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Construction Auditing Risk and Cost Segregation Strategies for 2013 and Beyond IIA Atlanta Chapter Construction Auditing Risk and Cost Segregation Strategies for 2013 and Beyond IIA Atlanta Chapter Atlanta, GA June 14, 2013

Agenda § Outcomes of this presentation § What is a Construction Audit? § Why Agenda § Outcomes of this presentation § What is a Construction Audit? § Why is it important to internal auditors? § Variations of Construction Audits § What is a Cost Segregation Study? § Types of construction contracts and associated risks to your organization § What to look for during an audit § High-risk areas and common issues § Examples and case studies

Outcomes of this Presentation § What a Construction Audit is and the variations of Outcomes of this Presentation § What a Construction Audit is and the variations of a Construction Audit § Why a Construction Audit is important to your organization § Determination if a construction project at your organization is a candidate for an audit § The various scopes of a construction review § Key high-risk areas to audit during a review

What is a Construction Audit? First, we must define what we mean by construction: What is a Construction Audit? First, we must define what we mean by construction: – Not just new construction but also renovations, remodels, demolitions, etc. – Across all industries worldwide – health care, entertainment, higher education, government, etc. – Includes schools, casinos, buildings, stadiums, highways/bridges, etc. – Can include construction costs less than $1 M but oftentimes $1 M or more to accumulate larger cost recoveries

What is a Construction Audit? Audit is defined as an all-encompassing scope of the What is a Construction Audit? Audit is defined as an all-encompassing scope of the construction process from solicitation of bids to final payment. – Not just looking for cost recoveries or overbillings, but also provide process improvement recommendations for the project management team

Therefore, a Construction Audit… – Is not just a cost recovery review but cost Therefore, a Construction Audit… – Is not just a cost recovery review but cost prevention – Should involve auditors prior to contract execution – Should act as intermediary between owner and General Contractor (GC) – Should assist with disputes and litigation

Why is it Important to Internal Auditors? What does it mean to us and Why is it Important to Internal Auditors? What does it mean to us and why are these audits necessary? – The risk - billions of dollars spent by organizations on capital expenditures each year – Our job is to provide independent and objective assurance that company money is handled appropriately – Lack of resources and sound processes/procedures by project management team to adequately safeguard assets – Improve internal controls around the owner project management function

Why is it Important to Internal Auditors? What does it mean to us and Why is it Important to Internal Auditors? What does it mean to us and why are these audits necessary? – “In some organizations, cost recoveries from contract audits exceed the entire annual budget for the internal audit department, . . . ” From Construction Contract Auditing as published in INTERNAL AUDITOR, February, 1999, by James D. Cashell, CPA, MBA, PHD; George R. Aldhizer, III, CPA, PHD; and Rick Eichmann, CIA – Typical recoveries are 1 to 3% of total project cost

Common rebuttal: “We hire a construction management firm to monitor and manage the project. Common rebuttal: “We hire a construction management firm to monitor and manage the project. ” § Risk still exists even with outsourcing the project management function § May not have the owner’s best interest in mind § Possible collusion between GC and CM § Priorities such as schedule could take precedence over cost § Scope and contract changes between GC and PM could occur without proper oversight § Owner and/or auditors still need to stay involved throughout the process!

Common rebuttal: “We have worked with the same GC and no issues or cost Common rebuttal: “We have worked with the same GC and no issues or cost overruns have occurred in the past. ” § Just because a project is on budget or was completed under budget does not mean all costs were appropriate § Was the original budget a sound figure? ü Sound bidding and budget policies and procedures are needed § Aggressive GC savings established ü Incentive to come in under budget § Scope completed as planned ü Scopes of work eliminated to maintain budget § Substitution of materials ü Utilize materials of lesser value and quality to limit cost

Common rebuttal: “GCs that work on our jobs have never been convicted of fraud. Common rebuttal: “GCs that work on our jobs have never been convicted of fraud. ” § Generally overcharges or unallowable costs are not due to fraudulent activity § Regardless of contract – “This is how it has always been done. ” § Lack of resources by owner and/or GC § Lack of communication between owner and GC/architect § Excessive change orders/scope changes § Mathematical errors § Abundance of paperwork

Why is it Important to Internal Auditors? However, some of these costs do turn Why is it Important to Internal Auditors? However, some of these costs do turn out to be fraudulent – Lend Lease (Bovis) – Cheated clients out of millions of dollars in overbilling scheme – Undercut competition to get a job, then padded the books with change orders – often with the client’s knowledge – Submitted falsified invoices to clients for labor when contractors were on vacation or sick – Occurred over a decade’s time! – Agreed to pay $56 M to settle charges of over billing clients

Variations of Construction Audit § Contract review § Job walks § Limited scope/full scope Variations of Construction Audit § Contract review § Job walks § Limited scope/full scope – Only audit select Change Orders (CO) or pay applications – Audit from bidding to project close out § Based on contract type (GMP, lump sum, etc. ) § Cost segregation studies – hidden tax savings …let’s dig in

Cost Segregation § What is a cost segregation study? § What types of buildings Cost Segregation § What is a cost segregation study? § What types of buildings are good cost segregation candidates? § What does a cost segregation study apply to? § What are the benefits of a cost segregation study? § How is a cost segregation study performed?

