Management Certifications of Data Reliability

We found that although the Department took actions to ensure the completeness and reasonableness of the data it reported, it needs to improve controls to support the accuracy of data that SEAs reported. Specifically, we determined that the Department could provide better oversight, including both technical assistance and monitoring, of SEAs’ controls over data quality and the verification and validation process fordata it reports in its Annual Performance Report. It could also involve external auditors in the process by updating the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement under which they conduct their audits. Such actions could result in improvements to the quality of data that SEAs submit.