Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township

Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Assistance Listing Title and Number: Special Education Grants to States, 84.027 and 84.173 Criteria or Specific Requirement: Procurement, suspension, and debarment - CFR Part 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.” This is a repeat finding from the prior year (2023-001). Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with federal requirements related to the procurement, suspension, and debarment compliance requirements. (Other Instance of Noncompliance and deficiency) Questioned Costs: None noted Context: The School Corporation entered into contracts with vendors that were reimbursed through funds granted under the Special Education Grants to States Program. The School Corporation failed to retain documentation of the verification of suspension or disbarment through an annual check of SAMS for such vendors. Effect: Goods or services were procured without retaining documentation that appropriate compliance guidelines were followed. Cause: The School Corporation’s internal controls did not require retention of suspension and debarment checks being performed. Recommendation: Management should perform a review to ensure controls in place are followed and documented for all applicable vendors and that documentation is retained to show the necessary suspension and debarment checks are completed regularly. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The District notes the finding as presented. See Corrective Action Plan prepared by management Persons responsible for implementing: Matthew Miles, CFO Anticipated completion date: July 15, 2025.

FINDING 2024-002 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster Summary of Finding: The School Corporation entered into contracts with vendors that were reimbursed through funds granted under the Special Education Grants to States Program. The School Corporation failed to retain documentation of the verification of suspension or disbarment through an annual check of SAMS for such vendors. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Matt Miles Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 317-423-8380 mattmiles@msdlt.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The District will create a written standard operating procedure to save screenshots of every SAMS vendor verification going forward. The District will also obtain a screenshot in SAMS for every vendor used in FY24 and FY25. Anticipated Completion Date: Corrective action steps have been implemented and will be refreshed.

2023-001

FINDING 2023-001 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States; Special Education Preschool Grants; COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-034-PN01, 23611-034-PN01, 22611-034-ARP, 21619-034-PN01; 22619-034-PN01, 23619-034-PN01, 22619-034-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-002. Condition and Context Procurement - Small Purchases 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 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, the informal procurement method is permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. 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 micro-purchase 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. A total of 23 vendor claims were determined to require small purchase procedures. Of the vendor claims, totaling $113,815, 4 were selected for testing. For the 4 vendor claims tested, the School Corporation did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations nor was its documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that the School Corporation ensures all service contracts include a provision regarding suspension and debarment. The contracts are reviewed and signed by a knowledgeable member of the School Corporation. A population of eight covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from SPED funds during the audit period was identified. A sample of two transactions, totaling $178,915, was selected for testing. For both transactions, the School Corporation did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of effective 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 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) 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 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: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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. . . ." 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 A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to, and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the 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 management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.

FINDING 2023-001 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster – Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Summary of Finding: The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the four vendors tested that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. There was no evidence of the School Corporation verifying two vendors tested for Suspension and Debarment that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Matt Miles Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 317-423-8380 mattmiles@msdlt.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: This is a repeat finding due to the immediate timing of the prior audit and a lag for new controls to take effect. The School District will obtain 3 quotes or do a bid process in the future. If there is limited availability, we will document the reason 3 quotes are not possible. Additionally, the District will check for suspension and debarment, create a write-up of our findings, and obtain Board approval for the contract. Anticipated Completion Date: Corrective action steps have been implemented and will be refreshed.

2022-002

FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-034-PN01, 22611-034-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases and simplified acquisitions were followed. There was no documented oversight, review, or approval process in place at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures were conducted and maintained. 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 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. 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. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the five vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The School Corporation also did not follow procurement requirements for contracted services which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. Additionally, the School Corporation did not adequately maintain documentation detailing the history of the procurement or the rationale to limit competition. Finally, the School Corporation did not verify that this vendor was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. 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 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) 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 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented 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. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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. (ii) Simplified acquisition thresholds. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk and its documented procurement procedures which must not exceed the threshold established in the FAR. When applicable, a lower simplified acquisition threshold used by the non-Federal entity must be authorized or not prohibited under State, local, or tribal laws or regulations. (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. (i) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present: (A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available; (B) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and (C) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price. (ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (A) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources, providing them sufficient response time prior to the date set for opening the bids, for local, and tribal governments, the invitation for bids must be publicly advertised; (B) The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications and pertinent attachments, must define the items or services in order for the bidder to properly respond; (C) All bids will be opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids, and for local and tribal governments, the bids must be opened publicly; (D) A firm fixed price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life cycle costs must be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of; and. . . ." 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 A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. 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 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: 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 had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place and documented at the School Corporation to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations were obtained, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures conducted. 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 $150,000 per Indiana Code. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micropurchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase 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 obtain price or rate quotes for the five vendors tested that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micropurchase threshold. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. The School Corporation also did not follow procurement requirements for contracted services which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. Additionally, the School Corporation did not adequately maintain documentation of the procurement history or rationale. Finally, the School Corporation did not verify that this vendor was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Matthew Miles, CFO Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 317-423-8380 mattmiles@msdlt.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The School District will obtain 3 quotes or do a bid process in the future. If there is limited availability, we will document the reason 3 quotes are not possible. Additionally, the District INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 will check for suspension and debarment, create a write-up of our findings, and obtain Board approval for the contract. Anticipated Completion Date: The School District will implement changes described in the Corrective Action Plan February in 2024.

