Finding Text
Finding 2022-01: Suspension and Debarment Federal Programs: ALN 16.575 Criteria: Recipients of U.S. Government funds must adhere to specific requirements on screening all potential vendors, suppliers and sub-contractors/grantees to ensure the organization is not conducting business with excluded parties (as defined by the U.S. Government); the screening must be documented in writing. Condition: During the year under audit, DCVLP did not document and retain evidence of the screening process for all payments made with Federal funds. Our audit procedures consisted of substantive testwork over a sample of expenditures paid during the year that were selected based on a representative sample of the population. The condition appeared to be systemic in nature. Context: Payments were made throughout the year by DCVLP with no evidence of the screening process performed. Effect: Failure to document the screening of potential vendors, suppliers, employees or other on contracted federal transactions against the suspended and debarred list leaves no evidence that the screenings were performed and no evidence that the party was not suspended or debarred. This increases the possibility that U.S. Government funds may inadvertently be provided to individuals or organizations deemed to be excluded parties by the U.S. Government. Cause: DCVLP did not have policies and procedures in place throughout the year to ensure the screening process was performed and appropriately documented. Questioned Costs: Undetermined. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend management of DCVLP develop a policy to address the screening process for all contracted and non-contracted transactions including, but not limited to, with vendors, suppliers, and employees. Furthermore, we recommend that management communicate these policies and procedures to employees of the organization, and it should stress the importance of documenting compliance with the ?Suspension and Debarment? provisions. Finally, the screening of potential vendors and suppliers should be completed and documented prior to entering into the transactions or making payments. Anticipated Completion Date: Brian Yourish (Director of Operations) and Sara B. Tennen (Executive Director) Responsible Official: April 3, 2023