u.s. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT 

OFFICE OF TI--1E INSPECTOR GENERAL 

OFFICE OF AUDITS 

Final Audit Report 

Subject: 

AUDIT OF THE 2006 AND 2007
 

ILLOWA BI-STATE
 

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGNS
 

DAVENPORT, IOWA
 

Report No. 3A-CF-OO-09-041 

Date: February 25, 2010 

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UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
 

Washington, DC 20415
 

Office of the 

Inspector General 

. AUDIT REPORT
 

AUDIT OF THE 2006 AND 2007
 

ILLOWA BI-STATE
 

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGNS
 

DAVENPORT, lOWA
 

Report No. 3A-CF-OO-09-041 Dak: February 25, 2010 


 Michael R. Esser 

Assistant Inspector General 

for Audits 

www.opm.gov www,usajobs,gov 
UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
 

Washington, DC 20415
 

Office of the 

Inspector General 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 

AUDIT OF THE 2006 AND 2007
 

ILLOWABI-STATE
 

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGNS
 

DAVENPORT, IOWA
 

Report No. 3A-CF-00-09-041 Date: February 25, 201 0 

The Office of the Inspector General has completed an audit of the 2006 and 2007 IlIowa Bi-State 

Combined Federal Campaigns (CFC). The United Way ofthe Quad Cities Area (UWQCA), 

located in Davenport, Iowa, served as the Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO) during 

both campaigns. Our main objective was to determine ifthe IlIowa Bi-State CFC was in 

compliance with Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 950 (5 CFR 950), including the 

responsibilities of both the PCFO and Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC). The 

audit identified 12 instances of non-compliance with the regulations (5 CFR 950) governing the 

CFC. 

The following findings represent the results of our audit work. 

BUDGET AND CAMPAIGN EXPENSES 

• Prior Year Campaign Receipts Used for 2007 Campaign Expenses 

The PCFO used 2006 CFC receipts to reimburse part of the 2007 campaign expenses. 

• Estimated Expense Charged to the Campaign 

The PCFO charged its administrative cost for operating the 2007 campaign based on 

estimated costs. 

www.opm.gov www.usaJobs.gov 
•	 PCFO Expense Reimbursement Not Approved by the LFCC 

The PCFO did not request approval from the LFCe prior to reimbursing itself for campaign 

expenses. 

•	 LFCC Did Not Solicit for a PCFO in a Timely Manner 

The LFCC did not solicit applications for the PCFO by the date set by OPM in the CFe . 

calendar of events. 

•	 Untimely PCFO Selection 

The LFCC did not select the PCFO by the date established by OPM in the CFC calendar of 

events.
 

CAMPAIGN RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
 

•	 Pledge Card Errors 

The PCFO incorrectly applied two donor designations. Additionally, the PCFO incorrectly 

contacted a donor directly regarding one of the errors identified. 

•	 PCFO Made One-Time Disbursements Without LFCC Authorization 

The PCFO did not obtain LFCC authorization prior to making one-time disbursements to 

agencies ofthe 2007 campaign. 

•	 Pledge Loss on One-Time Disbursements Incorrectly Applied 

The PCFO applied pledge loss incorrectly to those agencies receiving one-time 

disbursements in the 2007 campaign.
 

ELIGIBILITY
 

•	 PCFO Application Not in Compliance 

The UWQCA's application for PCFO did not include all of the statements required by the 

Federal regulations. 

•	 Lack of Support for LFCC Eligibility Decisions 

The LFCC did not maintain documentation to support that it made the eligibility decisions of 

local organizations' applications. 

11 
• LFCC Eligibility Decisions Not Communicated Timely 

The LFCC did not communicate its eligibility decisions to the agencies and federations by 

the appropriate date or via the proper delivery method for the 2007 campaign. 

PCFO AS A FEDERATION 

• Our review of the PCFO's activities as a federation did not identify any problems. 

AUDIT GUIDE REVIEW 

• Agreed-Upon Procedures Not in Compliance 

The Independent Public Accountant's audit ofthe 2006 campaign did not comply with aU· 

aspects of the 2008 Audit Guide. 

III 
CONTENTS
 

PAGE
 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY :	 i
 

I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND	 1
 

II. OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY	 .2
 

III. AUDIT FINDINGS	 5
 

A. BUDGET AND CAMPAIGN EXPENSES	 5
 

1. Prior Year Campaign Receipts Used for 2007 Campaign Expenses .5
 

2. Estimated Expense Char-ged to the Campaign	 6
 

3. PCFO Expense Reimbursement Not Approved by the LFCC	 6
 

4. LFCC Did Not Solicit for a PCFO in a Timely Manner	 7
 

5. Untimely PCFO Selection	 8
 

B. CAMPAIGN RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS	 8
 

1. Pledge Card Errors	 8
 

2. PCFO Made One-Time Disbursements Without LFCC Authorization 10
 

3. Pledge Loss on One-Time Disbursements Incorrectly Applied	 11
 

C. ELIGIBILITY	 12
 

1. PCFO Application Not in Compliance	 12
 

2. Lack of Support for LFCC Eligibility Decisions	 13
 

3. LFCC Eligibility Decisions Not Communicated Timely	 .14
 

D. PCFO AS A FEDERATION	 15
 

E. AUDIT GUIDE REVIEW	 15
 

1. Agreed-Upon Procedures Not in Compliance 	 15
 

IV. MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS REPORT	 18
 

APPENDIX	 (The PCFO and LFCC's response, dated October 13,2009, to the draft 

audit report.) 
I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
 

INTRODUCTION
 

This report details the findings and conclusions resulting from our audit of the Illowa Bi-State 

Combined Federal Campaigns (CFC) for 2006 and 2007. The audit was performed by the Office 

ofPersonnel Management's (OPM) Office ofthe Inspector General (DIG), as authorized bythe 

Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. 

