Colorado Legal Services

EIN: 840402702

UEI: U2A8LRNKEF81

Data as of August 20, 2026

10
Audit Years
17
Total Findings
5
Repeat Findings

FY 2025-12-31

Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization

The FAC accepted this audit on May 5, 2026. 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 November 5, 2026 (76 days from today).

What is a management decision? →
2025-001
Cost Allowability
REPEAT
Condition

Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Aging Cluster - Special Programs for the Aging, Title III, Part B Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 93.044 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09-706060 - 2025 Various – Aging Cluster Pass-Through Agency: Various – Aging Cluster, see SEFA Pass-Through Numbers: Various – Aging Cluster, see SEFA Award Period: Various – see SEFA Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1635.4(a) and 2 CFR 200.430), indicate that federal award recipients must base allocations of salaries and wages costs to grants on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.5 and 2 CFR 200.403) indicate that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities. It also states that costs must be adequately documented. The LSC financial guide also articulates that a cost allocation base must be cost-driven and that budgeted numbers or percentage of revenue are not allowable allocation bases. Condition: During our testing we noted: • LSC Payroll Transactions: Fourteen instances of errors totaling a net under allocation amount of $2,657. The under allocation was due to various over allocations of costs to other grants that were not based on employees’ time charged to the respective other grants in their timesheets. We also noted that the Organization allocated costs from the general fund (which consists of two unrestricted grants and the LSC grants) to LSC grants using allocation bases of percentage of revenue and projected revenue of the grants that make up the general fund. However, as revenue was recognized as expenses were incurred for the general fund, the allocations based on revenue approximated an allocation method based on a cost driver. • LSC Native American Grant Payroll Transactions: Three instances where a total of $4,383 was charged to payroll costs via an estimated fixed percentage allocation of employee time spent on the LSC Native American grant. The Organization was not able to provide supporting documentation for the fixed percentage. • Aging Cluster Payroll Transactions: Seven instances of errors totaling a net overallocation of payroll costs of $144 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate the employee's pay to the grant. The Organization used an allocation base of monthly hours coded to the grant per timesheets divided by 150 hours for the monthly pay period instead of total monthly hours listed in the employees’ timesheets. • Aging Cluster Fringe-benefit Transactions: Five instances where $2,797 of additional medical insurance costs were allocated to grants based on reconciliations of budgeted grant revenue to period-to-date actual grant expenses that showed revenue exceeding expenses. Based on discussions with management and subsequent recalculations, it appears that the allocated costs (and more) could have been allocated via an allowable cost driver method (grant salaries compared to total organization salaries for the year). Questioned Costs: None. Context: These 29 instances were noting during testing of 120 transactions. Cause: The Organization’s cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records, and periodic calculations of a LSC allocation base (based on revenue or projected revenue) for the period divided by the total allocation base (based on revenue or projected revenue) coded to the Organization’s general fund, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records, expense and other data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments and varying allocation bases in the Organization’s cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities and in a manner where costs are not applied uniformly to both LSC (or, federally)-funded and non-LSC (of, federally) -funded activities. It could also lead to challenges in maintaining sufficient supporting documentation of such cost allocations. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of findings in the immediately prior year. The prior year finding numbers were 2024-002 and 2024-004. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities, and that are reflective on employees’ time and effort records. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Lastly, the Organization could consider removing LSC from the general fund into its own fund, and using fringe benefit rate and indirect cost rate allocation methods to simplify its cost allocation process. Views of responsible officials: Management partially agrees with this finding. First, 45 CFR Part 1635 codifies the timekeeping requirement. CLS keeps track of every case and time dedicated by staff in strict compliance with this requirement. Manual adjustments primarily result from planned internal reconciliations and reviews designed to ensure the accuracy of CLS allocations. These reconciliations are conducted on a monthly basis and form an integral part of the Organization’s internal control framework. Additionally, with respect to the Native American grant transactions, CLS implemented the necessary correction to the referenced percentage effective beginning in 2026. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations specify that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities.

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Aging Cluster – Special Programs for the Aging, Title III, Part B – Assistance Listing No. 93.044 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities, and that are reflective on employees’ time and effort records. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Lastly, the Organization could consider removing LSC from the general fund into its own fund, and using fringe benefit rate and indirect cost rate allocation methods to simplify its cost allocation process. Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: Management partially agrees with this finding. First, 45 CFR Part 1635 codifies the timekeeping requirement. CLS keeps track of every case and time dedicated by staff in strict compliance with this requirement. Manual adjustments primarily result from planned internal reconciliations and reviews designed to ensure the accuracy of CLS allocations. These reconciliations are conducted on a monthly basis and form an integral part of the Organization’s internal control framework. Action Taken in Response to Finding: Additionally, with respect to the Native American grant transactions, CLS implemented the necessary correction to the referenced percentage effective beginning in 2026. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: January 2027

Prior Finding References

2024-002, 2024-004

About Allowable Costs / Cost Principles →
2025-002
Special Tests & Provisions
Condition

Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09.706060 - 2025 Award Period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.6(b)) specify that without LSC’s prior written approval, a recipient may not expend $25,000 or more of LSC funds on any of the following: (i) A single purchase or single lease of person property; (ii) A single contract for services; (iii) A single combined purchase or lease of personal property and contract for services; and (iv) Capital improvements. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization expended $31,214 related to a single contract for $111,384 in the year under audit and it could not provide evidence that it obtained prior written approval from LSC for such costs. Questioned Costs: None. Context: This instance was noted during testing of four single contracts where the Organization expended more than $25,000. Cause: The Organization does not have a control process in place to ensure that it obtains prior written approval from LSC for all of its costs that require such an approval. Effect: The Organization may not be in compliance with federal regulations related to the expenditure of LSC funds. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it obtains LSC prior written approval where required in accordance with 45 CFR 1630.6(b). Views of responsible officials: With respect to the recommended control process, CLS has an established procedure incorporated within its accounting manual. The organization will reinforce and ensure consistent application of this procedure throughout 2026.

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it obtains LSC prior written approval where required in accordance with 45 CFR 1630.6(b). Action Taken in Response to Finding: With respect to the recommended control process, CLS has an established procedure incorporated within its accounting manual. The organization will reinforce and ensure consistent application of this procedure throughout 2026. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: July 2026

About Special Tests and Provisions →
2025-003
Special Tests & Provisions
Condition

Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09.706060 - 2025 Award Period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1620.6) specify that all staff who handle cases or matters, or are authorized to make decisions about case acceptance, must sign a simple agreement developed by the recipient which indicates that the signatory: a) Has read and is familiar with the priorities of the recipient; b) Has read and is familiar with the definition of an emergency situation and the procedures for dealing with an emergency that have been adopted by the recipient; and c) Will not undertake any case or matter for the recipient that is not a priority or an emergency. Condition: During our testing, we noted one instance where the Organization was not able to provide evidence of a signed simple agreement for a staff member who handle cases or matters, or is authorized to make decisions about case acceptance. Questioned Costs: None. Context: This instance was noted during testing of sixteen signed simple agreements for staff members who handle cases or matters, or are authorized to make decisions about case acceptance. Cause: The Organization does not have a control process in place to ensure that the required signed simple agreements are obtained for all staff members who handle cases or matters or are authorized to make decisions about case acceptance. Effect: The Organization may not be in compliance with federal regulations related to the required signed written simple agreements for all staff members who handle cases or matters or are authorized to make decisions about case acceptance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it obtains signed written simple agreements for all staff members who handle cases or matters or are authorized to make decisions about case acceptance where required in accordance with 45 CFR 1620.6. Views of responsible officials: CLS implemented an onboarding process in 2025 through its HR system, BambooHR, which includes verification of this and other required elements. While this process has been applied to new hires, CLS will extend and enforce the verification of these requirements for employees who joined the organization prior to 2025. CLS believes that this matter would be more appropriately communicated in the management letter rather than presented as part of the overall audit report. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations reference above specify that signed written simple agreements must be obtained all staff members who handle cases or matters, or is authorized to make decisions about case acceptance.

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it obtains signed written simple agreements for all staff members who handle cases or matters or are authorized to make decisions about case acceptance where required in accordance with 45 CFR 1620.6. Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: CLS believes that this matter would be more appropriately communicated in the management letter rather than presented as part of the overall audit report. Action Taken in Response to Finding: CLS implemented an onboarding process in 2025 through its HR system, BambooHR, which includes verification of this and other required elements. While this process has been applied to new hires, CLS will extend and enforce the verification of these requirements for employees who joined the organization prior to 2025. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: July 2026

About Special Tests and Provisions →
2025-004
Reporting
Condition

Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09.706060 - 2025 Award Period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1624.5(c)) specify that a legal services program shall, to the maximum extent feasible, ensure that new facilities that it rents or purchases are accessible to persons with disabilities. Prior to entering into any lease or contract for the purchase of a building, a legal services program shall submit a statement to LSC certifying that the facilities covered by the lease or contract will be accessible to persons with disabilities, or if the facilities will not be accessible, a detailed description of the efforts the program made to obtain accessible space, the reasons why the inaccessible facility was nevertheless selected, and the specific steps that will be taken by the legal services program to ensure that its services are accessible to persons with disabilities who would otherwise use that facility. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization entered into a lease for new office facilities in downtown Denver and moved into the new space but did not submit a statement to LSC certifying that the facilities covered by the lease or contract will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Questioned Costs: None Context: This instance was noting during testing of seventeen reports required to be submitted to LSC during the period under audit. Cause: The Organization does not have a control process in place to ensure that it meets its reporting requirements during the grant period. Effect: The Organization may not be in compliance with its reporting requirements under federal regulations. Repeat Finding: The finding is not a repeat of a finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it complies with its reporting requirements during the grant period. Views of responsible officials: CLS believes that this matter would be more appropriately communicated in the management letter rather than presented as part of the overall audit report. CLS will extend and enforce the verification of these requirements. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations reference above specify that the report above must be submitted to the LSC.

