Finding 567648 (2024-001)

2024-001: PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION, AND DEBARMENT Type: Considered a significant deficiency in internal control over compliance/noncompliance Program: ALN 93.788 Opioid STR Criteria: Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320, when a procurement transaction under a Federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, either formal procurement methods, or documentation of noncompetitive procurement, are required. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.214 and 2 CFR part 180, prior to entering into a covered transaction, a nonfederal entity must verify that the person with whom they intend to do business is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified. Condition: The CMHSP did not document the noncompetitive procurement process pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320 prior to entering into a contract for services under the grant. Also, the CMHSP did not verify that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified in accordance with 2 CFR requirements prior to entering into a contract for services under the grant. Cause/Effect: Management oversight. Questioned Cost: None Context: Due to an immediate, unexpected need for specialized services, the CMHSP entered into a contract with a vendor established with the PIHP, but did not document the noncompetitive procurement process pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320. Also, upon subsequent review, it was determined that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified. Recommendation: We recommend that the CMHSP review/update policies and procedures to ensure that formal procurement methods are documented and verification of suspension, debarment, or exclusion is conducted prior to entering into a contract. Management’s Resp: Management is in agreement with this recommendation.