BACKGROUND 

The CFC is the sole authorized fund-raising drive conducted in Federal installations throughout 

the world. It consists of 260 separate local campaign organizations located throughout the 

United States, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and foreign assignments. The Office of 

Combined Federal Campaign Operations (OCFCO) at OPM has the responsibility for 

management of the CFC. This includes publishing regulations, memorandums, and other forms 

of guidance to Federal officials and private organizations to ensure that all campaign objectives 

are achieved. 

CFC's are conducted by a Local Federal Coordinating Committee (LFCC) and administered by a 

Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO). The LFCC is responsible for organizing the 

local CFC, determining the eligibility of local voluntary organizations, selecting and supervising 

the activities ofthe PCFO, and acting upon any problems relating to a voluntary agency's noncompliance with the policies and procedures of the CFC. The PCFO is responsible for training 

employee keyworkers and volunteers; preparing pledge cards and brochures; distributing 

campaign receipts; submitting to an extensive and thorough audit ofits CFC operations by an 

Independent Certified Public Accountant (lPA) in accordance with generally accepted auditing 

standards; cooperating fully with OIG audit staff during audits and evaluations; responding in a 

timely and appropriate manner to all inquiries from participating organizations, the LFCC, and 

the Director ofOPM; and consulting with federated groups on the operation of the local 

campaIgn. 

Executive Orders No. ]2353 and No. ]2404 established a system for administering an annual 

charitable solicitation drive among federal civilian and military employees. Title 5, Code of 

Federal Regulations, Part 950 (5 CFR 950), the regulations governing CFC operations, sets forth 

ground rules under which charitable organizations receive federal employee donations. 

Compliance with these regulations is the responsibility of the PCFO and LFCC. Management of 

the PCFO is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of intemal controls. 

This report represents the results of the first audit of the Illowa Bi-State CFC by the OIG. 

The initial results ofour audit were discussed with PCFO and LFCC officials during an exit 

conference held on June 5,2009. A draft report was provided to the PCFO and the LFCC on 

October 5, 2009, for review and comment. The PCFO's response to the draft report was 

considered in preparation of this final report and is included as an Appendix. 
II. OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY
 

OBJECTIVES 

The primary purpose of our audit was to determine ifthe Illowa Bi-State CFC was in compliance 

with 5 CFR 950, including the activities of both the PCFO and LFCC. Our specific audit 

objectives for the 2007 campaign were as follows: 

Budget and Campaign Expenses 

•	 To determine ifthe PCFO's budget was in accordance with the regulations. 

•	 To detennine if expenses charged to the campaign were actual, reasonable, did 

not exceed 110 percent ofthe approved budget, and were properly allocated. 

Campaign Receipts and Disbursements 

•	 To determine ifthe total amount of funds received for the campaign, plus interest 

income and less expenses, was properly distributed to the designated 

organizations. 

•	 To determine if the total amount ofundesignated funds was properly allocated 

and distributed to the various CFC participants. 

Eligibility 

•	 To determine ifthe charitable organization application process was open for the 

required 30 day period; if applications were appropriately reviewed, evaluated, 

and approved; and ifthe appeals process for rejected applicants was followed. 

PCFO as a Federation 

•	 To determine ifthe PCFO distributed funds only to member agencies. 

•	 To detennine ifthe PCFO charged its member agencies for expenses in a 

reasonable manner. 

Additionally, our audit objective for the 2006 campaign was: 

Audit Guide Review 

•	 To determine ifthe IPA completed the Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) as 

outlined in the CFC Audit Guide (For Campaigns with Pledges $150,000 to 

$999,999). 

SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY 

We conducted this performance audit in accordance with generally accepted government 

auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 

sufficient and appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and 

conclusions based on the audit objectives. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a 

reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on the audit objectives. 

2 
The audit covered campaign years 2006 and 2007. The United Way ofthe Quad Cities Area 

(UWQCA), located in Davenport, Iowa, served as the PCFO during both campaigns. The audit 

fieldwork was conducted at the offices ofthe PCFO from June I through June 5,2009. 

Additional audit work was completed at our Washington, D.C. office. 

The Illowa Bi-State CFC received campaign pledges, collected campaign receipts, and incurred 

campaign administrative expenses for the 2006 and 2007 campaigns as shown below: 

Campaign 

Year 

Total 

Pledges 

Total 

Receipts 

Administrative 

Expenses 

2006 $614,191	 $587,477 $39,935 

2007 $625,194	 $599,351 $40,978 

In conducting the audit we relied to varying degrees on computer-generated data. Our review of 

a sample of campaign expenses and supporting data, a sample of pledge card entries, and the 

distribution of campaign contributions and related bank statements, verified that the computergenerated data used in conducting the audit was reliable. Nothing came to our attention during 

our review of the data to cause us to doubt its reliability. 

We considered the campaign's internal control structure in planning the audit procedures. We 

gained an understanding ofmanagement procedures and controls to the extent necessary to 

achieve our audit objectives. We relied primarily on substantive testing rather than tests of 

internal controls. The audit included such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing 

procedures as we considered necessary to determine compliance with 5 CFR 950 and CFC 

Memorandums. 