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it complies with its reporting requirements during the grant period. Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: CLS believes that this matter would be more appropriately communicated in the management letter rather than presented as part of the overall audit report. Action Taken in Response to Finding: CLS will extend and enforce the verification of these requirements. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: July 2026

About Reporting →

FY 2024-12-31

Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization

The FAC accepted this audit on May 30, 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 November 30, 2025, which was (264 days ago).

What is a management decision? →
2024-002
Cost Allowability
REPEATMATERIAL WEAKNESSQUESTIONED COSTS
Condition

Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1635.4(a) and 2 CFR 200.430), state that federal award recipients must base allocations of salaries and wages costs to grants on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.5 and 2 CFR 200.403) state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities. Condition: During our testing we noted:  Payroll transactions: Eleven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $2,009 (an absolute value amount of $2,009) where the incorrect percentages were utilized in the allocation of the employee's pay, the incorrect employee's time was used in the allocation of the employee's pay, or there were unsupported amounts added to the allocation of the employee’s pay, and  Payroll transactions: Seven instances of errors totaling a net amount of $109 (an absolute value amount of $4,405) where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate the employee's pay to the grant - typically, employee salaries are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund.  Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of an error totaling $91 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate employer-paid employee insurance costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund.  Fringe-benefit transactions: Two instances of errors totaling $275 where employer-paid employee insurance and HSA contribution deductions per the employee's pay stub were allocated to the grant at a rate of 100%.  Non-payroll and fringe transactions: one instance of an error totaling $884 where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate general costs to the grant - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using an allocation base of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund. Additionally, we noted inconsistency in the general fund (LSC and two other private grants) allocation basis used during the year - grant hours and projected revenue were both utilized at different times during the year. Additionally, we noted that allocations in the general fund are done using projected revenue. However as revenue was recognized as expenses were incurred for the general fund the allocation based on revenue approximated an allocation method based on costs. As such, the costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant costs and were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort. However, we noted a lower frequency of differences in sample selections that occurred during the last several months of the year after management implemented a change to its allocation processes in response to the prior year audit. 2024 – 002: Cost Allocation of Expenses to LSC Grants (Continued) Questioned Costs: A net amount of $3,150 of allocated salary expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 09.706060. Context: These 23 instances were noting during testing of 55 disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records, and periodic calculations of a LSC cost driver for the period divided by the total cost driver coded to the Organization’s general fund, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records, expense and other data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities and in a manner where costs are not applied uniformly to both LSC (or, federally)-funded and non-LSC (of, federally) -funded activities. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of findings in the immediately prior year. The prior year finding numbers were 2023-003 and 2023-004. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities, and that are reflective on employees’ time and effort records Views of responsible officials: Management partially agrees with this finding. First, 45 CFR Part 1635 codifies the timekeeping requirement. CLS keeps track of every case and time dedicated by staff in strict compliance with this requirement. Additionally, the distribution of expenses in the general fund, which includes LSC and two other funding sources, represents a fair method and allocation. Regarding the questioned costs, CLS disagrees with the finding of material weakness given the extremely low total dollar value. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities.

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities, and that are reflective on employees’ time and effort records Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: Management partially agrees with this finding. First, 45 CFR Part 1635 codifies the timekeeping requirement. CLS keeps track of every case and time dedicated by staff in strict compliance with this requirement. Additionally, the distribution of expenses in the general fund, which includes LSC and two other funding sources, represents a fair method and allocation. Regarding the questioned costs, CLS disagrees with the finding of material weakness given the extremely low total dollar value. Action Taken in Response to Finding: The Organization will review this finding and current methodology and propose corrections as part of a broader review of its technologies. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: January 2026

Prior Finding References

2023-003, 2023-004

About Allowable Costs / Cost Principles →
2024-003
Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
REPEATMATERIAL WEAKNESS
Condition

Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1614.7) states that federal award recipients shall demonstrate compliance with the PAI requirement by utilizing financial systems and procedures and maintaining supporting documentation to identify and account separately for costs related to the PAI requirement. It also states that non-personnel costs shall be allocated on the basis of reasonable operating data and that all methods of allocating common costs shall be clearly documented. In addition, it states that any direct or indirect time of staff attorneys or paralegals is allocated as a cost to PAI, such costs must be documented by time sheets accounting for the time those employees have spent on PAI activities. Condition: During our testing, we noted that:  Eight instances where a salary different from the employee's approved salary was used to allocate the employee's pay to PAI, resulting in an under allocation of employee salaries to PAI totaling $36,049.  Seven instances where estimated benefit costs per employee were used to allocate employee benefits to PAI rather than actual benefit costs per employee, resulting in net errors under-allocating expense by $8,356 (absolute value errors totaling $11,774).  Three general expense cost allocations where an unsupported allocation percentage was used to allocate general costs to PAI - typically, costs are allocated to LSC and two other private grants using a base of total specific grant hours for the period divided by total hours coded to the Organization’s general fund. This resulted in an overallocation of costs of $19.As such, the costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant payroll, fringe benefit, and general expense costs and were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort and compensation, or direct costs incurred in support of the grant. Questioned Costs: None. The original variances represent a net under-allocation of costs. Management elected to correct the allocation during audit fieldwork. Context: These instances were noting during testing of 60 payroll, employee fringe benefit, and general PAI requirement costs. Cause: The Organization’s salary, wage and employee benefit and general expense cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records and a periodic calculation of grant hours versus general fund hours multiplied by period costs, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s salaries, wages, employee benefit, and general expense cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities nor compensation paid to employees during relevant work periods. It would also lead to challenges in maintaining sufficient supporting documentation of such cost allocations. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year. Prior year finding number was 2023-006. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries, wages, employee benefit, and general expense cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Views of responsible officials: Management partially agrees with this finding. CLS recognizes manual miscalculations due to human errors but considers that the allocation methodology is correct. CLS is undertaking improvements oriented toward automatization of the process while recognizing that complete automatization is not possible without an expensive and complete overhaul of our systems. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Federal regulations (45 CFR 1614.7) states that federal award recipients shall demonstrate compliance with the PAI requirement by utilizing financial systems and procedures and maintaining supporting documentation to identify and account separately for costs related to the PAI requirement.

