Finding 571139 (2024-001)

Finding 2024-001 Federal Program: Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Assistance Listing Number: 20.509 Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.318(i), non-Federal entities must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, including the rationale for the method of procurement and the basis for contractor selection. For sole source procurements, 2 CFR §200.320(c) outlines specific conditions under which noncompetitive procurement is allowable and requires written justification. Additionally, 2 CFR §200.303 requires non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Condition: During our review of procurement procedures, we noted that the entity selected a sole source vendor but did not maintain documentation supporting the justification for the noncompetitive procurement. While the procurement itself did not violate Uniform Guidance requirements, the absence of supporting documentation indicates a weakness in internal controls over procurement recordkeeping. Cause: Although the entity has established procedures for documenting sole source procurement decisions, those procedures were not followed in this instance. This appears to have been an isolated oversight rather than a systemic issue. Effect: Although the procurement may have met the criteria for a sole source, the lack of documentation limits transparency and may hinder the entity’s ability to demonstrate compliance in future audits. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend that management strengthen internal controls over procurement documentation by implementing procedures to ensure that all sole source procurements are supported by written justifications and retained in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.