What is a Cost Segregation Study? § Comprehensive analysis of hidden personal or tangible What is a Cost Segregation Study? § Comprehensive analysis of hidden personal or tangible property for commercial buildings. § Analyze cost data including the contractor’s application of payments (AIA), change orders, owner incurred costs, and indirect disbursements. § CSS is not a component study. § Must be an income tax-paying entity.

What is a Cost Segregation Study? § Analyze purchase price of property to segregate What is a Cost Segregation Study? § Analyze purchase price of property to segregate assets from the building cost § Generally 10 -50% of costs can be segregated to shorter lived assets § Allows indirect costs to be allocated to various depreciable lives

Potential benefits of reclassification Type of Structure Percentage Misclassified Retail 10 – 40 % Potential benefits of reclassification Type of Structure Percentage Misclassified Retail 10 – 40 % Grocery stores 15 – 40% Office building 10 – 15% Hotels 20 – 40% Warehouses 8 – 12% Light manufacturing 15 – 40% Heavy manufacturing 25 – 70% Processing plants 50 – 90 % Nursing homes 15 – 30% Restaurants 15 – 40%

Also common for: § Amusement parks § Apartment complexes § Auto dealerships § Banks Also common for: § Amusement parks § Apartment complexes § Auto dealerships § Banks § Casinos § Distribution centers § Franchises § Medical centers § Shopping malls § Sports stadiums

What does a cost segregation study apply to? § New commercial buildings under construction What does a cost segregation study apply to? § New commercial buildings under construction § Existing commercial buildings undergoing renovation or expansion § Office leasehold improvements and “fit-outs” § Purchases of existing commercial properties. All post-1986 real estate construction, building acquisitions or improvements → Building should be worth $500, 000 or more ←

Benefits of a Cost Segregation Study Increased depreciation in earlier years and/or one time Benefits of a Cost Segregation Study Increased depreciation in earlier years and/or one time catch up in one year (Form 3115) Ø Results in less federal and state income taxes Ø Results in increased cash flow Ø A dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow (Time Value of Money)

How is a Cost Segregation Study Performed? Various approach types: Ø Detailed Engineering approach How is a Cost Segregation Study Performed? Various approach types: Ø Detailed Engineering approach Ø Actual cost records (new construction) Ø Cost estimate approach (purchase) Ø Survey or letter approach Ø Residual estimation approach Ø Sampling method approach Ø “Rule of Thumb” approach

How is a Cost Segregation Study Performed? 10 elements of a quality cost segregation How is a Cost Segregation Study Performed? 10 elements of a quality cost segregation study: 1. Prepared by an individual with expertise & experience 2. Detailed description of the methodology 3. Use of appropriate documentation 4. Interviews conducted with appropriate parties 5. Use of common nomenclature 6. Explanation of legal analysis 7. Explanation of treatment of overhead costs 8. Consideration of related aspects (other deductions) 9. Identification of 1245 property 10. Reconciliation of total allocated costs

Contract Types What are the types of contracts and the associated risks: Ø Ø Contract Types What are the types of contracts and the associated risks: Ø Ø Lump Sum Time and Material Cost Plus Guaranteed Maximum Price

CONTRACT TYPES Lump Sum § One price which includes fee, cost of work, and CONTRACT TYPES Lump Sum § One price which includes fee, cost of work, and general conditions § Assigns majority of the risk to the contractor § Potentially higher markup by GC to take care of unforeseen contingencies § Elimination of scope or low quality materials to stay within budget § Change orders should be scrutinized

CONTRACT TYPES Time and Material § Owner pays for actual cost of work (labor, CONTRACT TYPES Time and Material § Owner pays for actual cost of work (labor, material, equipment cost, etc. ) plus a markup § Markup is generally a set percentage § No incentive for GC to reduce costs § Low productivity by GC § Owner must establish labor rates, material costs, and equipment rates prior to contract § Owner requires additional supervision

