EIN: 351088121
UEI: FE49MR6FKA78
Audited by: Crowe LLP
Oversight agency: 84 [Department of Education]
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Data as of August 28, 2026
Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization
The FAC accepted this audit on March 10, 2025. Under 2 CFR 200.521(d), a pass-through entity that provided federal funds to this organization for this audit period must issue a management decision on these findings by September 10, 2025 (353 days ago).
What is a management decision? →An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Management will ensure all applications for free/reduced meals have a formally documented dual review. Management will also ensure that income thresholds in the student meal system are reviewed annually. Responsible Party and Timeline for Completion: Effective immediately, we have implemented procedures that Amanda Bilbrey, Food Service Assistant will periodically throughout the school year verify that all free & reduced applications are properly reviewed. Attached is the 2024-2025 meal Income Eligibility Guidelines and Titan student meal system printout of meal pricing, that has been reviewed.
An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management Requirements compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation expended $94,444 on equipment/real property acquisitions during the period under audit which was charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. While the School Corporation did maintain a capital asset listing for the audit period, controls in place were not operating in an effective manner to properly track federal equipment acquisitions. The School Corporation failed to include the equipment/real property purchases on the capital asset listing. The School Corporation had also not performed a complete physical inventory of capital assets during the audit period as required by federal and state regulations. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation maintain and update the capital asset listing at least annually to include all equipment and real property acquisitions and review for potential capital asset dispositions. The capital asset listing should include all required information to track capital asset acquisitions purchased with federal funds. We also recommend the School Corporation conduct a physical inventory of capital assets at least every two years and maintain documentation to support the process undertaken to comply with federal and state regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management Requirements compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation expended $94,444 on equipment/real property acquisitions during the period under audit which was charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. While the School Corporation did maintain a capital asset listing for the audit period, controls in place were not operating in an effective manner to properly track federal equipment acquisitions. The School Corporation failed to include the equipment/real property purchases on the capital asset listing. The School Corporation had also not performed a complete physical inventory of capital assets during the audit period as required by federal and state regulations. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation maintain and update the capital asset listing at least annually to include all equipment and real property acquisitions and review for potential capital asset dispositions. The capital asset listing should include all required information to track capital asset acquisitions purchased with federal funds. We also recommend the School Corporation conduct a physical inventory of capital assets at least every two years and maintain documentation to support the process undertaken to comply with federal and state regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management Requirements compliance requirements. Context: The School Corporation expended $94,444 on equipment/real property acquisitions during the period under audit which was charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. While the School Corporation did maintain a capital asset listing for the audit period, controls in place were not operating in an effective manner to properly track federal equipment acquisitions. The School Corporation failed to include the equipment/real property purchases on the capital asset listing. The School Corporation had also not performed a complete physical inventory of capital assets during the audit period as required by federal and state regulations. Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Management will consult Board approved polices for capital asset management and ensure listings include and identify purchases made with federal funds and ensure a physical inventory is completed at least once every two years. Responsible Party and Timeline for Completion: Fairfield Community Schools has hired 3G Solutions to perform a complete inventory of assets.
An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. The School Corporation did not include Davis Bacon wage rate requirements in its contract with vendor which includes labor installation. The School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendor installing equipment. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had one project during the audit period which included labor installation costs which were charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. For the vendor selected for testing, the School Corporation did not include federal wage rate requirement clauses in the contract with the vendor and did not have an internal control designed to collect the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendors and its subcontractors, as applicable, to comply with Davis Bacon wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed for the project during the audit period which includes material and labor totaled $94,444. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation include Davis-Bacon wage requirements in vendor contracts which are federally funded and implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll report certifications are collected and reviewed by management to ensure compliance with the federal wage rate requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: a. The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in §5.1, the following clauses… (1) Minimum wages. (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics… (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week.. . .” Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. The School Corporation did not include Davis Bacon wage rate requirements in its contract with vendor which includes labor installation. The School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendor installing equipment. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had one project during the audit period which included labor installation costs which were charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. For the vendor selected for testing, the School Corporation did not include federal wage rate requirement clauses in the contract with the vendor and did not have an internal control designed to collect the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendors and its subcontractors, as applicable, to comply with Davis Bacon wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed for the project during the audit period which includes material and labor totaled $94,444. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation include Davis-Bacon wage requirements in vendor contracts which are federally funded and implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll report certifications are collected and reviewed by management to ensure compliance with the federal wage rate requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. The School Corporation did not include Davis Bacon wage rate requirements in its contract with vendor which includes labor installation. The School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendor installing equipment. Context: The School Corporation had one project during the audit period which included labor installation costs which were charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. For the vendor selected for testing, the School Corporation did not include federal wage rate requirement clauses in the contract with the vendor and did not have an internal control designed to collect the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendors and its subcontractors, as applicable, to comply with Davis Bacon wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed for the project during the audit period which includes material and labor totaled $94,444. Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Management will ensure all federal funded renovation, remodeling, or construction projects anticipated to incur labor costs greater than $2,000 include a signed contract containing a Davis-Bacon wage rate provision and will monitor the vendor to ensure compliance with certified payroll reporting requirements. Responsible Party and Timeline for Completion: Effective immediately for any future projects.
