Finding 571918 (2024-004)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-07-24

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Cooperative failed to keep documentation for price quotes on small purchases, violating federal procurement rules.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with 2 CFR Part 200.320(a)(2)(i) regarding obtaining quotes from qualified sources.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish and implement clear procurement policies to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary costs.

Finding Text

Identification of the federal program: 97.047 – Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Noncompliance with procurement, suspension, debarment, and significant deficiency in internal controls. Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.320(a)(2)(i) indicates “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-federal entity.” Condition: The Cooperative did not retain documentation for price quotes obtained for small purchases for two of the three vendors tested. Cause: The Cooperative did not retain documentation of quote gathering as the conversations happened verbally. Effect: By not obtaining price or rate quotations, the Cooperative may pay more for goods and services than is necessary. Questioned Costs: $149,630 Recommendations: The Cooperative should establish and follow procurement policies and procedures to ensure the Cooperative adheres to requirements established by the federal government. Views of responsible officials: We did not obtain multiple price quotes for small purchases for two of the three vendors. We did, however, use the vendors we use in daily operations and the amount of the questioned costs is greater than the amount paid on the small purchases that did not follow proper procurement.

Corrective Action Plan

Going forward, we will obtain and retain quotes via email and ensure that a sufficient number of qualified sources are solicited, in accordance with procurement guidelines.

Categories

Questioned Costs Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 571915 2024-001
    Material Weakness
  • 571916 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 571917 2024-003
    Material Weakness
  • 571919 2024-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1148357 2024-001
    Material Weakness
  • 1148358 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1148359 2024-003
    Material Weakness
  • 1148360 2024-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1148361 2024-005
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
97.047 Bric: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities $1.52M
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $954,731