PER 2022-4600 Performance Audit on federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor today released a performance audit report on whether federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds were spent in accordance with program requirements and in accordance with federal and state law.

WIOA funds are administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) and are for the purpose of helping job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with skilled workers.

From July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022, DWS received and spent approximately $158 million on four core programs: Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, and National Dislocated Worker grants. Of the total amount allotted to those four programs, $128 million was spent with no monitoring reviews as required by federal law.

OSA made the following recommendations as a result of the audit:
•    DWS management should monitor local workforce development board activities and spending of WIOA grant funds and do so timely to ensure that WIOA programs funds are being spent to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. 
•    DWS management should allocate the necessary resources to monitor WIOA activities and grant funds in accordance with federal law.

Click here to view the full report. 

About OSA Performance Audits
Performance audits conducted by OSA provide independent and objective appraisals of agency management practices and operational results to state leaders and the public. They help improve performance, strengthen accountability, and enhance transparency of state government programs. 

Follow-up inquiries can be directed to the Public Information Officer at osa_communications@ncauditor.net or by calling (919) 807-7666.