Federal Reports

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements

We determined Procurement has made Purchasing Card Program changes to address control weaknesses identified in our previous report on the program; however, travel and travel-related expenses are still being charged to the purchasing cards. We also noted (1) weaknesses in supervisory review and approval of purchasing card statements, (2) disallowed and questionable purchasing card transactions, (3) purchasing cards issued without required documentation, and (4) TVA policies and on-line training modules that do not clearly and consistently define acceptable purchasing card use for hospitality expenses. Procurement has stated that subsequent to our review period, actions were taken to address weaknesses in supervisory review and approval of purchasing card statements. Procurement agreed with all but three recommendations and we concur with TVA management's planned actions. However, we noted increased risk associated with not addressing the three recommendations.

We determined (1) not all purchasers of hospitality had completed the hospitality training module, (2) some purchases were not charged to the correct cost classification, (3) TVA's Hospitality Policy did not require use of TVA Form 17901, Pre-approval of TVA Hospitality Expenditure, (4) TVA's Hospitality Policy did not address use of a TVA purchasing card for purchasing hospitality, and (5) TVA's pre-approval form did not require assessment of reputation risk. In addition, we found TVA's hospitality spending had decreased by 70% since our 2004 review. Management generally agreed with our findings and is taking appropriate corrective action.

We determined that HED appears to be following the policies and procedures set forth in their tool management policy for the distribution and reclamation of tools at the fossil plant sites. HED procedures and key control activities ensure that HED leased tools are adequately tracked and accounted for. However, the computer inventory tracking system does not accurately reflect HED tools available for lease, and documentation related to the disposal of tools and inventory adjustments could be improved. Management agreed with our findings and has taken or plans to take appropriate corrective actions.

Determined the (1) Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 LLRW estimate appeared reasonable when unforeseen incurred LLRW disposal costs were taken into account and (2) the processes, methodology, and assumptions used to develop the FY 2006 disposal estimates were consistent with those used in developing the FY 2005 estimates. In addition, we verified that the LLRW expense and liability accounts were adjusted quarterly in accordance with TVA Nuclear Business Practice 263. However, we noted (1) the process and methodology for developing LLRW estimates is not documented and there is a potential lack of cross-training and (2) no physical inventory is currently done at the plants to ensure proper accounting for all LLRW. Management agreed with our findings and has taken or plans to take appropriate corrective actions.