FAC accepted this audit on March 28, 2023 — management decision was due September 28, 2023.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not enter into a contract, as required, with the sole vendor that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The School Corporation purchased goods and services in the amount of $74,906 and $82,070 during fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, with the vendor. Additionally, the School Corporation did not verify the vendor was neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320(b) (Uniform Guidance) states: "Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources." 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in ? 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases ? (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-002 (Auditor Assigned Reference Number) Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Amanda Bilbrey, Food Service Assistant Contact Phone Number: 574-831-2188 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: Food Service will review bid packets to ensure documentation was provided as proof that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. If such evidence is not provided, the Food Service Director will verify and request appropriate documentation. Anticipated Completion Date: March 24, 2023
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Number or Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425D200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Two of four annual data reports due and submitted during the audit period contained errors. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) I, Year 1 annual data report overstated total expenditures by $72,046. The ESSER I, Year 2 annual data report overstated total expenditures by $2,303. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement. The ESSER1, Year 1 report included expenditures past the reporting period. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-003 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Number or Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425D200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Two of four annual data reports due and submitted during the audit period contained errors. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) I, Year 1 annual data report overstated total expenditures by $72,046. The ESSER I, Year 2 annual data report overstated total expenditures by $2,303. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement. The ESSER1, Year 1 report included expenditures past the reporting period. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-003 (Auditor Assigned Reference Number) Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Monica Kegerreis, Assistant Superintendent Contact Phone Number: 574-831-2188 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: The ESSER reports requested by IDOE will follow the same procedures of all FER reports. The ?data collection? for the ESSER grants was not identified as a financial report, and thus did not follow these processes. Now that we know this is a financial report, the steps below will be followed. The grant was initially not set up correctly and expenses were expended to and then transferred to the correct accounts once the grants were set up correctly. These changes were in flux when the report was requested, so what was reported at the time of the report is no longer what is reflected in grants? ledgers. The corrective action will require that the program director gathers the initial data, the data will be reviewed by the administrative assistant to the grants? director, and then reviewed by the Treasurer. All three employees will sign/initial a printed copy of the report before it is submitted. Data regarding students served by programs and staff reports will be reviewed by the program director and the data specialist and signed off on by both parties to ensure accuracy. Anticipated Completion Date: March 24, 2023
FAC accepted this audit on July 11, 2021 — management decision was due January 11, 2022.
