Finding 957089 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-15

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Internal controls failed to ensure that reimbursement requests were adjusted for amounts already refunded, leading to overstated claims.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) regarding internal controls for federal awards was not met.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Refund the grantee $9,613.16 and implement new procedures to prevent future reimbursement errors.

Finding Text

Criteria: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires a non-federal entity receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure complaince with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that reimbursement is not requested for costs that were refunded or reimbursed by other means.; Condition: Internal controls over compliance failed to identify that amounts refunded or reimbursed by other means did not appropriately reduce the request for reimbursement.; Cause: In one instance, the amount refunded for a returned item was recorded into an account that was not included in the report run to prepare the request for reimbursement. In two other instances, insurance proceeds were received and recorded in a holding account since the repairs had not yet been performed. At the time the repairs were expensed, the insurance proceeds were not manually adjusted to offset the cost in order to reduce the amount requested for reimbursement.; Effect: Requests for reimbursement submitted were overstated by a total of $9,613.16.; Repeat Finding: No.; Recommendation: It is recommended that the System refund the grantee $9,613.16, and establish procedures and internal controls to prevent requesting reimbursement for items that have been refunded or already reimbursed by other means.; Management's Response: The System has contacted the Texas Department of Transportation requesting instructions on refunding the amounts. In addition, they will implement new procedures and controls surrounding the calculation of their request for reimbursement and the handling of insurance proceeds to prevent this from happening moving forward.

Categories

Questioned Costs Cash Management Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 380645 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 380646 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 380647 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 957087 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 957088 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
20.509 Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program $451,666
20.526 Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low Or No Emissions Programs $169,672
20.513 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities $7,981