APPENDIX B
10TGJ(JCP 5)
(JCP 17-4-1)
March 6, 1998
 

MEMORANDUM FOR:                 Warren A. Seitz
                                                           Regional Inspector General for Audit

                                                                / s /
FROM:                                             Patricia Putnins, Regional Director
                                                          Office of Job Corps, Region X

SUBJECT:                                     Audit of the Fort Simcoe Job Corps Center
                                                          Draft Report No. 09-98-001-03-370

We have reviewed draft report of the audit conducted by your office of the Fort Simcoe Job Corps Center. We offer the following comments for inclusion as part of the official record.

Program Performance Review Results

A.  Vocational Completions Claimed Not Supported: We agree with the auditors' finding that training records do not support the Vocational Completions reported. Based on a review of training records, it is not possible to determine if students graduating from Fort Simcoe JCCCC have actually developed the requisite vocational skills for successful employment. It should be noted, however, that PY 95 and 96 placement data for Fort Simcoe students, which is reported and verified by independent placing organizations, shows the following results:
 



STANDARD
Terminee 
Placement 
70.0

Full-Time 
70.0
Average 
Wage 
5.92
Job Training Match 
42.0		 Overall 
Placement Rating 
100.0%
PY 95 80.5 
115.1%		 77.6 
110.8%		 6.61 
111.7%		 48.8 
116.2%		 113.8%
STANDARD Terminee 
Placement 
70.0		 Full-Time 
80.0		 Average 
Wage 
6.16		 Job Training Match 
50.0		 Overall 
Placement Rating 
N/A
PY 96 78.8 
112.5%		 84.2 
105.2%		 7.11 
115.4%		 62.2 
125.1%		 N/A
 
 
 

Based on the positive placement results, it appears that Fort Simcoe students


are adequately prepared for employment, and that the audit finding primarily discloses a record keeping issue, rather than a training issue.

The Regional Office of Job Corps will request the following actions from the Bureau of Reclamation to correct this finding:

a.  Provide training to vocational instructors regarding the correct procedures for completing student Training Achievement Records.
b.  Establish a quality control system to ensure that training records accurately document student competencies and achievements, and that completion levels reported accurately reflect student achievements.
In addition, the Regional Office of Job Corps will, on a regular basis, perform a quality review of Training Achievement Records of terminated students.
 
B.  Academic Achievements Overstated: We agree with the auditor's finding that the integrity of the performance data for math and reading achievements is compromised for the period covered by the audit.
The report indicates that as of June, 1996, testing procedures had been corrected, and it appears that prescribed procedures are now in place. Regarding the recommendation that all students tested during the period January through June 1996 be identified and retested if still enrolled, we have initiated the following action. We requested the Job Corps Data Center to identify such students. Based upon the JCDC report, only 2 are still enrolled. We will request Ft. Simcoe to reassess and retest those individuals.
In addition, the Regional Office of Job Corps will, on a regular basis, perform a quality review of TABE testing procedures at the center.
Financial and Compliance Audit Results
 

The Bureau of Reclamation operates the Fort Simcoe JCCCC under the terms of an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Labor. For the most part, financial systems are operated according to Bureau requirements. While we are concerned regarding findings A, B & C, we will reserve comment pending a review of the Bureau's response to this report. Please advise us if further follow up is required.
 

D.  Required Records Missing From Student Files: We agree with the auditor's finding regarding the inconsistent maintenance of required documentation in official student files.
The Regional Office of Job Corps will request the following actions from the Bureau of Reclamation to correct this finding:
a.  Establish written procedures for management and maintenance of all student records, in accordance with Job Corps policies as specified in the Policy and Requirements Handbook.
b.  Train principle records maintenance staff and back up staff on records maintenance procedures.
c.  Establish a quality control system to ensure that all student records are maintained in accordance with Job Corps policy.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft report. Please direct any questions to Paul Swanda, the Project Manager for the center, or me at (206)553-7938.

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