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries, wages, employee benefit, and general expense cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: Management partially agrees with this finding. CLS recognizes manual miscalculations due to human errors but considers that the allocation methodology is correct. CLS is undertaking improvements oriented toward automatization of the process while recognizing that complete automatization is not possible without an expensive and complete overhaul of our systems. Action Taken in Response to Finding: The Organization will review this finding and current methodology and propose corrections as part of a broader review of its technologies. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: January 2026

Prior Finding References

2023-006

About Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking →
2024-004
Cost Allowability
REPEATMATERIAL WEAKNESSQUESTIONED COSTS
Condition

Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations (CFR 200.403), state that allowable costs must be consistent with policies and procedures of federal award recipients that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the Organization. It also states that costs must be adequately documented. Condition: During our testing, we noted four instances of errors totaling a net error of $906 (an absolute value error of $1,030) where the incorrect number of hours were utilized in the allocation of the employee's pay, the incorrect employee's time was used in the allocation of the employee's pay, or there were unsupported amounts added to the allocation of the employee's pay. As such, the salary costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant payroll costs and were not fully representative of the employees' time and effort and benefit obtained by grant from the allocated cost. Management noted that it performed year-end grant reconciliations to ensure costs were properly allocated to each grant in total. We noted a lower frequency of differences in sample selections that occurred during the last several months of the year after management implemented a change to its allocation processes in response to the prior year audit. Questioned Costs: $906 of allocated salaries expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 93.044. Context: These five instances were noting during testing of 26 payroll and payroll-related disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s salary, wage and employee benefit cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records and a periodic calculation of specific grant hours versus general fund hours multiplied by period costs, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments and varying allocation bases in the Organization’s salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities nor compensation paid to employees during relevant work periods. It could also lead to challenges in maintaining sufficient supporting documentation of such cost allocations. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Views of responsible officials: Management does not agree with this finding. LSC program letter 22-5 emphasizes the importance of reconciliations of timekeeping reports with labor costs, distribution report or alternative reports. CLS prioritizes this practice of reconciliation and used it during the last months of 2024 to improve internal controls and minimize potential errors. We do not believe that CLA fully and fairly considered CLS’s thorough and complete reconciliation. A “material weakness” is defined as a deficiency “such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis.” Given that reconciliation is part of our internal control process used to prevent and detect/correct any errors, it should have been fully considered and is unfairly excluded from the review. For this reason, CLS considers that this is not a material weakness as the reconciliation caught and corrected these errors. Finally, the total amount of this finding is very low and should not rise to the level of material weakness. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. The aging cluster is not an LSC program and so its relevance to this finding is unclear. Federal regulations (CFR 200.403), state that allowable costs must be consistent with policies and procedures of federal award recipients that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the Organization. It also states that costs must be adequately documented. Such costs should be contemporaneously applied to grants as they are incurred using a system of processes and controls.

Corrective Action Plan

Aging Cluster – Special Programs for the Aging, Title III, Part B – Assistance Listing No. 93.044 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries and wages cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: Management does not agree with this finding. LSC program letter 22-5 emphasizes the importance of reconciliations of timekeeping reports with labor costs, distribution report or alternative reports. CLS prioritizes this practice of reconciliation and used it during the last months of 2024 to improve internal controls and minimize potential errors. We do not believe that CLA fully and fairly considered CLS’s thorough and complete reconciliation. A “material weakness” is defined as a deficiency “such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis.” Given that reconciliation is part of our internal control process used to prevent and detect/correct any errors, it should have been fully considered and is unfairly excluded from the review. For this reason, CLS considers that this is not a material weakness as the reconciliation caught and corrected these errors. Finally, the total amount of this finding is very low and should not rise to the level of material weakness. Action Taken in Response to Finding: The Organization will review this finding and current methodology and propose corrections as part of a broader review of its technologies. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: January 2026

Prior Finding References

2023-003, 2023-004

About Allowable Costs / Cost Principles →
2024-005
Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
REPEATMATERIAL WEAKNESS
Condition

Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations and specific federal award pass-through agreements require the Organization to contribute matching funds to support the services to be provided with the federal award funds. Condition: During our testing we noted that the Organization did not meet its required match for four separate grants. The Organization’s matching requirements for the grant period of these grants totaled $42,179 and the Organization contributed a total of $34,126 of matching funds during the period, resulting in an undermatch of $8,053. We also noted that in total the Organization over matched one other separate grant tested for a total of $523. Questioned Costs: None Context: These instances were noting during testing of matching requirements for 14 federal award pass-through agreements. Cause: The Organization does not have a control process in place to ensure that it meets its matching requirements within the grant period. Effect: The Organization may not meet its matching requirements under federal award agreements. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year. Prior year finding number was 2023-008. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it meets its matching requirements within the grant period. Views of responsible officials: Management does not agree with this finding. LSC program letter 22-5 emphasizes the importance of reconciliations of timekeeping reports with labor costs, distribution report or alternative reports. CLS prioritizes this practice of reconciliation and used it during the last months of 2024 to improve internal controls and minimize potential errors. We do not believe that CLA fully and fairly considered CLS’s thorough and complete reconciliation. A “material weakness” is defined as a deficiency “such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis.” Given that reconciliation is part of our internal control process used to prevent and detect/correct any errors, it should have been fully considered and is unfairly excluded from the review. For this reason, CLS considers that this is not a material weakness as the reconciliation caught and corrected these errors. Finally, the total amount of this finding is very low and should not rise to the level of material weakness. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. The aging cluster is not an LSC program and so its relevance to this finding is unclear. Federal regulations and specific federal award pass-through agreements require the Organization to contribute matching funds to support the services to be provided with the federal award funds. We were unable to see evidence that showed grants received required matching funds.

Corrective Action Plan

Aging Cluster – Special Programs for the Aging, Title III, Part B – Assistance Listing No. 93.044 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it meets its matching requirements within the grant period. Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: Management does not agree with this finding. LSC program letter 22-5 emphasizes the importance of reconciliations of timekeeping reports with labor costs, distribution report or alternative reports. CLS prioritizes this practice of reconciliation and used it during the last months of 2024 to improve internal controls and minimize potential errors. We do not believe that CLA fully and fairly considered CLS’s thorough and complete reconciliation. A “material weakness” is defined as a deficiency “such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis.” Given that reconciliation is part of our internal control process used to prevent and detect/correct any errors, it should have been fully considered and is unfairly excluded from the review. For this reason, CLS considers that this is not a material weakness as the reconciliation caught and corrected these errors. Finally, the total amount of this finding is very low and should not rise to the level of material weakness. Action Taken in Response to Finding: The Organization is updating the segregation of duties in order to improve the preparation, review and sign steps of the process. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: January 2026

Prior Finding References

2023-006

About Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking →
2024-006
Procurement & Suspension/Debarment
MATERIAL WEAKNESS
Condition

Criteria or Specific Requirement Procurement: Part 2 CFR Section 200.318 requires that recipients and subrecipients maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under federal awards and subawards, including for acquisition of property or services. It also requires that recipients and subrecipients maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract type.  Suspension and Debarment: Part 2 CFR Section 180.300 describes federal requirements related to suspension and debarment for federal award recipients. The standards require that a federal award recipient verify that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended and debarred. Procedures for satisfying such requirements should be documented, and evidence of such procedures should be maintained. Condition  Procurement: The Organization has a documented procurement policy. However, we were unable to view records detailing the history of the Organization’s two procurement transactions and that steps required by the Organization’s procurement were completed for the transactions.  Suspension and Debarment: We were unable to see evidence that the Organization verified two vendors with which it entered a covered transaction were not suspended and debarred before the date it entered the transaction with such vendors. During our audit procedures, we noted that the vendors were not suspended and debarred.Questioned Costs: None Context:  Procurement: Two instances were noted during testing of eight transactions above the Organization’s micro purchase threshold.  Suspension and Debarment: Two instances were noted during testing of two coveredtransactions. Cause: We were unable to view evidence that the Organization's documented procurement, and suspension and debarment policies were followed. Effect: The Organization is not in compliance with federal requirements related to documented procurement, and suspension and debarment procedures. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization document and maintain evidence of:  its completion of the required steps of its procurement policy for applicable transactions, and  suspension and debarment checks and procedures the Organization performs over vendors.Documentation and evidence of these procedures should be maintained to help show that the Organization in compliance with requirements specified in the Uniform Guidance. Views of responsible officials: Management partially agrees with this finding. Regarding suspension and debarment, CLS agrees on improving the documentation to comply and demonstrate compliance with this requirement, though CLS disagrees with the characterization of material weakness. Regarding the two procurement transactions, CLS disagrees strongly that these transactions were procurements subject to the CLS accounting manual procurement section. CLS provided documentation to the auditors demonstrating that these were not procurements but were, in fact, required by existing leases. In one instance, our Denver landlord required us to pay a “catch-up” payment for operating expenses it had underbilled us previously; this cannot conceivably have been a procurement as we did not have discretion not to pay it and it was required by an existing lease. The second instance was a payment related to the expansion of leased office space in Colorado Springs; that also was not a procurement as there was no alternative but to pay the existing landlord for increased space, and it could not conceivably have been conducive to third-party bidding etc. We understand that the auditors may prefer to have a sole source letter in these instances, but we disagree with any finding that this is required by our accounting manual and the auditors have pointed to no specific language in the accounting manual for this requirement. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: Management’s response did not persuade the auditor to revise the finding. Part 2 CFR Section 200.318 requires that recipients and subrecipients maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under federal awards and subawards, including for acquisition of property or services. It also requires that recipients and subrecipients maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract type. We were unable to see evidence of the federally required documentation. The Organization’s accounting manual states that leases of office buildings and office storage space and contracted services are considered procurements.