CONTRACT TYPES Cost Plus § GC is reimbursed for specified allowable costs plus a CONTRACT TYPES Cost Plus § GC is reimbursed for specified allowable costs plus a fixed fee § No incentive by GC to reduce cost § Owner assumes risk for cost overruns § More supervision required by owner § Low productivity by GC

CONTRACT TYPES Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) § GC guarantees the project will be built CONTRACT TYPES Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) § GC guarantees the project will be built within a predetermined amount § GC is reimbursed for actual cost plus a fixed fee § Savings are generally shared with the GC § GC may not use best personnel on job § Must audit job cost ledger

CONTRACT TYPES Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Example savings model (50/50 split) GMP amount of CONTRACT TYPES Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Example savings model (50/50 split) GMP amount of $10, 500, 000 Cost of work: $10, 000 Savings (50% of $500 K): $250 K Amount due to GC: $10, 250, 000

What should be included in your audit approach? Ø If possible, auditor involvement should What should be included in your audit approach? Ø If possible, auditor involvement should occur before contract signing Ø Contract language should be updated to reflect the type of project and contract – Identify contradictory language – Lack of specific provisions (insurance, audit clause, etc. ) – Clarification on allowable and unallowable costs – Penalties in place for nonconformance with contract – Include requirements for a detailed breakdown of construction cost for cost segregation studies once work is complete

Ø Getting started: Who are the players? Ø Owner’s project management team or third-party Ø Getting started: Who are the players? Ø Owner’s project management team or third-party construction manager Ø General contractor and subcontractors Ø Architect Ø Utilize a questionnaire to get a perspective – Who, what, when, where, how, and why

Ø Process and procedure control review – Competitive bidding – Capital approvals/expenditures – Compliance Ø Process and procedure control review – Competitive bidding – Capital approvals/expenditures – Compliance with policy and procedures – Payment applications – Change order process – Estimating and scheduling Ø Financial review – Reporting system - internal – Financial reports • Reports agree with actual costs incurred – Payment application processing – Change order costs

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues § Auditing internal procedures, bid processes, change orders and High-Risk Areas and Common Issues § Auditing internal procedures, bid processes, change orders and pay applications are not the beginning and the end. § There are several key risk areas that lend themselves to unnecessary costs that effect your organization’s performance. Of course this list is not the beginning or the end …

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues § Change orders § General conditions (allowable vs. unallowable High-Risk Areas and Common Issues § Change orders § General conditions (allowable vs. unallowable cost) § Material costs § Equipment rental costs § Labor and labor burden § Subcontractor payments § Bid process § Subcontractor contracts

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Change Orders High risk Owner’s contract must include detailed High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Change Orders High risk Owner’s contract must include detailed requirements for estimating/pricing and the ultimate billings of costs Strong procedures and processes must be in place Markup percentages vary by level of contractor Adequate support often not provided Review of labor rates, if not agreed upon in advance, is time consuming

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues General Conditions High risk Owner’s contract must include detailed High-Risk Areas and Common Issues General Conditions High risk Owner’s contract must include detailed requirements on what is considered allowable and unallowable Too many supervisors on site Excessive entertainment and travel Sales tax on exempt projects Rebates or cash discounts not passed to owner Excessive relocation, moving, transportation, and communication costs

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Material Costs High risk Owner’s contract and plans must High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Material Costs High risk Owner’s contract and plans must include detail requirements as to what material is requested and to be used during the construction process Materials charged from another job Excessive order of materials Excessive material storage charges Credits not received for returned materials

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Equipment & Rental Costs High risk Owner’s contract and High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Equipment & Rental Costs High risk Owner’s contract and plans must include detailed requirements as to what equipment is expected to be used on the job Contract should indicate what equipment is anticipated to be rented through the GC Contract needs to specify what is allowed Use industry benchmark data Charges in excess of total value - AED Green Book for example

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Labor & Labor Burden Labor burden percent used is High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Labor & Labor Burden Labor burden percent used is often incorrect Labor burden often includes non-reimbursable items: - Bonuses - Parties - Education Unemployment tax still charged after maximum reached Ease on owner and auditors if rates, including labor burden, are agreed upon for all crafts before work starts If not, contracts must define what is allowable in labor burden build ups

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Subcontractor Payments Back charges not passed through Markups calculated High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Subcontractor Payments Back charges not passed through Markups calculated incorrectly Duplicate COs Errors in payment application Bid Process Need sound internal policies, procedures, and processes Adequate bid schedule General Contractor/Project Managers competing for packages of work Design documents completed

High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Subcontractor Contracts Critical for contracts with a Guaranteed Maximum High-Risk Areas and Common Issues Subcontractor Contracts Critical for contracts with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Variances (under-runs) accrue to the owner Risks • Buyouts are not reviewed/managed by owner • The GC transfers the variance to its self-performed budgeted line items

Case Study #1 Background and business objective The project, a new retail facility completed Case Study #1 Background and business objective The project, a new retail facility completed for $9 M, was 100% complete when the client requested audit assistance. The construction agreement was for a Guaranteed Maximum Price. The audit scope included analysis of the construction contract and an evaluation of the contractor's billing to determine compliance. The owner also requested recommendations for best practices and/or procedural improvements that could be incorporated into the owner's project management process.

