If a QIP is required of a Subrecipient under §2.203(e) of this title, it must be developed compliant with the guidance in this section. While each QIP developed by a Subrecipient is unique and must be responsive to the specific Deficiencies identified, all of the items below, at a minimum, must be addressed.

1. (1) A QIP must initially provide a clear and explicit acknowledgement of each of the Deficiencies that have prompted the need for such a plan, and must be described in sufficient detail to affirm that the Subrecipient's board and management have a solid grasp of the needed improvement.
2. (2) Although commencement of the implementation of a QIP is specified in statute (42 USC §9915(a)(4)) the timeline for completion is important. The QIP must set forth an aggressive but achievable timeline that plans for implementation of the planned remedies to be actively underway not later than the sixtieth day after the day on which the Department notified the Subrecipient of a final determination consistent with §2.203(c) of this title. The timeline should take into account the possible impact on achievement of benchmarks, plans, and other objectives. As a general rule the Subrecipient should not expect to receive an extension of any timeframes described herein.

3. (3) The QIP must be specific. A general statement, such as "the Subrecipient will ensure it has a compliant tripartite board" or "the Subrecipient will obtain a compliant Single Audit" will not suffice. Many such matters involve multiple steps from analysis and planning at the management level, to board presentation and approval, to procurement, to contracting, to execution under the Contract, often with follow-on requirements. If any of the steps will also require expenditure of funds, it may also be necessary to review and update the budget and possibly other matters, such as plans. Specificity must include at a minimum addressing the following questions:

   1. (A) Who within the Subrecipient's staff will do what specific steps/tasks, when will they do it, and what resources will they need?
   2. (B) If staff is to be redirected or released from existing duties, how will those duties be covered?
   3. (C) How will the agency ensure the Deficiency does not reoccur?

Source Note:The provisions of this §2.204 adopted to be effective November 4, 2018, 43 TexReg 7119.