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization document and maintain evidence of:  its completion of the required steps of its procurement policy for applicable transactions, and  suspension and debarment checks and procedures the Organization performs over vendors.Documentation and evidence of these procedures should be maintained to help show that the Organization in compliance with requirements specified in the Uniform Guidance. Explanation of Disagreement With Audit Finding: Management partially agrees with this finding. Regarding suspension and debarment, CLS agrees on improving the documentation to comply and demonstrate compliance with this requirement, though CLS disagrees with the characterization of material weakness. Regarding the two procurement transactions, CLS disagrees strongly that these transactions were procurements subject to the CLS accounting manual procurement section. CLS provided documentation to the auditors demonstrating that these were not procurements but were, in fact, required by existing leases. In one instance, our Denver landlord required us to pay a “catch-up” payment for operating expenses it had underbilled us previously; this cannot conceivably have been a procurement as we did not have discretion not to pay it and it was required by an existing lease. The second instance was a payment related to the expansion of leased office space in Colorado Springs; that also was not a procurement as there was no alternative but to pay the existing landlord for increased space, and it could not conceivably have been conducive to third-party bidding etc. We understand that the auditors may prefer to have a sole source letter in these instances, but we disagree with any finding that this is required by our accounting manual and the auditors have pointed to no specific language in the accounting manual for this requirement. Action Taken in Response to Finding: The Organization will maintain evidence of the performance of its suspension and debarment checks and procedures performed. Name of the Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: January 2026 If the Legal Services Corporation has questions regarding this schedule, please call Silvia Zelaya at 303-449-7575 or szelaya@colegalserv.org.

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FY 2023-12-31

Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization

The FAC accepted this audit on July 24, 2024. 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 January 24, 2025, which was (574 days ago).

What is a management decision? →
2023-003
Cost Allowability
MATERIAL WEAKNESSQUESTIONED COSTS
Condition

2023 – 003: Cost Allocation of Salaries and Wages to LSC Grants Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09-706060 - 2023 Award Period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1635.4(a) and 2 CFR 200.430), state that federal award recipients must base allocations of salaries and wages costs to grants on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Condition: During our testing we noted:  Two instances of employees’ pay period salaries totaling $1,742 being allocated to a grant using a flat percentage of 10%, and  One instance of an employee’s pay period salary of $147 being allocated to two grants using a combination of their time an effort on those grants while the remaining portion of the employee’s salary was allocated to LSC and two other private grants using a base of total grant hours for the period divided by total hours coded to the Organization’s general fund. As such, the salary costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant payroll costs and were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort. Questioned costs: $1,742 of allocated salary expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 09.706060. Context: These three instances were noting during testing of 26 payroll and payroll-related disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s salaries and wages cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s salaries and wages cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries and wages cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries and wages cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization will review this finding and current methodology and propose corrections as part of a broader review of its technologies. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

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2023-004
Cost Allowability
Condition

2023 – 004: Cost Allocation of Fringe Benefits to LSC Grants Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Native American Grant Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09-706060 - 2023 Award Period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Type of Finding:  Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.5 and 2 CFR 200.403) state that expenditures are allowable under an LSC (or federal) grant or contract only if the recipient can demonstrate that the cost was consistent with accounting policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities. Condition: During our testing we noted that 100% of medical insurance for a specific location was allocated to the grant. However, we noted that medical insurance for other pay periods and locations were allocated on a trimester basis using an allocation base of total grant hours for the period divided by total general fund hours. As such, the fringe benefit cost mentioned above was allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant fringe benefit costs was not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort. However, management noted that these costs were allocated in a manner to comply with 45 CFR 1630.5(g) which allows LSC award recipients to allocate proportional share of another funding source’s share of an indirect cost to LSC funds. Questioned costs: None. Context: This single instance was noted during testing of 26 payroll and payroll-related disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s employee benefit cost allocation methodology is primarily based on a periodic calculation of grant hours versus general fund hours multiplied by period costs, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual expense data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s employee benefit cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants in a manner where costs are not applied uniformly to both LSC (or, federal)-funded and non-LSC (of, federal) -funded activities. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its employee benefit cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its employee benefit cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations that are calculated in a consistent manner that ensure costs are applied uniformly to respective benefited activities. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization will review this finding and current methodology and propose corrections as part of a broader review of its technologies. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

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2023-005
Eligibility
Condition

