Finding 592224 (2022-005)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-12-19

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lack of consistent controls for independent reviews of new loans and changes in the loan system.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, which mandates effective internal controls over federal awards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement documented reviews for new loan setups and a secondary review for loan changes by an independent individual.

Finding Text

Finding Number:2022-005 Information on the Federal Program: Federal Agency: United States Department of Agriculture Program Name: Intermediary Relending Program CFDA: 10.767 Federal Award Year: 2022 Specific Requirement: In accordance with Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Subpart D, Section 200.303a, the Organization is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition Found: We noted that there is no consistent control in place that provides evidence of an independent review to verify that each new loan was set up properly in the loan system. Additionally, we noted that there is no secondary review of changes made to loan information subsequent to setup in the loan system to verify the changes were appropriate and correct. See Section II for findings 2022-002 and 2020-003. Context: We noted these conditions while obtaining an understanding of internal control for the respective transaction cycles listed in the findings. Questioned Costs: None noted Cause and Effect: There are no formal procedures documented for a review to verify that new loans or changes made to existing loans were done correctly. As a result, there is potential for errors or fraud that may not be detected and corrected on a timely basis. There is also the risk that an in-eligible borrower is granted a loan under the federal program. Repeat Finding, if Applicable: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that management implement a control to document the review of new loans setup in the loan system. This review can be in the form of a documented review of a daily new loan report or a checklist that is completed to verify that all new loans are setup properly in the loan system. We also recommend that management implement a control to complete a secondary, independent review of loan file maintenance changes. This control should include documentation to evidence review completed by an individual that did not make the maintenance change.

Categories

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 15782 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 15783 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 15784 2022-007
    Significant Deficiency
  • 592225 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 592226 2022-007
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.407 Farm Ownership Loans $34.02M
10.767 Intermediary Relending Program $16.62M
10.406 Farm Operating Loans $12.04M
10.768 Business and Industry Loans $8.12M
59.012 7(a) Loan Guarantees $4.57M