April 19, 2012

The Department of Energy's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – New York State Energy Program 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) had, for the most part, implemented processes and controls to manage its State Energy Program (SEP) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) funding and was generally in compliance with the selected Recovery Act requirements we examined during our review.  However, we identified several concerns that should be addressed to ensure that Recovery Act goals are met.  Specifically, our review revealed that NYSERDA had planned to advance over $1.2 million to a contractor for work scheduled to be completed after the April 30, 2012, expiration date of NYSERDA's Recovery Act grant; and, had paid improper travel and unsupported costs of approximately $12,825 to its contractors and subcontractors.  Additionally, we noted that NYSERDA had been slow to expend its grant funds.  As of December 22, 2011, NYSERDA had expended only about 60 percent of its award.  We determined that NYSERDA may have difficulty expending the remaining funds before the April 2012 expiration date of its Recovery Act grant.

Topic: Financial Assistance