2021-003

Federal Program Names: COVID-19 ? Special Education Cluster; Federal Agency: Department of Education; Federal Assistance Listing Title and Number: Special Education Grants to States, 84.027 and 84.173; Criteria or Specific Requirement: Procurement, suspension, and debarment - CFR Part 200.318 states, "the non-federal entity must use documented procurement procedures consistent with standards of this section and ?? 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319."; Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School District to ensure compliance with federal requirements related to the procurement, suspension, and debarment compliance requirements. (Material Noncompliance & Material Weakness); Questioned Costs: $219,633, calculated as costs identified in our sample with vendors that were not verified to not be excluded or disqualified nor were they subjected to federal procurement requirements in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.318.; Context: The School Corporation entered into contracts with vendors that were reimbursed through funds granted under the Special Education Grants to States Program. The School Corporation failed to document verification of suspension or disbarment through an annual check of SAMS for such vendors. The School Corporation also has a small purchases policy to obtain two or more quotes for expenses over $10,000 in accordance with federal guidelines. No such quotes were received or documented. This finding remains unresolved and was formally reported as finding 2020-002.; Effect: Goods and services were procured without applying appropriate compliance guidelines and internal controls.; Cause: The School Corporation?s internal controls were not applied to all purchases of goods and services with federal funds.; Recommendation: Management should perform a review to ensure controls in place are followed for all applicable vendors.

The District concurs with this audit finding. The District was not aware that State law differed from Federal law on purchased services. Now that the District is aware of this, appropriate procedures will be put in place to prevent this from occurring in the future. Persons responsible for implementing: Matthew Miles, CFO Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2023 due to timing of the completion of this audit.

2020-002

FINDING 2020-002 Subject: Special Education Grants to States - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States CFDA Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14219-034-PN01, 14220-034-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior report. The prior audit finding number was 2019-002. 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 entered into service contracts with vendors that provided services for the School Corporation and the special education grant funds. There were no internal controls to ensure that the School Corporation complied with the procurement for small purchases, and full and open competition with respect to service contracts. For four vendors tested with expenditures in excess of $10,000, price or rate quotations were not obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. In addition, we were not able to verify that the procurements provided full and open competition. There were no internal controls to ensure that the School Corporation complied with the suspension and debarment requirements for applicable service contracts. One vendor offered services to the School Corporation under a contract that was subject to suspension and debarment requirements. The School Corporation did not verify that the vendor was not suspended or debarred from participation in federal award 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 states in part: "(a) 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. . . . (i) 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 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 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 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 remain undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement noted above 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 internal controls to ensure compliance 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. Auditor's Response It was and is the School Corporation's responsibility to be in compliance with all applicable federal regulations and guidelines when accepting a federal grant. That includes having internal controls over all applicable compliance requirements, suspension and debarment, of the Special Education Cluster (IDEA). It is our responsibility to express an opinion on the School Corporation's compliance with each major federal program, as well as to consider the School Corporation's internal controls over compliance with those types of requirements that could have a direct and material effect on each major federal program. We acknowledge that, due to the timing of the prior audit, the School Corporation did not have time to correct the identified issues before the beginning of the current audit period; however, we are required to report the internal control deficiencies and noncompliance, which were present in the current audit period. The responsibility for compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines was assumed by the School Corporation when it accepted the federal grant. The timing of our audit does not release the School Corporation of that responsibility.

FINDING 2020-002 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Michael D. Shreves Contact Phone Number: 317-423-8380 Views of Responsible Official: Management had corrected the problem of verifying suspension and debarment effective March 5, 2020, which was during the time our prior audit was conducted and the sample pulled happened to fall before this date. Management concurs with the finding regarding the procurement of services. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Procedures have been put in place to ensure that an annual check of vendors is completed to determine if they are suspended or debarred. A file of the report from SAMS is kept as well as documenting in our software program that the verification has been completed. We are also implementing language into the personal service contracts where they will attest that they have not been suspended or debarred as well. Procedures will be put in place to ensure that the procurement requirements under 2 CFR 200.32 are being followed. Anticipated Completion Date: Effective March 5, 2020, these procedures were implemented, except for the personal service contract language which will be implemented June 1, 2021. Effective June 1, 2021, procedures have been put in place regarding the procurement of services to ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200.32.

2019-002

FINDING 2019-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14217-034-PN01, 14218-034-PN01, 14219-034-PN01, 18619-034-PN01, 45717-034-PN01, 19619-034-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2017-011. Condition and Context 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 suspension and sebarment requirement of the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. There were no controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The School Corporation did not perform any procedures to verify that vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. The lack of controls and noncompliance were systemic issues, which occurred 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 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 the 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 established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to remain 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 controls to ensure compliance 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 2019-002 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Michael D Shreves Contact Phone Number: 317-423-8380 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Procedures will be put in place to ensure that an annual check of vendors is completed to determine if they are suspended or debarred. A file of the report from SAMS will be kept as well as documenting within our software program that the verification has been completed. Anticipated Completion Date: These procedures were implemented March 5, 2020.

2017-011

GSA_MIGRATION

GSA_MIGRATION

2015-006

GSA_MIGRATION

GSA_MIGRATION

2015-012

GSA_MIGRATION

GSA_MIGRATION