Finding 8843 (2022-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-01-18

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: USTTI struggled to prepare the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) due to difficulties in identifying and categorizing Federal expenditures.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with Title 2 CFR 200.510 and 200.303 was not met, affecting the accuracy of reported Federal awards and internal controls.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: USTTI should prepare the SEFA quarterly, enhance review processes, and ensure accurate indirect cost calculations to align with Federal regulations.

Finding Text

Finding 2022-002: Tracking of Federal Expenses and Preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) Criteria: Title 2 CFR 200 Section 200.510 “Financial Statements” requires recipients of Federal funds to prepare a SEFA for the period covered by the auditee's financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended. Additionally, in accordance with CFR 200.303, the non-Federal entity must: 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. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: USTTI experienced difficulty in preparing and ensuring that all Federal expenditures were identified, categorized and included in the SEFA. Due to the amount of program codes in the accounting system, it was difficult to identify which subprogram codes related to the various Federal programs. Additionally, we noted that indirect costs reported to the Federal granting agencies were not properly calculated. The condition impacted the entire SEFA which is considered to be a systematic problem. Cause: The high volume of subprogram codes were contributing factors to the error as well as improper calculation of the indirect rate on the grants. Effect: USTTI was unable to prepare the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Questioned Costs: None. Context: USTTI was unable to complete its SEFA. As it has never prepared a SEFA in the past, the condition appears to be systemic in nature. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend USTTI prepare its SEFA on a quarterly basis and it should be reviewed and approved by an individual in a supervisory capacity. The SEFA should be prepared in accordance with the regulations under Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). USTTI should enhance the review process to ensure the amounts agree to its reported expenses. Additionally, USTTI should review its indirect rate calculation (i.e. ensuring components are correctly identified and the mathematical calculations are accurate) to verify it is not charging over its actual indirect rate.

Categories

Reporting Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 8839 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8840 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8841 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8842 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8844 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8845 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8846 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8847 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8848 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8849 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8850 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585281 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585282 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585283 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585284 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585285 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585286 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585287 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585288 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585289 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585290 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585291 2022-004
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585292 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
19.322 Economic Statecraft $745,418
19.700 General Department of State Assistance $472,297
11.553 Special Projects $289,000