Economic Council of Helping Others (ECHO), INC.

2021-001 Eligibility Compliance-Lack of Signatures (Other Non-Compliance) Condition Of 80 tested eligibility documents 16 lacked signature from either the individual eligible for the program or employee signing on their behalf. Criteria Good procedures ensure that proper individuals receive benefits from programs they are eligible for. Cause Due to COVID-19 waivers in place and new staff/volunteers, procedures were not clearly communicated leading to the lack of review of eligibility documents. Effect Errors (unintentional or intentional) could occur and not be discover or corrected on a timely basis. Eligible participant for program may not be accepted due to limited funding. Recommendation The Agency should ensure that eligibility documentation are being properly reviewed by staff and authorized by individuals participating in the program. Management Response In the fiscal year 20-21, it was identified, prior to the audit, that applications for TEFAP were not compliant with program requirements. Discussions were held with food bank management and staff to address these issues. While we did see improvement, issues were present. Effective October 1, 2021, a program call Food Bank Manager was implemented. This program captures the requires TEFAP Application information and maps it to the actual TEFAP applications that can be viewed or printed. This program also requires a signature and the profile and pick up certification cannot be completed unless a signature is captured. This process removed the need for a paper application as well as the ability to miss a signature. We believe the implementation of this program satisfies the issue ECHO, Inc. identified prior to the audit and resolves the finding indicated.

Corrective Action Plan US Department of Agriculture Economic Council Helping Others (ECHO), Inc. respectfully submits the following corrective action plan for year ended September 30, 2021. Name and Address of independent public accounting firm: Pattillo, Brown & Hill LLP 5310 Homestead Road NE STE 100B Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110 Audit Period: September 30, 2021 The findings from the September 30, 2021 Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs are discussed below. The findings are numbered consistently with the numbers assigned in the schedule. Findings- Major Federal Award Programs Audit 2021-001 Eligibility Compliance- Lack of Signatures (Other Non-compliance) Recommendation The Agency should ensure that eligibility documentation are being properly reviewed by staff and authorized by individuals participating in the program. Management Response In the fiscal year 20-21, it was identified, prior to the audit, that applications for TEFAP were not compliant with program requirements. Discussions were held with food bank management and staff to address these issues. While we did see improvement, issues were present. Effective October 1, 2021, a program called Food Bank Manager was implemented. This program captures the require TEFAP Application information and maps it to the TEFAP application that can be viewed or printed. This program also requires a signature and the profile and pick up certification cannot be completed unless a signature is captured. This process removed the need for a paper application as well as the ability to miss a signature. We believe the implementation of this program satisfies the issue ECHO, Inc. identified prior to the audit and resolves the finding indicated. Due Date of Completion The changes have already been implemented. Responsible Party CEO If the US Department of Agriculture has questions regarding this plan, please call me at 505-325-7466 Sincerely, Nanette Pinckney CEO