In regard to our objectives concerning the 2007 campaign's budget and campaign expenses, we 

accomplished the following: 

•	 Reviewed the PCFO application to verify if it was complete. 

•	 Reviewed a copy of the public notice to prospective PCFOs and LFCC meeting minutes 

to verify that the PCFO was selected timely. 

•	 Traced and reconciled amounts on the PCFO's Schedule of Actual Expenses to the 

PCFO's general ledger. 

•	 Reviewed supporting documentation for all campaign expense transactions greater than 

$400 (11 transactions) to verify that the expenses were allowable. 

•	 Reviewed the LFCC meeting minutes and verified ifthe LFCC authorized the PCFO's 

reimbursement of campaign expenses. 

•	 Compared the budgeted expenses to actual expenses and determined if actual expenses 

exceeded 110 percent ofthe approved budget. 

To determine ifthe 2007 campaign's receipts and disbursements were handled in accordance 

with CFC regulations, we reviewed the following: 

•	 A judgmental sample of 36 out of2,761 pledge cards (selected the top 25 pledge cards by 

total amount pledged and judgmentally selected 11 pledge cards that raised questions to 

the auditors) and compared them to the Pledge Card Report prepared by the PCFO. 

3 
•	 Cancelled distribution checks to verify that the appropriate amount was distributed in a 

timely manner. 

•	 One-time payments to verify that the PCFO properly calculated pledge loss and disbursed 

the funds in accordance with the ceiling amount established by the LFCC. 

•	 The PCFO's most recent listing of outstanding checks to verify that the PCFO was 

following its policy for such checks. 

•	 The Pledge Notification Letters to verify that the PCFO notified the CFC agencies ofthe 

designated and undesignated amounts due them by the date required in the regulations. 

•	 The donor list letters sent by the PCFO to organizations to verify the letters properly 

notify the organization ofthe donors who wish to be recognized. 

•	 Forms 1417 provided by the PCFO and the DCFCO to identify material differences. 

•	 The PCFO Distribution Schedule to verify whether monthly disbursements reconcile with 

the PCFO's Campaign Receipts and Disbursements Schedule. 

•	 All bank statements used by the PCFO to verify that the PCFO was properly accounting 

for and distributing funds. 

•	 The PCFO's cutoff procedures and bank statements to verify that funds were allocated to 

the appropriate campaign year. 

•	 The General Designation Options and Undesignated Funds Spreadsheet and the 

Allocations and Disbursements Spreadsheet to verify disbursements were accurate and 

proportionate to the PCFO's allocation rates. 

In order to determine that the LFCC and PCFO were in compliance with CFC regulations in 

regards to eligibility for the 2007 campaign, we reviewed the following: 

•	 The public notice to prospective charitable organizations to determine ifthe LFCC 

accepted applications from organizations for at least 30 days. 

•	 The process and procedures for the application evaluation process. 

•	 Sample eligibility letters to verify they were properly sent by the LFCC. 

•	 The LFCC's processes and procedures for responding to appeals from organizations. 

To detennine if the PCFO was in compliance with the CFC regulations as a federation 

(UWQCA), we reviewed the following: 

•	 Data reported on the CFC Receipts Schedule with supporting documentation to verify 

whether receipts were properly recorded. 

•	 The CFC Distribution Schedule to ensure that the UWQCA did not disburse any funds to 

member agencies not participating in the 2007 CFC. 

•	 The UWQCA contract with its member agencies to determine if the fees were reasonable 

and supported. 

The samples, mentioned above, that were selected and reviewed in performing the audit were not 

statistically based. Consequently, the results could not be projected to the universe since it is 

unlikely that the results are representative of the universe taken as a whole. 

Finally, to accomplish our objective for the Audit Guide Review, we reviewed the CFC Audit 

Guide (for Campaigns with Pledges $150,000 to $999,999) and determined the type of audit to 

be completed by the IPA for the 2006 campaign. We also completed the AUP checklist to verify 

that the IPA completed and documented the AUP steps. 

4 
III. AUDIT FINDINGS
 

The PCFO and LFCC administered the 2006 and 2007 Illowa Bi-State CFCs in compliance with 

all applicable CFC regulations, with the exception of the foHowing areas: 

A. BUDGET AND CAMPAIGN EXPENSES 

1. Prior Year Campaign Receipts Used for 2007 Campaign Expenses 

The PCFO used 2006 campaign receipts to pay for the 2007 campaign expenses. 

5 CFR 950.106 (b) states that the "PCFO may only recover campaign expenses from 

receipts collected for that campaign year." 

During our review of 2007 CFC expenses we noticed that the PCFO did not pay for 

CFC related expenses out of its corporate account. Instead, the PCFO paid for 2007 

CFC expenses as they were incurred directly from the CFC account. CFC receipts for 

the 2007 campaign were received beginning in October 2007 and ending January 

2009. The PCFO made 17 CFC expense payments (related to the 2007 campaign) 

from March 2,2007 to September 4,2007; therefore, these expenses were paid with 

funds from the 2006 campaign. 

There are typically no CFC receipts available for the PCFO to offset CFC expenses 

incurred for the first six to nine months ofthe campaign. As a result, 

5 CFR 950.106 (b) gives the PCFO two options. 

1.	 To absorb the costs ofthe CFC expenses upfront and be reimbursed later; or 

2.	 To obtain a commercial loan to pay for the costs associated with the 

campaIgn. 

