Finding Text
2023-008 – Suspension and Debarment (repeat finding)
Finding Type. Immaterial Noncompliance/Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Procurement, Suspension and Debarment).
Programs. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF); U.S. Department of Treasury; Assistance Listing Number 21.027.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services - Projects of Regional and National Significance; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Assistance Listing Number 93.243; Award Number 1H79SM084918-01.
Criteria. Recipients of federal awards are required to follow their own internal purchasing policies, as well as comply with purchasing standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance. Part of that guidance requires an entity to check if a vendor is suspended or debarred before entering into a contract.
Condition. The City was unable to provide documentation to support its consideration of suspension and debarment requirements for 7 out of 8 vendors selected for testing.
Cause. Management has indicated that the City is conducting proper procurement processes and checking for suspension and debarment, but does not have the proper internal controls in place to ensure that documentation of the verification is retained in accordance with federal requirements.
Effect. The City is exposed to an increased risk that future noncompliance could occur and not be prevented or detected by the City's internal controls.
Questioned Costs. No costs were required to be questioned as a result of this finding inasmuch as our testing did not reveal any unallowed costs, and the vendors in question were not actually suspended or debarred.
Recommendation. We recommend that the City implement necessary internal controls to ensure documentation of its compliance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance is maintained.
View of Responsible Officials. The City will implement the necessary internal controls to ensure the policy for compliance is followed and documented.