(a) In accordance with GAGAS, the auditor is responsible for planning and performing the audit to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement due to error or fraud. The auditor must also plan the audit to provide reasonable assurance of detecting material misstatements resulting from violations of provisions of laws, regulations, contracts or loan and grant agreements that could have a direct and material effect on the financial statements.

(b) If specific information comes to the auditor's attention that provides evidence concerning the existence of possible violations of provisions of laws, regulations, contracts or loan and grant agreements that could have a material indirect effect on the financial statements, the auditor should apply audit procedures specifically directed to ascertaining whether a violation of provisions of laws, regulations, contract or grant agreements has occurred.

(c) Pursuant to the terms of its audit engagement letter with the auditee, the auditor must immediately report, in writing, all instances of fraud, illegal acts, and all indications or instances of noncompliance with laws, whether material or not, to:

(1) The president of the auditee's governance board;

(2) AA-PARA; and

(3) OIG, as follows:

(i) For all audits performed in accordance with §1773.3(d) (audits conducted in accordance with 2 CFR part 200 “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards”), report to the USDA-OIG-Audit, National Single Audit Coordinator for USDA, 401 W. Peachtree St NW, Room 2328, Atlanta, GA 30308,

(ii) For all other audits conducted in accordance with §1773.3 report to the appropriate office based on location. See https://www.usda.gov/oig/national.htm to determine the correct reporting location.