Finding 564787 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2025-06-13

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Incorrect calculation of nonpayroll cost allocations was found in 2 out of 40 items tested, indicating a significant deficiency in internal controls.
  • Impacted Requirements: The Organization failed to comply with 2 CFR 200.303a and 2 CFR 200.405(a)(2), which require effective internal controls and proper cost allocation methods.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement stronger verification processes for allocation percentages to prevent under/overcharging and address the identified questioned costs of $966.

Finding Text

2023-002 (2022-002) – Allocation Percentage Charged – Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance ALN: 84.126 Federal Award Title: Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States Federal Agency: United States Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Texas Health and Human Services Commission Award Number(s): HHS000186000005, HHS000202900008 Federal Award Year: 2023 Condition: The Organization allocated nonpayroll costs between grants using an incorrect calculation in 2 out of 40 items tested. Criteria: Per Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200.303a, non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entities 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 guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). According to 2 CFR 200.405(a)(2), costs allocated to a Federal award must be distributed in proportions that may be approximated using reasonable methods. Effect: The Organization may unintentionally under/over charge expenses to the grant which could lead to questioned costs and repayment of funds to the grantor agency. Cause: The Organization does not have proper controls in place to verify the approved allocation % is charged on expenses. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $27 and likely questioned costs of $939.

Corrective Action Plan

Auditor's Recommendation: The auditor recommends the Organization enhance the design of its control activities and procedures over the allocation percentage forms used throughout the year to ensure the staff know how to apply percentages and are using the correct approved allocation form for the period in the year. Management’s Response: A process was implemented in fiscal year 2024 to address this issued and included the following: • The allocation form was updated and is now clearly labeled with the period and type of expense for which it applies. • The Executive Director communicated the revision of all forms to staff involved in the allocation process, followed by a training session to ensure understanding and proper application of the form. • A monthly review of the process, whereby allocation forms were audited for current updates and application consistency. Due date of completion: August 31, 2024 Responsible Official: Executive Director, Michelle Crain

Categories

Questioned Costs Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 564788 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 564789 2023-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 564790 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 564791 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 564792 2023-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1141229 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1141230 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1141231 2023-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1141232 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1141233 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1141234 2023-004
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.126 Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States $102,759
93.369 Acl Independent Living State Grants $97,131
93.432 Covid-19: Acl Centers for Independent Living $11,174
93.432 Acl Centers for Independent Living $9,942