Finding 553992 (2022-005)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
M
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2025-04-03

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: CFSC failed to verify subrecipient suspension or debarment status before finalizing subawards.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates 2 CFR 200.403(a), which mandates verification before entering into transactions.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should enhance policies to ensure timely verification of suspension and debarment status during the pre-award process.

Finding Text

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Federal Program Name: Cooperative Forestry Assistance - Pass-Through Agency: N/A Assistance Listing Number: 10.664 Federal Award Identification Year: 2021 Award Period: 09/01/21-08/31/26 Type of Finding: Other Matters - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Criteria: 2 CFR 200.403(a) - When a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: For two subrecipient samples that were selected, verification of subrecipient's suspension or debarment status was not verified until after the subaward agreement was effective. Context: A nonstatistical sample of 6 out of 20 subrecipients were selected for testing for the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program. The condition noted above was identified during our procedures over CFSC’s subrecipients. Effect: CFSC did not verify suspension or debarment status timely which could result in naming a subrecipient as an award recipient who is potentially suspended or debarred. Cause: CFSC did not consistently ensure that Suspension or Debarment status was verified timely before naming the subrecipients tested as award recipients. Repeat Finding: The finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that management strengthen its current policies and procedures to ensure that Suspension and Debarment Status is verified for each subrecipient applicant during its pre-award subrecipient screening process. Management’s Views: See separate corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Management agrees with the finding and is implementing the accompanying corrective action plan. Views of Responsible Officials: Jacy Hyde, Executive Director Joel Rusco, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Jessica Martinez, Deputy Director Contact Person: Joel Rusco, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Jessica Martinez, Deputy Director Corrective Action Plan: In response to the FY21 Corrective Action Plan, CFSC implemented a Subrecipient Monitoring Policy in June 2024 to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance for monitoring subrecipients of federal funding, including audit requirements and the verification of suspension and debarment status. To further strengthen compliance and ensure timely verification, CFSC will implement the following actions: 1.Mandatory Pre-Award Verification Timing & Documentation: a.Suspension and debarment status must be verified on SAM.gov by the assigned Grant Specialist before the execution of any subaward agreements. b.The verification data and results will be documented by the assigned Grant Specialist and included in the Risk Assessment process prior to award issuance. c.Any subrecipients flagged as high risk due to past audit findings will undergo enhanced pre-award due diligence before subaward execution to be carried out by the assigned Grant Specialist. 2.Grant Compliance Oversight & Approval: a.The Grants Manager (or designee) will review and approve all subrecipient compliance checks before final award execution. b.Any exceptions or delays in verification must be documented and approved by the CFAO & Deputy Director before proceeding. 3.Quarterly Compliance Audits: a.The Grants Manager (or designee) will conduct quarterly internal audits of subrecipient monitoring files to confirm that suspension & debarment verification was completed timely before subaward execution. b. The Grants Manager will be responsible for reporting any identified deficiencies to senior management and ensuring timely correction for policy reinforcement. Anticipated Completion Date: These corrective actions will be fully implemented by the end of Quarter 2 of FY25, with ongoing monitoring and enforcement thereafter.

Categories

Subrecipient Monitoring Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Period of Performance Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 553991 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 553993 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 553994 2022-007
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 553995 2022-008
    Material Weakness
  • 553996 2022-009
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 553997 2022-010
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1130433 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1130434 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1130435 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1130436 2022-007
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1130437 2022-008
    Material Weakness
  • 1130438 2022-009
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1130439 2022-010
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
11.473 Office for Coastal Management $685,222
10.698 State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance $1,249
10.664 Cooperative Forestry Assistance $-86,652