Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the three recommendations included in our initial audit report, Awarding and Oversight of Statewide Interoperable Communications Grants (Report 2016-S-90).

Background

Our initial audit report, issued on July 18, 2017, examined whether the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (Division) awarded contracts to entities that met eligibility requirements and provided adequate oversight of Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) awards to ensure grant funds were allocated and spent for intended purposes. The audit covered the period April 1, 2010 through April 5, 2017. We concluded that the Division awarded SICG funding to qualified recipients in accordance with its requirements, and that it assessed and re-evaluated its eligibility criteria after each round of awards was issued to ensure that the SICG program achieved its intended goal of statewide interoperability. While we identified certain process deficiencies in the areas of monitoring and documentation that could increase the risk of inappropriate use of funds and hinder the Division’s progress toward statewide interoperability, we found the Division was generally meeting its obligations for ensuring that grant funds were appropriately allocated.

Key Finding

The Division has significantly addressed the issues identified in our original audit. Of the three prior recommendations, all three were implemented.

Key Recommendations

None

Other Related Audit/Report of Interest

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Awarding and Oversight of Statewide Interoperable Communications Grants (2016-S-90)