THE Division of Procurement and Supply of the Department of Finance will conduct a random inventory of government vehicles this month.
This is among the division’s responses to the Office of the Public Auditor’s recommendations pertaining to the audit of government vehicles.
OPA recommended that Procurement and Supply take these actions:
—Enforce its property management policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of records, such as: review and reconcile inventory records; conduct annual physical inventory; and perform random audits to validate the integrity of the property control process.
—Provide adequate training to staff to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the laws, regulations, policies and procedures that relate to their duties and responsibilities.
According to OPA’s status report on the implementation of its recommendations, on June 30, 2023, the division reported that the review and reconciliation of property management branch records was ongoing on both the JD Edwards and Munis Financial Systems. In April 2023, the division said, it “re-established communications with several outstanding agencies and will continue to work with other instrumentalities to properly account for the items in their possession.”
The division also reported that random inventory inspections of government vehicles will commence in August 2023. A report will be provided to OPA by October 2023 to highlight ongoing/completed efforts.
Also, the division said training is a high priority, and it is working closely with Finance to ensure that staff are properly equipped with the knowledge and information to perform their duties.
The division said the random audits slated for August will provide information about shortfalls and unmet needs that can further support the requirements for training.
OPA said it commends the division for working to resolve the audit recommendations and will follow up on the division’s progress in the next reporting period.
As for OPA’s recommendation to monitor or enforce agencies’ compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to government vehicles, and hold agencies accountable for properties in their control, the division said it continues to enforce compliance with all rules and regulations governing the acquisition and control of property belonging to the CNMI government.
The division said government agencies that are not in compliance have been given a notice. Further actions may be required for those found unwilling to comply, the division stated.
The division also said it continues to hold agencies accountable for the properties under their control. While no rescissions have taken place yet, the division said all agencies have expressed their willingness to work with the division and comply with the rules and regulations.
Regarding OPA’s recommendation for a determination on whether “factory tint” is allowable in government vehicles, the division said it will ask the Office of the Attorney General to determine the validity of tinting on government vehicles.