Rather than do either ofthese options, the PCFO chose to use receipts related to 

another campaign to pay for 2007 campaign expenses. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that begiIUling with the 2009 

campaign, the PCFO will absorb the costs of the CFC expenses upfront and then be 

reimbursed by the campaign when appropriate campaign funds are sufficient. 

Recommendation 1 

We recommend that the OCFCO ensure that the PCFO has properly implemented the 

corrective actions stated and that it fully understands its responsibilities under the 

Federal regulations. 

5
 
2. Estimated Expense Charged to the Campaign 

The PCFO charged its administrative costs for operating the 2007 campaign based on 

estimated hours and not the actual costs for administering the campaign as is required 

by the regulations. 

5 CFR 950.106 (a) states that the "PCFO shall recover from the gross receipts of the 

campaign its expenses...reflecting the actual costs of administering the local 

campaign." 

We reviewed a sample of2007 campaign expenses to determine ifthe charges were 

properly supported and necessary for administering the CFC campaign. Our review 

identified $24,200 in PCFO operating expenses that were charged based on budgeted 

(anticipated) hours to be spent on the campaign and not the actual hours worked by 

the PCFO. We requested actual supporting documentation for the hours worked by 

the PCFO, but that information was not available. 

As a result of charging costs to the CFC based on estimates, we could not determine 

if the $24,200 charged for operating expenses were necessary costs to the campaign. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that beginning with the 2009 

campaign it will complete time studies to more accurately allocate costs to the CFC 

based on actual time spent on the CFC. 

Recommendation 2 

We recommend that the OCFCO ensure that the PCFO properly implements its 

corrective action and that it fully understands its requirements under the regulations. 

3. PCFO Expense Reimbursement Not Approved by the LFCC 

The PCFO did not request LFCC approval prior to reimbursing itself$25,522. 

5 CFR 950.106 (a) states that the PCFO shall only recover expenses that are approved 

by the LFCC. 

During the period May 2007 through January 2008, the PCFO reimbursed itself 12 

times directly from CFC funds for its expenses incurred in relation to the operation of 

the CFC. We reviewed LFCC meeting minutes to determine if the PCFO received 

approval from the LFCC prior to making these reimbursements. Our review did not 

identify where the LFCC approved any ofthe reimbursements the PCFO made to 

itself (totaling $25,522). Per discussion with the PCFO we determined it did not 

understand the LFCC approval requirement in 5 CFR 950.106 (a) and did not seek 

approval of these reimbursements. 

6 
As a result of not understanding the regulations regarding expense reimbursement, the 

PCFO may have been reimbursed for expenses that were not related to the CFC. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that beginning with the 2009 

campaign the PCFO will provide an expense summary to the LFCC for approval, and 

that the approval will be documented in the LFCC meeting minutes. 

Recommendation 3 

We recommend that the OCFCO ensure that the corrective actions noted by the 

PCFO and LFCC are properly implemented and that both the PCFO and LFCC 

understand their roles in the expense approval process. 

4. LFCC Did Not Solicit for a PCFO in a Timely Manner 

The LFCC did not solicit applications for the PCFO by the date set by OPM in the 

CFC calendar of events. In addition, the LFCC did not accept applications for the 

minimum time period. 

5 CFR 950.104 (c) states, the "LFCC must solicit applications on a competitive basis 

for the PCFO no later than a date to be detennined by OPM... " and that the "PCFO 

application period must be open a minimum of21 calendar days." 

We reviewed the certificate ofpublication for the LFCC's public PCFO Solicitation 

to determine if it was posted by the date determined by OPM. The OCFCO set the 

date for the solicitation to be posted by January 12,2007, in the CFC calendar of 

events. However, the LFCC posted the solicitation on February 10,2007. 

Additionally, the PCFO applications were only accepted through February 23, 2007 

(14 days), which is less than the minimum period stated in the regulations. 

As a result of these errors, the LFCC may have restricted other potential PCFO 

candidates from applying for the position. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The LFCC agrees with this finding and states that it will comply with the regulation 

in future campaigns when solicitation of a PCFO is necessary (as the LFCC selected 

the current PCFO to administer the 2007 through the 2009 campaigns). 

Recommendation 4 

We recommend that the OCFCO ensures that the LFCC properly complies with this 

regulation in future campaigns and that the LFCC understands the requirements under 

5 CFR 950.104 (c). 

7 
5. Untimely PCFO Selection 

The LFCC did not select the PCFO by the deadline stipulated in the CFC calendar of 

events. 

According to 5 CFR 950.801 (a) (3), the LFCC "must select a PCFO no later than a 

date to be detennined by OPM." For the 2007 campaign, the OCFCO set 

March 15, 2007, as this date in the CFC calendar of events. 

We reviewed the LFCCmeeting minutes for the 2007 campaign and found that the 

LFCC did not meet to discuss the PCFO selection. According to the PCFO, there 

were no LFCC meetings related to the 2007 campaign prior to June 27, 2007. We 

also reviewed the LFCC's letter notifying the UWQCA that it was selected as PCFO. 

This letter was dated March 21, 2007, which was six days late. 

As a result, the LFCC was not in compliance with the regulations for selecting a 

PCFO by March 15, 2007. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The LFCC agrees with this finding and stated that, in the future, it will select a PCFO 

according to the date set forth in the regulations. 