2023 – 005: Retention of LSC Case File Retainer Agreement Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09-706060 - 2023 Award Period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Type of Finding:  Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1611.9) state that federal award recipients must execute a retainer agreement with each client when extended service representation commences or as soon thereafter as is practicable. The agreement must include a statement identifying the legal problem for which representation was sought and the nature of the legal services to be provided. The recipient must maintain copies of all retainer agreements executed. No written retainer agreement is required when the recipient is only providing advice and counsel or brief service, or when legal services are being provided by a private attorney per the private attorney involvement provisions of 45 CFR 1614. Condition: During our testing we were unable to see evidence of the required retainer agreement for a case file tested. Questioned costs: None. Context: This single instance was noted during testing of 60 case files. Cause: The Organization’s case file review internal controls did not detect and prevent noncompliance with this requirement. Effect: The Organization’s case file review internal controls may not detect and prevent noncompliance with this requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its case file review internal controls to ensure that they are designed in a manner to detect and prevent noncompliance with this requirement. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization review its case file review internal controls to ensure that they are designed in a manner to detect and prevent noncompliance with this requirement. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization has robust training for case handlers around when a retainer is required. The Organization will keep these measures in place and also plan to provide additional training for all case handlers on our case handler standards, which we will make sure also covers retainer agreements and managers’ review of case files. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

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2023-006
Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
MATERIAL WEAKNESSQUESTIONED COSTS
Condition

2023 – 006: LSC Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Cost Allocation and Documentation Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09.706060 - 2023 Award Period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1614.7) states that federal award recipients shall demonstrate compliance with the PAI requirement by utilizing financial systems and procedures and maintaining supporting documentation to identify and account separately for costs related to the PAI requirement. It also states that non-personnel costs shall be allocated on the basis of reasonable operating data and that all methods of allocating common costs shall be clearly documentation. In addition, it states that any direct or indirect time of staff attorneys or paralegals is allocated as a cost to PAI, such costs must be documented by time sheets accounting for the time those employees have spent on PAI activities. Condition: During our testing, we noted that:  One salary allocation over allocated $289 of expenses to the PAI requirement due to a manual adjustment of the individual’s salary during the pay period,  We were unable to view evidence for one allocation of $260 of payroll tax expenses related to one month during the year,  Ten salary allocations were allocated using time records related to the various work periods throughout the year but the expense was allocated using the salaries of the employees at the end of the year. The resulting salary allocation was $401 higher than what the allocation would have been using salaries in effect during the allocable work periods. As such, the costs mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to grant payroll costs and were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort and compensation. Questioned costs: $950 of allocated salary and payroll tax expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 09.706060. Context: These instances were noting during testing of 19 payroll and payroll-related PAI requirement costs. Cause: The Organization’s salary, wage and employee benefit cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records and a periodic calculation of grant hours versus general fund hours multiplied by period costs, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments in the Organization’s salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities nor compensation paid to employees during relevant work periods. It would also lead to challenges in maintaining sufficient supporting documentation of such cost allocations. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization will review this finding and current methodology and propose corrections as part of a broader review of its technologies. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

About Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking →
2023-007
Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
MATERIAL WEAKNESS
Condition

2023 – 007: Allocation of LSC Derivative Income Federal Agency: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Federal Program Name: LSC Grants Assistance Listing Number: 09.706060 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 09-706060 - 2023 Award Period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations (45 CFR 1630.17) state that derivative income resulting from an activity supported in whole or in part with LSC funds shall be allocated to the fund in which the recipient’s LSC grant is recorded in the same proportion that the amount of LSC funds expended bears to the total amount expended by the recipient to support the activity. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization allocated interest income earned on LSC funds were allocated to the LSC based on the proportion of LSC funds earning interest as opposed to the ratio of LSC expenses compared to total Organization expenses. Questioned costs: None. Context: This instance was noted during our recalculation of the Organization’s interest income allocation to the LSC fund. Cause: The Organization’s policy describes an allocation method for interest income that is different from the method described in the federal regulations. Effect: The difference between the allocation method listed in the federal regulations and the method used by the Organization resulted in an under allocation of $198,593 of interest income to the LSC fund. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update its derivative income allocation method, policy and procedures to reflect the method described in the federal regulations. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

Legal Services Corporation Grants – Assistance Listing No. 09.706060 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update its derivative income allocation method, policy and procedures to reflect the method described in the federal regulations. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization will reach out to LSC to understand if our current method is acceptable. If not, the Organization will implement corrections to comply with applicable standards. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

About Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking →
2023-008
Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
MATERIAL WEAKNESS
Condition

