Finding 517729 (2024-001)

Finding 2024-001 Reporting - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Agency Department of Treasury Assistance Listing Numbers (ALN) 21.027 Program Name COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Award Year 2022 Pass-Through Agency State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number AK0128 Criteria or Specific Requirement 2 CFR section 200.303 requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal control over the federal awards to provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards. 2 CFR section 200.514 requires auditors to obtain an understanding of the non-federal entity’s internal control over federal programs sufficient to plan the audit to support a low assessed level of control risk of noncompliance, which includes inspection of evidence of operation of those controls. Condition There was insufficient evidence retained to document operation of reporting controls, to include review or approval of the report filed. Cause This particular grant operated differently than is typical for the City, as it was not managed by a separate department. Effect or Potential Effect Information submitted to the granting agency could be incomplete or inaccurate. Questioned costs None. Context The auditor selected the annual report for testing. The report was completed and submitted by the Finance Director, but no evidence of review was maintained. The report was retained in the grant file and available for testing, and management asserts the submission was discussed at in-person meetings. The expenditures included on the report are tracked and approved separately. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend management retain evidence of internal control procedures around reporting to show review. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with this finding and has revised their policies and procedures to improve review and approval of grant reports submitted.