OIG's Comments: 

We accept the LFCC's corrective action as noted above. However, we feel that it 

falls short because it does not address documentation of the PCFO selection. It is our 

opinion that the selection of the PCFO should be documented within the body of the 

LFCC meeting minutes when the selection is made. 

Recommendation 5 

We recorrunend that the OCFeO ensures that the LFCC selects the PCFO by the date 

set forth in the Federal regulations, maintains documentation to support the selection, 

and that it understands its responsibilities under the Federal regulations regarding the 

selection of a PCFO. 

B. CAMPAIGN RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS 

1. Pledge Card Errors 

The PCFO incorrectly applied two donor designations. Additionally, the PCFO 

incorrectly contacted a donor directly regarding one of the errors identified. 

5 CFR 950.105 (d) (1) states that the PCFO is responsible for "Honoring employee 

designations." Also, 5 CFR 950.105 (d) (2) states that the PCFO is responsible for 

8 
"Helping to ensure no employee is coerced in any way regarding participation in the 

campaign and that allegations of coercion are brought to the attention ofthe 

appropriate Federal officials." Finally, 5 CFR 950.I05 (d) (4) states that the PCFO is 

responsible for "Ensuring that no employee is questioned in any way as to his or her 

designation or its amount except by key workers, loaned executives, or other nonsupervising Federal Personnel." 

We reviewed a sample of 36 out of2,761 pledge cards for the 2007 campaign to 

determine ifthe pledge cards were accurately input by the PCFO. We found the 

following errors: 

•	 One pledge card where the PCFO applied a designation to the wrong agency 

code. 

•	 One pledge card where the PCFO misapplied a designated amount as 

undesignated when a valid designation code was clearly listed. Additionally, 

the PCFO noted contacting the donor directly regarding this designation in 

violation ofthe Federal regulations. 

Discussion with the PCFO indicated that the misapplication ofthe designations was 

the result of typographical errors. However, the PCFO expressed that it was easier 

and more efficient for it to contact donors directly when it finds unclear or incorrectly 

completed pledge cards. We stressed to the PCFO that the regulation prohibiting the 

PCFO from making direct contact with donors was done to separate the entity in 

charge of handling and disbursing the charitable donations from the one clarifYing 

questionable designations. 

As a result of these errors, two donor designations were not honored. Additionally, 

by having internal policies to contact donors regarding questionable designations, the 

PCFO could be seen as trying to coerce employee donations. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding. The PCFO will no longer contact the 

Federal employees directly regarding discrepancies on their pledge cards. Instead, 

the PCFO will contact the Organizational Chair. 

OIG's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC's comments in response to the finding do not address the actual 

pledge card data entry errors made by its personnel. One of the PCFO's major 

responsibilities is that it honors Federal employee designations. We would suggest 

that the PCFO implement procedures to have the designations report be reviewed 

against the actual pledge cards to ensure that the data entry is accurate. 

Additionally, the comments state that in the case of pledge card discrepancies, the 

PCFO would contact the "Organizational Chair." This is not a correct course of 

action because only "non-supervising Federal personnel" may contact the donors 

9
 
directly. The correct course of action is to contact the Key Worker and have them ask 

the donor any necessary questions. lfthe donor cannot be contacted in a timely 

manner, then the designation in question should be considered undesignated. 

Additionally, Key Workers should be trained to ensure that the pledge cards are 

properly completed and legible before they are turned in to the PCFO. 

Recommendation 6 

We recommend that the OCFCO and LFCC direct the PCFO to verify that the 

infonnation input into the system is accurate to ensure donor's wishes are honored, in 

accordance with 5 CFR 950.105 (d) (l)~

Recommendation 7 

. We reconunend that the OCFCO and LFCC work with the PCFO to ensure that it 

understands its responsibilities regarding the direct contact with Federal employees 

concerning their donations. 

. 2. PCFO Made One-Time Disbursements Without LFCC Authorization 

The PCFO incorrectly made one-time disbursements without obtaining authorization 

or a set threshold amount from the LFCC. Additionally, the PCFO exceeded its selfimposed threshold for two of the one-time disbursements made. 

5 CFR 950.901 (i) (3) requires that the PCFO obtain approval from the LFCC prior to 

making anyone-time disbursements. Additionally, the LFCC is to set the threshold 

amount of these one-time disbursements. 

We reviewed the LFCC meeting minutes for the 2007 campaign to detennine if the 

LFCC approved the making of one-time disbursements. Our review did not identify 

where this approval was made or the threshold set. Discussion with the PCFO 

determined that it felt approval of one-time disbursements, at a threshold of $1 ,500, 

from a prior campaign was sufficient, and it did not request approval from the LFCC. 

We reviewed the PCFO's disbursements to agencies and federations and found that it 

made 107 one-time disbursements for the 2007 campaign. Additionally, from those 

one-time disbursements made, we identified two payments made to agencies that 

were over the $1,500 threshold. 

It is the PCFO's responsibility to seek approval of the LFCC to make one-time 

disbursements and to establish a threshold for the one-time payments. As a result of 

not obtaining the approval of the LFCC, the PCFO made unauthorized one-time 

disbursements. 

10 
PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that the LFCC will annually 

review the threshold amount and note it in the meeting minutes. 

