Finding 946955 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
BCH
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-02-26
Audit: 292134
Organization: Bethany Home, Inc. (PA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Home received reimbursement for costs not incurred during the approved budget period, leading to a significant deficiency in cash management.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with federal regulations on allowable costs and timely disbursement of funds was not met, resulting in questioned costs of $52,841.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Home should contact the funding agency about returning the funds and improve internal controls regarding allowable activities and cash management.

Finding Text

2023-001 ALLOWABLE COST, CASH MANAGEMENT, AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE - SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Federal Program Unaccompanied Alien Children Program ALN 93.676 Criteria Part 3 of the Compliance Supplement indicates non-federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the US Treasury or pass-through entity and disbursement by the non-federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of allowable indirect costs, whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means (2 CFR section 200.305(b)). Part 3 of the Compliance Supplement indicates a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance and any costs incurred before the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity made the federal award that were authorized by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity (2 CFR sections 200.308 200.309 and 200.403(h)). A period of performance may contain one or more budget periods. Condition/Cause In July 2022, the Home requested reimbursement and received funding to cover costs that had not yet been incurred or paid for as of June 30, 2023. Effect The Home was reimbursed for costs that were not incurred during the budget period. Additionally, the Home has held onto grant funds for twelve plus months. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs are $52,841. Context The Home budgeted to have new fire alarms installed in the cottages during the July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022 grant budget period. Due to supply chain issues and labor shortages the alarms were not installed until the Fall of 2023 at which time the Home paid the contractor. Repeat Finding No. Recommendation We recommend the Home contact the funding agency to inquire about returning the funds and any interest earned. We also recommend that the Home revisit and strengthen internal controls over allowable activities, allowable costs, cash management, and period of availability related to grant programs. Management Response See corrective action plan included in this report package.

Categories

Questioned Costs Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 370513 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.676 Unaccompanied Alien Children Program $6.42M
93.658 Foster Care_title IV-E $1.92M
10.555 National School Lunch Program $33,544
10.553 School Breakfast Program $30,866
10.555 Child Nutrition Program Supply Chain Assistance $11,642