Finding 570662 (2024-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-07-08
Audit: 361681
Organization: Tuerk House, Inc. (MD)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization failed to follow its own procurement policy and did not check the federal suspended and debarred party list.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with procurement and suspension/debarment regulations as outlined in 45 CFR 75.329 and 2 CFR 180.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Management should train staff on procurement policies and implement procedures to vet vendors, especially those over $10,000, against the suspended and debarred list.

Finding Text

Opioid STR ALN No. 93.788 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Criteria or Specific Requirement – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment – 45 CFR 75.329, 2 CFR 180 Condition – For procurement testing, a sample of 1 procurement was selected from a population of 5 totaling $487,910. For suspension and department testing, a sample of 1 was selected from a population of 3 totaling $464,333. The samples were not, and are not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the samples tested, the following were determined to lack appropriate supporting documentation for compliance requirement: • Procurement: 1 item totaling $59,791, including projected errors over the total population totaling $487,910 • Suspension and debarment: 1 item totaling $59,791, including projected errors over the total population totaling $464,333 Cause – The Organization did not comply with their procurement policy. In addition, the Organization does not include a review of the federal suspended and debarment party list as part of the Organization's procurement policy. Effect or potential effect – Procurement methodology was not followed for vendor with expenses of over $10,000. In addition, that did not adhere to the federal government's suspension and debarment compliance requirements. Questioned Costs – None Context – The Organization did not have adequate policies and procedures to ensure procurement, suspension, and debarment requirements were met prior to the purchase of goods or services charged to federal awards. Upon further discussion with Tuerk House, Inc., no procurement, suspension and debarment procedures were performed on any vendors. Identification as a repeat finding – Repeat finding (see 2022-004 and 2023-004) Recommendation – We recommend management continue to ensure all personnel understand the procurement policy and adhere to the requirements and guidelines set forth in the policy. Procedures should be implemented to ensure that vendors, especially those over $10,000, are selected and vetted in accordance with policy and Uniform Guidance. In addition, policies and procedures should be put in place to ensure all vendors are not included on the suspended and debarred listing.

Corrective Action Plan

Tuerk House, Inc. acknowledges the finding related to procurement and suspension and debarment requirements and recognizes the need for strengthened internal controls to ensure continued compliance with Uniform Guidance and the Organization's procurement policies. To address this repeat finding, Tuerk House is taking the following corrective actions: ·Updating the procurement policy to explicitly include steps for verifying all vendors against the federal government's System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list prior to engaging in any procurement activity funded by federal awards. ·Implementing a procurement checklist and documentation protocol to ensure proper procedures are followed for purchases exceeding $10,000, including competitive bidding, price or rate quotations, and appropriate justification for vendor selection. ·Conducting mandatory training for finance and program staff on updated procurement procedures, including documentation and vendor vetting protocols. ·Establishing a centralized record-keeping system to retain documentation related to procurement, vendor selection, and debarment checks in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 and 2 CFR 180. The Organization is committed to full compliance and will ensure that all future procurements charged to federal awards meet the applicable requirements. Organization Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action – Joseph Koehler, Director of Finance Anticipated Completion Date – June 30, 2025

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 570660 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 570661 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 570663 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1147102 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1147103 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1147104 2024-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1147105 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.788 Opioid Str $2.67M
93.959 Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse $1.23M
95.007 Research and Data Analysis $208,650
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $10,199