of compliance and accountability. Cause Lack of resources and detailed attention to the risks, along with circumvention of controls has resulted in weak internal controls, and conflicting or incomplete policies and procedures. Recommendation The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies consistent with 2 CFR 200.307.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 submit the required Program Income Reporting Worksheet by the required deadline of forty five (45) days after the end of the year to ensure with the program income 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: CUAHSI uses a single payment gateway for registration on CUAHSI events and was able to accurately document and produce grant-specific totals for audit year 2020 program income. Corrective actions to processes and responsibilities impacting subsequent years: CUAHSI uses a single payment gateway to segregate payments appropriately per event and per grant. Program income for subsequent years has been reported to NSF annually and appropriate staff and policies are in place to ensure future compliance. 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

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Cash Management Program Income Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Subrecipient Monitoring Eligibility Period of Performance Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 516467 2020-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516468 2020-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516469 2020-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 516470 2020-008
    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