MANAGEMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
In 2003, United States Department of Education (ED) designated the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) a high risk grantee subject to special conditions. In 2008, ED's special conditions required the implementation of a Management Internal Control (MIC) Program to address internal control deficiencies identified in single audit findings. To address the MIC requirement in special conditions, Board Policy 702 established the MIC Program. The Guam Education Policy Board expects all administrators/managers to be accountable for the internal controls of their responsibility areas. Additionally, MIC Standard Operating Procedure 1600-002 was effectuated to review, assess, and report on the effectiveness of internal controls.
RISK ANALYSIS OF GDOE
ISSUED DATE: 05/31/19
For the purpose of this summary, the IAO identified risk areas within GDOE’s procurement, property management, and time and effort processes. The IAO’s risk assessment was based on hotline concerns, on-going deficiencies identified in prior audits/reviews and risk assessments, and current deficiencies ob-served through discussions with and e-mails between GDOE staff. Overall, GDOE’s management over procurement rated low, time and effort reporting rated moderate, and property management received a moderate to high rating. GDOE management would need to discontinue its practice of certifying the availability of local funds when actual funds are not yet realized; frequently monitor a certain division's progress and enforce appropriate internal controls and corrective actions; and develop a cohesive time and effort reporting system to decrease its level of risk for each area.
RISK ANALYSIS OF GDOE
ISSUED DATE: 08/28/18
Based on the MIC Assessment, hotline, Audit Assessment, as well as IAO’s observations and previous reviews, IAO determined the following areas within GDOE to be at risk for weak internal controls: local appropriations, cost containment, management approval, transition efforts, and improper draw down of federal funds and lapsing service contracts. These areas were assessed to be of significant risk to GDOE because of the financial and social impact, and high likelihood of poor controls and non-compliance to applicable laws and regulations. IAO has considered these areas as part of its Audit Plan, but will initiate reviews based on priorities and current resources.
IAO REPORT NO. 18-07
MIC ASSESSMENT
ISSUED DATE: 05/18/18
In 2018, the MIC assessment was updated to allow respondents to assess internal controls of their division or school and another division or school. A total of 71 MIC Assessments were submitted by 61 divisions and schools. Based on the assessments, 19 divisions and schools were identified to be high risk for weak internal controls. Of the 19 divisions and schools, 11 rated themselves as high risk and 10 were identified by other respondents as high risk.
IAO REPORT NO. 17-01
MIC ASSESSMENT
ISSUED DATE: 02/08/17
In 2016, a new MIC Assessment was implemented to address the limitations in the previous assessment. The questionnaire was modified to be more clearly presented by the responders, and developed around Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO)’s five internal controls framework. The five areas evaluated were control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication and monitoring. An online Google form was also created to necessitate electronic submissions, as opposed to the written assessments issued in 2015. A total of 68 MIC Assessments were submitted by 62 divisions and schools. Of the 62 divisions and schools, average overall vulnerability ratings resulted in 26% high risk, 69% low risk, and 5% incomplete submissions.
IAO REPORT NO. 15-01
MIC ASSESSMENT
ISSUED DATE: 06/15/15
In 2015, a total of 155 MIC Assessments were submitted by 64 divisions and schools. Of the 64 divisions and schools, average overall vulnerability ratings resulted in 20% high risk, 22% medium risk, 55% low risk, and 3% did not submit assessments. Three areas of the divisions or school’s program or administrative function’s management control system were evaluated: General Control Environment, Inherent Risk, and Safeguards. Common areas assessed under the high risk rating reported were (1) procurement, fixed assets, and time distribution reports from the schools, and (2) management from the divisions.
OTHER RISK ASSESSMENTS
IAO REPORT NO. 18-06
UPDATE TO GACS RISK ASSESSMENT
ISSUED DATE: 04/04/18
In lieu of recent government fiscal challenges, the ongoing meetings by the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council, and Guahan Academy Charter School’s upcoming charter renewal, IAO submitted an update to its risk assessment for the Council's consideration of addressing deficiencies identified during the course of IAO's validation review. The report was issued to the Superintendent, Guam Education Board, Guam Academy Charter Schools Council, Speaker of the Guam Legislature, and Governor of Guam.
IAO REPORT NO. 17-06
GACS RISK ASSESSMENT
ISSUED DATE: 10/12/17
GDOE IAO is authorized by Public Law 33-185 to verify charter school invoices and report its findings within 10 days. IAO validates charter school reimbursement requests for accuracy, and with the time permitted, performs a general review of adherence to established laws and regulations. IAO also has a fiduciary responsibility in validating expenditures to ensure proper use of public funds and compliance with Guam Procurement Law and Regulations. During IAO's validation for FY 2017, IAO identified risks within the Guahan Academy Charter School relative to its budget, procurement, and financing. The report was provided to the Superintendent for his review and disposition. The contents of this report have been deemed confidential.
IAO REPORT NO. 15-02
AUDIT ASSESSMENT
ISSUED DATE: 05/20/16
IAO assessed GDOE's audit risk from FY 2000 to FY 2014 to provide an objective and independent examination of GDOE's audit environment, to identify potential audit risks, and to implement an Audit Plan to mitigate GDOE’s risk. IAO analyzed several high risk areas such as the U.S. Department of Education’s determination of high risk and special conditions, financial, Single Audit, and performance audit findings, Comprehensive Corrective Action Plan implementation, MIC, and hotline.