Finding 570553 (2024-004)

Finding 2024-004 Internal Controls Over Compliance for Cash Management, Allowable Costs, Procurement, and Conflicts of Interest Federal Program: 66.468 Capitalization Grants for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Condition: The City does not have formally documented written controls to ensure compliance with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirement, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), regarding the determination of allowable costs, procurement procedures, conflicts of interest, and cash management. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b) requires the City to have written procedures related to managing cash from federal award, including determining the allowability of costs in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles. Additionally, 2 CFR § 318(a) and (c), requires the City to formally document procedures used for procurements made within federal programs, to demonstrate compliance with Uniform Guidance, which includes written standards of conduct that cover conflicts of interest and govern the performance of individuals engaged in procurement. Cause: The City’s policies and procedures have not been formally drafted and updated in written form. Effect: The failure to have written policies and procedures resulted in the City’s noncompliance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Context: This is a general requirement that pertains to most federal grants. This was not identified via sampling procedures. Questioned Costs: None identified. Recommendation: We recommend the City review the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, particularly the sections referenced above, to obtain a better understanding of the related requirements under Uniform Guidance. Based on this understanding, we recommend the City adopt written policies and procedures pertaining to cash management, determining the allowability of costs, procurement procedures, and conflicts of interest for all federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with our recommendation. See corresponding Corrective Action Plan.