Finding Text
Finding 2024-001
FEDERAL FINDING
NONCOMPLIANCE
Identification of federal program:
ALN Name of Federal Program Identification # Year Agency
10.601 Market Access Program MAP-2024-USAEC 2024 USDA
Cash Management
Criteria: According to the Market Access Program, specifically section 1485.19(d), a participant shall fully expend all advances on promotion activities within 90 calendar days after date of advance disbursement by CCC. By the end of the 90 calendar days, the participant must submit reimbursement claims to offset the advance and submit a check made payable to CCC for any unexpended balance.
Condition: Of the $150,000 advanced to USAEC on 9/20/23, $45,684.28 was unclaimed by the 90-day window.
Effect: USAEC was not in compliance with Uniform Guidance and the Market Access Program.
Cause: USAEC was unable to produce sufficient claim forms in a timely manner, nor did USAEC return unexpended funds within the allowed timeframe.
Recommendation: USAEC adopts a policy to set reminders to either file a claim to utilize the advanced funds or return the unused portion by the 90-day deadline. We do not believe accrued interest should be returned to CCC as the estimated total is well below the $500 administrative threshold.
Repeat finding: No.