OIG's Comments: 

We agree with the corrective action that the LFCC will annually review the threshold 

amount and note it in the meeting minutes. However, the corrective action does not 

address the portion ofthe finding regarding obtaining the approval ofthe LFCC to 

make one-time disbursements. It is the responsibility of the PCFO to ask the LFCC 

for approval to make one-time disbursements each year. An approval in a prior year 

does not constitute approval in future years. 

Additionally, the comments did not consider the two incorrect one-time 

disbursements made. The PCFO should put procedures in place that ensure only 

those agencies with designations at or below the threshold amount receive one-time 

disbursements. 

Recommendation 8 

We recommend that the OCFCO and LFCC ensure that the PCFO understands its 

responsibilities regarding one-time disbursements and only makes them after 

obtaining approval and receiving the threshold set from the LFCC. 

Recommendation 9 

We recommend that the OCFCO and LFCC ensure that the PCFO has polices and 

procedures in place that guarantee only those agencies meeting the approved one-time 

disbursement threshold receive them. 

3. Pledge Loss on One~Time Disbursements Incorrectly Applied 

The PCFO applied pledge loss incorrectly on those agencies receiving one-time 

disbursements in the 2007 campaign year. 

5 CFR 950.901 (i) (3) states that the PCFO may deduct pledge loss (prior three years 

average) from those agencies receiving one-time disbursements. 

We reviewed the pledge loss reports from the last three campaigns (2004-2006) to 

determine the average percent pledge loss over that period (4.32 percent). We then 

compared our calculated pledge loss to that applied by the PCFO to those agencies 

receiving a one-time disbursement. Our review found that the PCFO applied pledge 

loss to those agencies receiving one-time disbursements in a completely inconsistent 

manner. Rather than deduct the 4.32 percent from each one-time disbursement, the 

PCFO applied pledge losses ranging from a negative 1.82 percent (resulting in a 

11 
disbursement greater than the amount pledged) to 10.28 percent (resulting in a lower 

disbursement than what was pledged). 

As a result of not applying pledge loss appropriately, those agencies receiving onetime disbursements received an extra $158 in 2007 campaign receipts. Conversely, 

those agencies receiving monthly disbursements received $158 less. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that the PCFO will accurately 

apply the pledge loss beginning with the 2009 campaign. 

Recommendation 10 

We recommend that the OCFCO and the LFCC ensure that the PCFO understands the 

pledge loss calculation and applies the appropriate percentage to one-time 

disbursements in future campaigns. 

C. ELIGIBILITY 

1. PCFO Application Not in Compliance 

The UWQCA's application to be considered for PCFO did not include all ofthe 

statements required by the Federal regulations. 

5 CFR 950.105 (c) (2) (ii) states that the application must include a statement 

pledging that the applicant will "conduct campaign .operations, such as training, kickoffand other events, and fiscal operations, such as banking, auditing, reporting and 

distribution separate from the applicant's non-CFC operations." Additionally, 5 CFR 

950.105 (c) (2) (iii) requires the application to state that the applicant pledges to 

"abide by the directions, decisions, and supervision ofthe LFCC and/or Director." 

We reviewed the UWQCA's PCFO application to detennine ifit complied with the 

Federal regulations. Our review found that the application submitted did not include 

all of the statements and pledges required by the regulations. Specifically, the 

application did not include the following statements either in full or in part: 

•	 That the UWQCA would conduct campaign operations, such as training, kickoff and other events, and fiscal operations, such as banking, auditing, 

reporting and distribution separate from the applicant's non-CFC operations; 

and 

•	 That it would abide by the directions, decisions, and supervision ofthe LFCC 

and/or Director. 

By not submitting an application that completely complied with the Federal 

regulations, the UWQCA did not fully acknowledge or accept all of the 

responsibilities ofthe PCFO. 

12 
PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that the LFCC will ensure that 

future PCFO app~icatjons are completed in compliance with the Federal regulations. 

Recommendation 11 

We recommend that the OCFCO and LFCC ensure that future PCFO applications are 

completed so that they comply with the requirements ofthe Federal regulations. 

2. Lack of Support for LFCC Eligibility Decisions 

The LFCC did not maintain documentation to support that it made the eligibility 

decisions for local organizations' applications. 

5 CFR 950.104 (b) (3) states that the LFCC is responsible for "Detennining the 

eligibility of local organizations that apply to participate in the local campaign." 

During our reviewofthe LFCC's local organization application evaluation process, 

we reviewed the LFCC's meeting minutes to detennine if it, and not the PCFO, made 

the local eligibility decisions. Our review of the minutes found that the June 27, 

2007, meeting minutes only briefly mentioned that all applications received were 

approved. The PCFO's response to the policies and procedures questionnaire 

indicated that an eligibility review committee is overseen by a Vice Chair from the 

LFCC. However, in the case ofthe LFCC meeting minutes and eligibility committee 

decisions, we could not verify or document that the applications were reviewed and 

approved by the LFCC. 

As a result of the LFCC not documenting local organization eligibility decisions, we 

could not detennine that the LFCC made those decisions as required by the 

regulations. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that the LFCC will put policies 

and procedures in place to document and maintain support of the eligibility decisions. 

Recommendation 12 

We recommend that the OCFCO ensures that the corrective actions indicated by the 

LFCC are in place and that it understands its responsibilities as outlined in 

5 CFR 950.104 (b) (3). 

13 
3. LFCC Eligibility Decisions Not Communicated Timely 

The LFCC did not communicate its eligibility decisions to the agencies and 

federations within the appropriate timeframes during the 2007 campaign. 

