Finding Text
2022-001 Significant Deficiency: Subrecipient Monitoring of Matching Requirements (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants, ALN #10.854) Criteria: In accordance with Uniform Guidance, a recipient of federal funds must monitor the subrecipients? contract terms, including matching requirements. Condition and Cause: During the audit, it was noted that BrightRidge did not adequately monitor the subrecipient matching requirement according to the contract terms for its major program. This issue was caused by an lack of understanding regarding the required timing for the subrecipient?s matching of federal funds. Effect: Since BrightRidge did not have the understanding of the timing for the subrecipient?s match, no matching funds had been submitted during the fiscal year when substantial funds were released to the subrecipient. However, when brought to BrightRidge?s attention during the audit subsequent to fiscal year end, BrightRidge and the subrecipient determined that certain subrecipient expenditures qualified as matching funds during the fiscal year, leaving a remaining delayed required matching funding of approximately $54,000. Questioned Costs: As of June 30, 2022, approximately $54,000 should have been held by BrightRidge until matched by the subrecipient. Recommendation: BrightRidge should continue to monitor subrecipients, including the timing of the subrecipients? matching requirements. Management?s Response: After discussion of this matter with our auditors, BrightRidge understands that the timing of payments made to the ultimate recipient must not exceed 80% of the actual expenses. BrightRidge will continue to monitor the final payments to the ultimate recipient and will adhere to payout requirements on any future USDA Rural Development Loans.