An Audit Report on Management Controls at the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Page: 6 of 19
19 p.View a full description of this report.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Section 1-B:
The Commission Should Improve the Process for Selecting
Contractors
In a desire for consistency, the Commission recontracts with the same providers each
year. The Commission has not developed objective criteria to select contractors. As a
result, the Commission cannot ensure that the best contractors are chosen. The
Commission requests proposals each year but always selects the same contractors.
Consequently, other potential contractors have few incentives to respond to a request
for proposal if they believe there is little or no hope that they will be selected.
Furthermore, in issuing requests for proposals (RFP) each year, the Commission is not
following its own rules which state that contracts should be for two years. The point of
an RFP process is to publicize bidding to encourage competitive bids. Having an
annual RFP process is time-consuming and serves no purpose if the Commission
automatically recontracts with the same providers.
Recommendations:
We recommend that the Commission develop a system for selecting the best
contractors. At a minimum, this system should include objective criteria for selecting
contractors. The Commission should retain all RFPs and documentation that supports
why each contractor was selected.
We recommend that the Commission develop a two-year contract period in alignment
with agency rules.
Management Responses:
In response to the auditor's concerns, new criteria was developed and approved by the
Commissioners, and is subsequently being used at this time.
The rule regarding two year contracts has been repealed. Under the new rule, any
contracts may be renewed for a second year by decision of the Commissioners if the
contractor meets all contractual requirements. The concept of two year contracts is
viewed with favor and may be initiated in the future.
Section 2:
Improve Controls Over the Budgeting and Planning Functions
The Commission's lack of controls over budgeting and planning does not ensure that
its services to the deaf and hard of hearing are maximized. There appears to be a lack
of understanding about the effective use of budgetary information in managing
programs. In addition, the Commission needs to develop formulas for allocating funds
to the councils and for establishing a reimbursement rate for interpreters.
AN AUDIT REPORT ON MANAGEMENT CONTROLS AT THE
JULY 1997 COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PAGE 3
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This report can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Report.
Texas. Office of the State Auditor. An Audit Report on Management Controls at the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, report, July 1997; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth517382/m1/6/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.