Finding 528562 (2024-004)

2024-004 Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance with Equipment and Real Property Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistance Listing Number: 10.606 Assistance Listing Name: Food for Progress Grant Award Number: Direct Award Number Award Period FCC-521-2016/012-00 September 29, 2016 through September 30, 2025 Criteria or Specific Requirement: Auditee requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart D ‐ Post Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.303 ‐ Internal Controls, requires the auditee to establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non‐Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with a framework such as the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the COSO. Also, a physical inventory of property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years (2 CFR section 200.313(d)(2)). Condition: During our testing of the equipment and real property management compliance requirements, we noted that there is no formally documented physical count of property acquired using federal funds in 2024 specific to Haiti. Questioned Costs: There are no known or likely questioned costs. Context: This is a condition based on testing of CRS’s compliance with specified requirements. The prevalence of the finding is detailed in the condition section above. The samples were selected using a non-statistical method. Cause: CRS country office personnel did not adhere to CRS’s documented policies and procedures for ensuring proper compliance with monitoring of property acquired using federal funds. Effect: Failure to conduct physical inventory of property could lead to misappropriation of assets and noncompliance with Federal regulations resulting in return of Federal awards received. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that management implement policies, procedures and controls that will ensure the physical counts of property are conducted, that evidence of a count is formally documented and an authorized individual formally approves the result of the count, and the related reconciliation of property records, in order to adhere to Federal regulations related to equipment management and its related maintenance. Views of Responsible Officials: CRS management agrees with the finding and recommendations and will enhance processes surrounding property reconciliation.