FINDING 2020-001 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14217-014-PN01, 14218-014-PN01, 18611-014-PN01, 19611-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, 18619-014-PN01, 19619-014-PN01, 20619-014-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation was a member of the Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs on behalf of the School Corporation. Because the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education and the School Corporation, the School Corporation was ultimately responsible for compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement of small purchases or ensure that applicable vendors who received federal funds were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal award programs for those contracts procured by the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchases The Cooperative did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotes to ensure full and open competition for procurements under the small purchase threshold. Of the 11 vendors sampled that fell under the small purchases threshold, 5 did not have proper procurement procedures in place. Suspension and Debarment The Cooperative entered into contracts during the audit period but did not perform procedures to ensure compliance with requirements regarding verification that these vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320(c) states: "Noncompetitive procurement. There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (see paragraph (a)(1) of this section); (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-001 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14217-014-PN01, 14218-014-PN01, 18611-014-PN01, 19611-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, 18619-014-PN01, 19619-014-PN01, 20619-014-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation was a member of the Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs on behalf of the School Corporation. Because the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education and the School Corporation, the School Corporation was ultimately responsible for compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement of small purchases or ensure that applicable vendors who received federal funds were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal award programs for those contracts procured by the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchases The Cooperative did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotes to ensure full and open competition for procurements under the small purchase threshold. Of the 11 vendors sampled that fell under the small purchases threshold, 5 did not have proper procurement procedures in place. Suspension and Debarment The Cooperative entered into contracts during the audit period but did not perform procedures to ensure compliance with requirements regarding verification that these vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(a) states: "The non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this part." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320(c) states: "Noncompetitive procurement. There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (see paragraph (a)(1) of this section); (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2020-001 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Phil Menzie Contact Phone Number: (574) 831-2188 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Corrective Action Plan: Fairfield Community Schools will work with responsible parties from the Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative (?ECSEC?) to establish controls that will ensure procedures are in place so that an adequate number of price or rate quotes are obtained during the procurement process to meet the small purchases threshold. Procedures will be put into place to ensure compliance with requirements to verify that small purchase vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. Anticipated completion date: December 31, 2021
FINDING 2020-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14217-014-PN01, 14218-014-PN01, 18611-014-PN01, 19611-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, 18619-014-PN01, 19619-014-PN01, 20619-014-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The School Corporation was a member of the Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs on behalf of the School Corporation. Because the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education and the School Corporation, the School Corporation was ultimately responsible for compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The Cooperative provided special education services to its participating member school corporations and billed each school corporation on expenditures paid with Cooperative funds during the audit period. The total amount billed to each school corporation exceeded the grant allocation; therefore, member schools paid the Cooperative bills with local, state, and federal funds. The Cooperative accounted for all expenditures in a single fund, which did not account for each of the funding sources or identify expenditures by federal program, award numbers, or years. The Cooperative was not able to provide records that would support the activities performed by the employees whose salaries were charged in whole, or in part to the grant, or for transfers made from grant funds. Due to the lack of documentation for two transfers, approximately 13 percent of expenditures, we were unable to determine if the expenses associated with the transfers were for activities and costs allowable to the federal program. The transfers were considered questioned costs. The lack of internal controls, noncompliance, and failure to maintain adequate supporting documentation of program costs were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . . " 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, maintenance, and availability of supporting documentation with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system and retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation for transfers prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs of $2,256,865 were identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure that documentation will be maintained and made available for audit and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14217-014-PN01, 14218-014-PN01, 18611-014-PN01, 19611-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, 18619-014-PN01, 19619-014-PN01, 20619-014-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The School Corporation was a member of the Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs on behalf of the School Corporation. Because the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education and the School Corporation, the School Corporation was ultimately responsible for compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The Cooperative provided special education services to its participating member school corporations and billed each school corporation on expenditures paid with Cooperative funds during the audit period. The total amount billed to each school corporation exceeded the grant allocation; therefore, member schools paid the Cooperative bills with local, state, and federal funds. The Cooperative accounted for all expenditures in a single fund, which did not account for each of the funding sources or identify expenditures by federal program, award numbers, or years. The Cooperative was not able to provide records that would support the activities performed by the employees whose salaries were charged in whole, or in part to the grant, or for transfers made from grant funds. Due to the lack of documentation for two transfers, approximately 13 percent of expenditures, we were unable to determine if the expenses associated with the transfers were for activities and costs allowable to the federal program. The transfers were considered questioned costs. The lack of internal controls, noncompliance, and failure to maintain adequate supporting documentation of program costs were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . . " 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, maintenance, and availability of supporting documentation with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system and retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation for transfers prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs of $2,256,865 were identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure that documentation will be maintained and made available for audit and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2020-002 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Phil Menzie Contact Phone Number: (574) 831-2188 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Corrective Action Plan: Fairfield Community Schools will work with responsible parties from the Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative (?ECSEC?) to establish controls that will ensure charges to federal awards for salaries and wages are based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Since the work performed takes place under ECSEC supervision, and is outside of the direct control of Fairfield Community Schools, procedures will be implemented for ECSEC representatives to provide assurances that proper documentation is maintained for the compensated activities. In addition, Fairfield Community Schools will work with the responsible parties from ECSEC to ensure any transfers made have supporting documentation. Anticipated completion date: December 31, 2021
FAC accepted this audit on May 12, 2019 — management decision was due November 12, 2019.
GSA_MIGRATION
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2016-004
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2016-008
FAC accepted this audit on May 13, 2018 — management decision was due November 13, 2018.
GSA_MIGRATION
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