Finding 639734 (2022-001)

-
Requirement
I
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-23

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization made purchases over $10,000 without proper documentation for quotes or compliance with procurement requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Federal regulations mandate a written procurement policy, which the Organization currently lacks, increasing risks of overspending and limiting competition.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a procurement policy immediately, ensure quotes are obtained for purchases between $10,000 and $250,000, and document all bidding efforts and reasons for any exceptions.

Finding Text

2022-001: Procurement Policy and Procedures Condition: Several purchases were made in excess of the micro purchase threshold ($10,000). The Organization could not provide documentation to show they obtained quotes, or the reason quotes were not obtained, or if they gave preference to minority or women-owned businesses. Cause: The Organization has not established a written procurement policy. Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations requires that entities receiving federal funding have a written procurement policy. The required elements of the procurement policy are detailed out in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) under Title 2, Subtitle A, Part 200, Subpart D, 200.317 thru 200.327. Several other areas require written policies: financial management (200.302), federal payment (200.305), compensation-personal services (200.430), compensation-fringe benefits (200.431), relocation costs of employees (200.464), and travel costs (200.475). Effect: Lack of such policies increases the risk of purchasing items at higher prices than may have been necessary, increases the risk of limiting competition, and increases the risk of waste and abuse. Perspective Information: The need for a procurement policy was brought to the CEO's attention in the fall of 2021. The CEO does believe the spirit of the procurement requirements were met. Recommendations: We recommend quotes are obtained whenever possible when purchases are expected to be between $10,000 and $250,000. If purchases are to equal or exceed $250,000, the proper bidding procedures should be followed. Bidding procedures, quotes, and efforts to give preference to minority or women-owned businesses should be documented, including documenting if bids or quotes could not be obtained or the reasons why bids or quotes were not obtained. We also recommend a procurement policy is established as soon as possible and an individual is assigned to monitor the implementation of the policy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Club agrees with this finding. Their intent is to create and implement a procurement policy that complies with the Code of Federal Regulations as soon as possible and add the proper documentation for purchases exceeding the micro purchase threshold beginning with fiscal year 2023. See Corrective Action Plan.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant $237,902
84.287 Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers $160,293
16.726 Juvenile Mentoring Program $16,891