Finding Text
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Significant Deficiency 2023-001: Education and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund – CFDA #84.425D and #84.425U Grant Period: Year Ended June 30, 2023 Condition and Context: The District entered into various construction contracts which did not meet the standards set out by Uniform Guidance for wage rate requirements. The lack of compliance did not result in any material noncompliance, fraud, or abuse with respect to the major program. Criteria: The Uniform Guidance requires entities to include in their construction contracts which exceed $2,000 that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors must be paid wages not less than those established for the locality of the project also know as prevailing wage rates set by the Department of Labor. Cause: The District was unaware of the requirements set out by Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of wage rate requirements is to ensure labors and mechanics are paid a fair and reasonable wage according to the Department of Labor. Without implementing these policies, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program requirements. Recommendation: Management should determine which contracts are subject to the prevailing wage rate requirements under Uniform Guidance and establish controls to implement the requirements when necessary. Grantee Response: Management agrees with the finding and recommendation. The District will establish policies and procedures for future grant awards to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements.