Finding 561071 (2024-001)

Finding 2024-001 – Special Tests and Provisions, SEMAP reporting – ALN 14.871 – Significant Deficiency & Other Matter Criteria: 24 CFR Part 985.3 states that PHAs “must leave a clear audit trail that can be used to verify that the PHA’s quality control sample was drawn in an unbiased manner.” Condition & cause: The PHA received a score of 100% on its 2024 SEMAP certification. However, the PHA was unable to produce documentation to support the scores that were given. We determined that the PHA has failed to maintain adequate records to provide a clear audit trail in relation to SEMAP. Effect: The SEMAP certification provides HUD with a system to evaluate a PHA’s Section 8 performance. Failure to provide proper supporting documentation can lead to ineffective measurements of Authority performance, as well as its ability to meet the needs of eligible families. Furthermore, misleading SEMAP certifications can disguise a troubled agency who may need HUD intervention. Recommendation: We recommend that the PHA personnel obtain the appropriate training for SEMAP documentation and certification. We also recommend that the PHA establish control systems to ensure SEMAP documentation is adequately gathered to support its submission in the future. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: No Was sampling statistically valid? Yes