Additionally, the PCFO's procedures for notifying agencies denied admittance to the 

campaign are not in line with the regulations. 

5 CFR 950.801 (a) (5) states that the LFCC '"must issue notice of its eligibility 

decisions within 15 business days of the closing date for receipt of applications." 

According to the CFC Calendar ofEvents, the deadline for the LFCC to notify local 

organizations of eligibility decisions was May 4, 2007. Additionally,S CFR 950.204 

(e) states that denials must be sent by the LPCC "via U.S." Postal Service regular first 

class inailwith a return receipt requested." 

To determine if the LFCC notified local organizations of its eligibility decisions by 

the deadline, we reviewed the PCFO's responses to a policies and procedures 

questionnaire and requested that the PCFO provide sample copies of the notifications 

sent for the 2007 campaign. In its answers to the questionnaire the PCFO did not 

"indicate when approval or denial notifications were sent, but just mentioned that those 

approved agencies were invited to the CFC Kickoff event. In additional discussions, 

the PCFO stated that it viewed invitations to the CFC kickoff event (sent August 31; 

2007, for the 2007 campaign) as approval notification and that notifications were not 

sent because the decision was pending OCFeO approval. Discussion with the 

OCFCO determined that its review should not delay notifications of the local 

organizations. The review performed by the OCFCO is to verify the IRS tax exempt 

status of each approved organization. Per the OCFCO, the PCFO should merely state 

in its notifications that approval is pending aPM review. 

Further review ofthe responses to the questionnaire determined that the LFCCs 

procedures for notifying agencies denied admittance to the CFC did not require the 

notification to be via U.S. Postal Service regular first class mail with a return receipt 

requested. The policy stated that if an agency was found to be ineligible that '"they 

are made aware ofthat during the follow-up phone call." 

As a result of not notifying local agencies ofits eligibility decisions in a timely 

manner via the proper delivery method, those organizations accepted could not 

properly plan and budget for the coming year and those denied could not properly 

appeal the decision. 

PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with the finding. However, they stated that their 

timeliness is directly related to OPM's prompt response in regards to its IRS 

verification of each approved agency and federation. They indicated in a follow-up 

conversation with the OIG that it fears OPM's late rejection of previously approved 

14
 
agencies would cause problems (i.e., having OPM rejected agencies included in the 

CFC charity brochure). 

Additionally, they stated that beginning with the 2009 campaign the LFCC will notify 

all agencies and local federations of their acceptance into the campaign via a letter 

inviting them to the kickoff event and stating that their approval was still pending the 

final OPM review. 

OIG)s Comments: 

The comments provided by the PCFO and LFCC indicate further confusion regarding 

communication of the LFCC's eligibility determinations. LFCC eligibility 

detenninations must be made by the dates set forth in the Federal regulations. They 

are not to be held and included with invitations to kick-off events, as those events are 

typically held after the date the letters are required to be sent. The letters should be 

prepared and sent by the correct date and have (as stated in the comments above) a 

caveat that states that the approval is subject to OPM approval. 

Recommendation 13 

We recommend that the OCFCO direct the LFCC to notify all applying organizations 

of its eligibility decisions by the deadline set in the Federal regulations. 

Recommendation 14 

We recommend that the OeFCO ensure that the LFCC and PCFO understand the 

requirements of the regulations regarding the delivery method used to notify agencies 

of eligibility decisions. 

D. PCFO AS A FEDERATION 

Our review of the UWQCA's activities as a federation did not identify any problems. 

E. AUDIT GUIDE REVIEW 

1. Agreed-Upon Procedures Not in Compliance 

The PCFO's IPA audit of the 2006 campaign did not fully comply with the 2008 CFC
 

Audit Guide (For Campaigns with Pledges $150,000 to $999,999) [Audit Guide].
 

The Audit Guide includes AUP's that the IPA must perfonn in its annual audit of the
 

campaIgn.
 

We reviewed the IPA's working papers to determine ifit complied with the
 

requirements of the Audit Guide applicable to the 2006 campaign. As discussed
 

below, we identified three areas where the IPA did not fully comply with the
 

requirements.
 

15 
•	 The IPA did not detennine ifthe PCFO was properly matching campaign 

receipts and expenses. 

o	 Step six under the PCFO Budget and Administrative Expenses element 

ofthe Audit Guide requires the IPA to obtain a copy of or document the 

PCFO's policy for campaign expense reimbursement and compare the 

policy to 5 CFR 950.1 06 (b), which states that the PCFO should cover 

all campaign expenses at the start of the campaign and then recover their 

costs from the gross receipts of the same campaign. The IPA reviewed 

the campaign expense invoices, however, it did not review the PCFO's 

policy for campaign expense reimbursement. According to the PCFO, 

the policy for campaign expense reimbursement is not documented. The 

IPA did not report this instance as a finding in the financial statements. 

•	 The iPA identified, but did not report, that all CFC receipts for the 2006 

campaign were not disbursed by the PCFO. 

o	 Step three under the peFO Receipts and Disbursement ofFunds element 

requires the IPA to review the cash receipts for the campaign and to 

verify that all funds (less expenses) were distributed. The IPA 

perfonned a reconciliation showing a balance of $55 that was not 

disbursed to the campaigns and noted that the amount was immaterial. 

As a result of deeming this amount immaterial, the IPA did not report 

this as a finding. However, the Audit Guide clearly states that the IPA 

should report "all instances where the PCFO did not disburse all 

receipts, less administrative expenses, by the end ofthe campaign." 

•	 The IPA did not acquire the information necessary to detennine ifthe PCFO 

received approval to make one-time disburs.~ments and the threshold amount 

for those disbursements. 

o	 Step seven under the PCFO Receipts and Disbursement of Funds 

element requires the IPA to obtain LFCC meeting minutes documenting 

the LFCC's approval ofthe one-time disbursements and the one-time 

disbursement threshold amount. Rather than request meeting minutes, 

the IPA relied upon its knowledge ofthe PCFO from prior audits 

regarding one-time disbursements. However, the Audit Guide 

specifically requires the IPA to obtain LFCC meeting minutes and to 

verify the approval of each campaign's one-time disbursements and 

threshold amounts. As a result, the IPA did not complete this step 

properly. 

Completion of the AUP's as provided in the Audit Guide is important because it helps 

the OCFeO and LFCC to more effectively monitor CFC campaign activities. 

16
 
PCFO and LFCC's Comments: 

The PCFO and LFCC agree with this finding and state that they will· notify the IPA of 

the finding and review future audits to make sure the AuditGuide's AUP steps are 

accurately completed. 

Recommendation 15 

We recommend that the OCFCO ensure that the LFCC and PCFO work with their 

IPA to make certain that the Audit Guide's AUP steps are fully and accurately 

completed. 

17
 
IV. MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS REPORT 

Special Audits Group 

Auditor-in-Charge 

Group Chief 

Senior Team Leader 

18
 
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PPE"NDIX 

'09 OC 20 RCI.}

lIIowa ai-State Combined federal Campaign #0259
 

3247 East 35th Street Court
 

Oavenport,IA 52807
 

(563) 344-0340 

Fax: (563) 355-3308 

October 13, 2009 

Office of Personnel Management 

Office of the Inspector General 

Attn:•••••_ 

1900 E Street, NW, Room 6400 

Washington, DC 20415-1100 

To the Office of Personnel Management,
 

The lllowa Bi-Slate CombinedFed~ralCampaign (#O259) is responding to the Executive SummarY

Report No. 3A-CF-OO-09-041.
 

'09 OCT 20 ReV
 

Below we are detailing our comments and corrective actiOn plans for each section of your Executive 

Summary Report. 

Aga-eed Upon Procedures 

Corrective Action: We will notify our Independent Public Accountant of the information provided and 

review the audit to make sure the Audit Guide's AUP steps are accurately completed. 

Eligibility 

PCFO Application not in Compliance 

Corrective Action: The LFCC will take steps to ensure that future PCFO applications are completed in 

compliance with the Federal regulations. 

Lack of Support for LFCC Eligibility Decisions 

Corrective Action: The LFCC will put policies and procedures in place to document and maintain support 

of the eligibility decisions by documenting them in the LFCC meeting minutes. 

LFCC Eligibility Decisions not Communicated Timely 

Comment Timely communication is a direel result of receipt of timely response from OPM regarding 

eligibility, via the 5-digil coding process. OPM's lack of timeliness regarding this information resulted in us 

unable to accept agencies that were rejected by OPM because we didn't have time to follow-thru with 

seeking the additional information before our brochure had to go to print. 

Corrective Action: With the 2009 campaign, we notified all agencies and local federations of their 

acceptance into our campaign via a lelter inviting them to a kickoff event and stating that their approval 

was still pending the final OPM review. 

Budget and Campaign Expenses 

Prior Year Campaign Receipts Used for 2007 Campaign Expenses 
Comment Your recommendation that PCFO's acquire a commercial loan is poor use of donor dollars. 

Please revisit this in the regulalions and consider the oplion of pre-paying expenses out of the previous 

year's campaign .eceipts to be reimbursed by the current year's campaign receipts. 

Corrective Action: With the 2009 campaign, the PCFO is paying all of the campaign expenses to be 

reimbursed by the CFC when the current campaign receipts are sufficient to cover the expenses. 

Estimated E)(pense Charged to the Campaign 

Corrective Action: With the 2009 campaign, PCFO staff is completing a lime-study to accurately reflect 

how much time it is putting towards the CFC. We will use this data to compile the 2010 campaign 

application. 

PCFO Expense Reimbursement Not Approved by the LFCC 

Corrective Action: With the 2009 campaign, a summary of expenses is being presented to the LFCC and 

being accepted by noting in the minutes that the items were reviewed. 

LFCCdid nat Solicit for a PCFO in a Timely Manner 

Comment: Please re.view this regulation regarding PCFO's that have a multi-year contract. 

Corrective Action: When it is necessary to open the PCFO application process we will comply with the 

dates in the regulations. 

Untimely PCFO Selection 

Corrective Action: The LFCC will comply with the March 15 date the next time they need to accept a 

PCFO. 

Campaign Receipts and Disbursements 

Pledge Card Errors 

Corrective Action: The PCFO no longer will contact the Federal employees directly regarding 

discrepancies on their pledge cards-the Organizational Chair will be contacted. - . ­

PCFO Made One-Time Disbursements Without LFCC Authorization 

Corrective Action: The LFCC will annually review the Ihreshold amount ($1500) and note it in the meeting 

minutes. 

Pledge Loss on One-Time Disbursements Incorrectly Applied'" 

Corrective Action: With the 2009 campaign, the PCFO will accurately apply the pledge loss to the OneTime Disbursements only. 

Sincerely,