2023 – 008: Matching Requirements of Aging Cluster Grants Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Aging Cluster - Special Programs for the Aging, Title III, Part B Assistance Listing Number: 93.044 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various – Aging Cluster Pass-Through Agency: Various – Aging Cluster, see SEFA Pass-Through Numbers: Various – Aging Cluster, see SEFA Award Period: Various – Aging Cluster, see SEFA Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations and specific federal award pass-through agreements require the Organization to contribute matching funds to support the services to be provided with the federal award funds. Condition: During our testing we noted that the Organization did not meet its required match for four separate grants. The Organization’s matching requirements for the grant period of these grants totaled $88,530 and the Organization contributed a total of $80,908 of matching funds during the period, resulting in an undermatch of $7,622. However, we also noted that in total the Organization over matched five other separate grants tested for a total of $27,011. Questioned costs: None Context: These instances were noting during testing of matching requirements for 10 federal award pass-through agreements. Cause: The Organization does not have a control process in place to ensure that it meets its matching requirements within the grant period. Effect: The Organization may not meet its matching requirements under federal award agreements. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it meets its matching requirements within the grant period. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

Aging Cluster – Special Programs for the Aging, Title III, Part B – Assistance Listing No. 93.004 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a control process to ensure that it meets its matching requirements within the grant period. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization is updating the segregation of duties in order to improve the preparation, review and sign steps of the process. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

About Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking →
2023-009
Cost Allowability
MATERIAL WEAKNESSQUESTIONED COSTS
Condition

2023 – 009: Cost Allocation of Compensation to Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Grants Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID-19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery, Various – See SEFA Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various – See SEFA Pass-Through Agency: Various – See SEFA Pass-Through Numbers: Various – See SEFA Award Period: Various – see SEFA Type of Finding:  Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance  Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations (CFR 200.403), state that allowable costs must be consistent with policies and procedures of federal award recipients that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the Organization. It also states that costs must be adequately documented. Condition: During our testing, we noted that:  We were unable to view evidence for one allocation of $23 of medical insurance expenses for one employee related to one month.  Three allocations of medical and dental insurance expenses totaling $1,903 were allocated using the percentage of total grant hours of the period instead of the percentage of total grant salary expense, which was the base used for other similar benefit expense allocations. We were unable to view support of the allocation based on total grant hours for the period. These amounts appeared to be under allocated by $549.  One salary allocation of $848 appeared to be under allocated by $1,689 when compared to time and effort records and compensation information. We were unable to see evidence that supported the allocation. As such, the salary costs and fringe mentioned above were allocated in an inconsistent manner to other grant payroll costs were not fully representative of the employees’ time and effort and benefit obtained by grant from the allocated cost. Questioned costs: $23 of allocated medical insurance expense described above, which is related to Assistance Listing Number 21.027 and the Eviction Clinic grant passed through from Arapahoe County. Context: These six instances were noting during testing of 47 payroll and payroll-related disbursements. Cause: The Organization’s salary, wage and employee benefit cost allocation methodology is primarily based on time and effort records and a periodic calculation of grant hours versus general fund hours multiplied by period costs, but it often includes manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data. Management also sometimes allocates employee benefit expense using a base of total grant salary expense for a period when compared to total salary expense for the same period. Therefore, the methodology is challenging to apply consistently, document contemporaneously, and apply in accordance with federal regulations. Effect: The inclusion of frequent manual adjustments and varying allocation bases in the Organization’s salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology could cause costs to be allocated to grants that are not reflective of the time and effort spent on grant activities nor compensation paid to employees during relevant work periods. It would also lead to challenges in maintaining sufficient supporting documentation of such cost allocations. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

COIVD-19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery – Assistance Listing No. 21.027 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider updating its salaries, wages, and employee benefit cost allocation methodology and process to reduce the frequency of manual adjustments based on review of individual time records and expense data and maximize the use of automated allocations based on employees’ time and effort records, effective compensation during work periods, and that are calculated in a consistent manner. We also recommend that the Organization maintain contemporaneous documentation supporting all cost allocations. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The Organization is updating the segregation of duties in order to improve the preparation, review and sign steps of the process. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

About Allowable Costs / Cost Principles →
2023-010
Cost Allowability
Condition

2023 – 010: Review of Indirect Cost Rate Claims related to Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Grants Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID-19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery, Various – See SEFA Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various – See SEFA Pass-Through Agency: Various – See SEFA Pass-Through Numbers: Various – See SEFA Award Period: Various – see SEFA Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Federal regulations (CFR 200.303), state federal award recipients must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that federal award recipients are managing federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Condition: During our testing, we were unable to see evidence of review and approval of two indirect cost claims by someone other than the preparer of the Organization’s indirect cost claims. Questioned costs: None Context: These instances were noted during the recalculation of the Organization’s indirect cost rate claim on two separate grants. Cause: The Organization does not have a process in place that documents review and approval of submitted indirect cost claims. Effect: The lack of such a control process could result in the Organization claiming incorrect amounts of indirect costs for reimbursement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider implementing a process that documents review and approval of submitted indirect cost claims by someone other than the preparer of such claims. Documentation of contemporaneous review should also be maintained. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding

Corrective Action Plan

COIVD-19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery – Assistance Listing No. 21.027 Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization consider implementing a process that documents review and approval of submitted indirect cost claims by someone other than the preparer of such claims. Documentation of contemporaneous review should also be maintained. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with this finding. Action taken in response to finding: The organization will review this finding and current methodology and propose corrections as part of a broader review of its technologies. Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Silvia Zelaya, Finance Director Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 2025

About Allowable Costs / Cost Principles →

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