Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy CentersNon-Profit

2024-001 – The Organization did not have a process to determine if vendors were suspended or barred from receiving federal funds Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Period: 07/01/2023 to 12/31/2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Compliance for Each Major Program Criteria or Specific Requirement: According to 2 CFR 200.213, non-federal entities must ensure that they do not enter into any contracts or subcontracts with parties that are suspended or debarred. This requires the establishment of procedures to review the eligibility of vendors, including subawaredees before engaging in any contractual agreements. Condition: Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers does not have a formal suspension and debarment procedure in place to review vendors. This lack of procedure increases the risk of engaging in contractual relationships with entities that are suspended or debarred, which is a violation of federal regulations. Questioned Costs: Indeterminable Context: During the audit period, the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers entered into agreements with vendors without performing suspension and debarment reviews. During the engagement we did not note any transactions involving vendors who were suspended or debarred.Cause: The primary cause of this finding is the lack of awareness of federal requirements concerning suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: Failing to implement a suspension and debarment procedure exposes Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers to risks, including potential financial losses, reputational damage, and non-compliance with federal regulations. This non-compliance could result in penalties and a loss of federal funding. Repeat Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: It is recommended that Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers develop and implement a suspension and debarment procedure to review the eligibility of vendors before entering into contracts. Training should be provided to all relevant staff to ensure awareness and compliance with federal requirements. Additionally, periodic monitoring and internal audits should be conducted to ensure adherence to the established procedures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management acknowledges the finding and agrees with the recommendation. Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers will develop and implement a formal suspension and debarment procedure within the next three months. Training sessions will be conducted for all procurement staff to ensure understanding and compliance with the new procedure. Furthermore, periodic reviews will be instituted to monitor adherence to these requirements and to prevent the recurrence of this issue.