Finding 574139 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-08-21
Audit: 364708
Organization: Town of Babylon (NY)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Quarterly performance report was submitted 5 months late, violating grant agreement deadlines.
  • Impacted Requirements: Reports must be submitted within 30 days post-quarter end, as per EPA terms and 2 CFR § 200.328(b)(1).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Create a grants calendar with reminders and assign report preparation responsibilities; provide training on reporting requirements.

Finding Text

2024-001 – Congressionally Mandated Projects Assistance Listing #66.202 – Reporting Condition During our review of reporting requirements under the Congressionally Mandated Projects program, we noted that the quarterly performance report for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) in June 2025 – 5 months past the required submission deadline of January 30, 2025. Criteria Per the grant agreement and the EPA’s grant-specific programmatic terms and conditions for EPA community grants, recipients are required to submit quarterly performance reports no later than 30 days following the end of each federal fiscal quarter. This requirement is also consistent with 2 CFR § 200.328(b)(1), which mandates that recipients submit performance reports in accordance with the frequency required by the federal awarding agency. Cause The delay occurred due to an oversight within the department administering the grant. Effect Failure to submit required reports on time may result in noncompliance with grant terms and could adversely impact the entity’s ability to receive continued or future federal funding. Additionally, untimely reporting limits the EPA’s ability to monitor project performance and ensure accountability for federal funds. Questioned Costs None Recommendation We recommend that management establish a formal grants calendar with automated reminders for all reporting deadlines and designate individuals responsible for preparing and submitting reports. Additionally, periodic training should be provided to ensure that all responsible personnel are aware of federal reporting requirements. View of Responsible Official The Town will establish procedures to ensure timely reporting.

Corrective Action Plan

The grant administrator shall include notifications within their Outlook calendar two weeks prior to the due date for each progress report deadline. This will ensure progress reportes are completed and submitted on time.

Categories

Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 574140 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1150581 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1150582 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $17.91M
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $5.20M
66.202 Congressionally Mandated Projects $1.00M
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $385,576
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $331,632
93.045 Special Programs for the Aging, Title Iii, Part C, Nutrition Services $177,092
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $60,532
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $44,996
93.044 Special Programs for the Aging, Title Iii, Part B, Grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers $23,877
93.053 Nutrition Services Incentive Program $20,171
81.128 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (eecbg) $7,372
15.616 Clean Vessel Act $6,000