Case Study #1 Approach and solution The first objective of the audit was to Case Study #1 Approach and solution The first objective of the audit was to review documentation of costs incurred and paid for by the owner in completion of the project to determine if the requests for reimbursement were in alignment with the applicable contracts. The scope of the audit included all costs invoiced by the general contractor including subcontractor costs, in addition to direct costs paid for by the owner. The second objective of the audit was to obtain an understanding of the control environment surrounding this particular project to determine if any control deficiencies were noted.

Case Study #1 Outcomes and results achieved Potential overcharges totaling $250, 000 (2. 8% Case Study #1 Outcomes and results achieved Potential overcharges totaling $250, 000 (2. 8% of the contract value) was identified due to inaccurate labor burden billing rates. The general contractor billed labor billed ups (FUTA, SUTA, workers compensation, insurance, etc. ) at full regulatory rates rather than the actual rates incurred and to be billed per contract requirements. This was identified by viewing actual detailed labor records provided by the General Contractor. Provided the owner with over 10 process and procedural improvements to easily identify and prevent these costs from being passed through during the course of projects going forward.

Case Study #2 Case Study #1 Background and business objective The project, a new Case Study #2 Case Study #1 Background and business objective The project, a new outpatient facility completed for $42 M, was approximately 50% complete when the client requested audit assistance. The construction agreement was for a Guaranteed Maximum Price. The audit scope included analysis of the construction contract and an evaluation of the contractor's billing, specifically equipment rental rates and general contractor markups, to determine compliance. Client PM identified what he thought were excessive equipment rates on job cost report.

Case Study #2 Case Study #1 Approach and solution The objective of the audit Case Study #2 Case Study #1 Approach and solution The objective of the audit was to review documentation of costs incurred and paid for by the owner in completion of the project to determine if the requests for reimbursement were in alignment with the applicable contracts. Specifically, a full detailed review of equipment rental rates and markup percentages on change orders was performed. Approximately $8 M was added via change orders for the project. The scope of the audit included all costs invoiced by the general contractor including sub-contractor costs, in addition to direct costs paid for by the owner.

Case Study #2 Case Study #1 Outcomes and results achieved Potential overcharges totaling $100, Case Study #2 Case Study #1 Outcomes and results achieved Potential overcharges totaling $100, 000 were identified due to: • General contractor owned rental equipment billed in excess of the fair market value. • Overhead and profit were calculated by applying 5% overhead before applying 10% profit by general contractors and subcontractors resulting in a tiered profit margin. These overcharges were identified by reviewing general contractor rental equipment charges applied to the job and comparing their fair value to the charges applied to the job. Approximately 90% of the tools/equipment charged to the job were billed in excess of the fair market value. The tiered markup was identified by recalculating markups applied by the general contractor and subcontractors on change orders

Summary § Procurement of capital construction assets involves high risk activities and complicated execution Summary § Procurement of capital construction assets involves high risk activities and complicated execution processes. § Construction Audits and Cost Segregation Studies are not an expense – they are necessary for sound, effective cost management that reduces total project costs. § Construction Audits are an essential internal control process to maximize capital program effectiveness. § Auditor involvement in the beginning provides a tone of oversight and often results in limited cost overruns or overcharges/billing errors.

Thank you! Questions? Ryan J. Hauber, MBA, CFE, CCA, CCP Partner – Construction Audit Thank you! Questions? Ryan J. Hauber, MBA, CFE, CCA, CCP Partner – Construction Audit Services Honkamp Krueger & Co. , P. C. | 888 -556 -0123 rhauber@honkamp. com | www. honkamp. com Matt R. Gardner, CCA, CICA Practice Leader – Construction Audit Services Honkamp Krueger & Co. , P. C. | 888 -556 -0123 mgardner@honkamp. com | www. honkamp. com Adam R. Reisch, CPA, CFP ®, CCA, CGMA Partner – Cost Segregation Services Honkamp Krueger & Co. , P. C. | 888 -556 -0123 areisch@honkamp. com | www. honkamp. com