Finding 576336 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-12
Audit: 366205
Organization: City of Fort Lauderdale (FL)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The City failed to submit required performance and financial reports on time, with delays ranging from 10 to 27 days.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 2 CFR-200.328 and 2 CFR-200.303 regarding timely reporting and internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a centralized reporting system, retain documentation of submissions, and train staff on federal reporting requirements.

Finding Text

Condition: In accordance with 2 CFR-200.328 and 2 CFR-200.303, non-federal entities must submit performance and financial reports as required by the awarding agency and must establish and maintain effective internal control over compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Context: The City is required to submit monthly progress reports ten calendar days after the end of each month, quarterly progress reports no later than the 10th of quarter end, and a bi-annual Contract and Subcontract Activity form (HUD-2516), to be submitted by April 15 and October 15 each year. Per testing, monthly and quarterly reports were submitted 10 to 27 days after the deadline. ABPA was unable to obtain evidence that form HUD-2516 was submitted by either of the required due dates. Effect: Failure to submit required reports in a timely manner, and the lack of supporting documentation, represents a deficiency in internal control over compliance. This increases the risk of noncompliance with federal reporting requirements, which could result in questioned costs, delayed reimbursements, or jeopardize future funding. Cause: Delays in report submission were primarily due to insufficient internal controls over the reporting process, lack of clear assignment of responsibilities, and inadequate monitoring of reporting deadlines. Questioned costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen its internal controls over compliance by implementing a centralized reporting calendar or system to monitor federal reporting deadlines. In addition, procedures should be established to ensure that documentation of timely report submission is retained in the grant files. Staff responsible for grant administration should also receive training on federal reporting requirements.

Corrective Action Plan

Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: The Public Works Department implemented several measures to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements, including scheduling quarterly meetings with Project Managers, attend training sessions provided by the grant sponsor, and send reminders to the Project Managers no less than 15 days before the reporting deadline.

Categories

Subrecipient Monitoring Cash Management HUD Housing Programs Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.228 Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $10.50M
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $10.46M
14.241 Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids $7.77M
16.922 Equitable Sharing Program $1.65M
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $1.07M
21.016 Equitable Sharing $923,224
20.106 Airport Improvement Program, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs, and Covid-19 Airports Programs $147,888
10.559 Summer Food Service Program for Children $116,500
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $110,005
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $72,052
16.833 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative $70,932
20.600 State and Community Highway Safety $58,591
97.067 Homeland Security Grant Program $45,000
10.558 Child and Adult Care Food Program $36,857
10.664 Cooperative Forestry Assistance $25,000
15.916 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning $22,538
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction $766