Private Voluntary Organization Grant Fund Accountability

Complete a risk assessment of the Food for Progress Program administrative and oversight activities, in accordance with OMB Circular A-123, to (1) identify vulnerable program areas, and develop and implement controls where identified weaknesses exist; (2) periodically assess the effectiveness of corrective actions taken to address program weaknesses; and (3) develop and implement performance measures for FAD and the MES in overseeing and delivering the program.

Designate a senior management official with sufficient authority to ensure all current and prior recommendations are fully addressed, that includes ensuring adequate controls for timely closure of Food for Progress Program agreements, PVO proper accounting, PVO timely reporting, and PVO agreement monitoring. Evaluate the OCBD staffing to determine if additional personnel for monitoring and closeouts of the Food for Progress Program are needed, and implement a plan to increase or reorganize staff to prioritize associated risks and properly align staff to meet program needs.

Evaluate the monitoring process to better identify PVOs for compliance reviews and increase onsite reviews, to include reviewing financial activities of active Food for Progress Program agreements. Ensure during compliance reviews that PVOs have separate bank accounts when required.

Incorporate closeout dates into the agreement language and institute monetary penalties when PVOs do not timely respond to closure requests, including enforcement actions detailed in 7 CFR Part 3019.62.