Prepare for and Defend Against DCAA & DCMA Audits
Contracting with the federal government makes your records subject to audit. For government contractors, auditing is a matter of when – not if.
Small and medium-size business contractors often lack the in-house expertise to represent themselves through the audit process. Hiring a government audit expert can save you time, money and headaches when dealing with DCAA and DCMA auditors.
Our in-depth understanding of the audit process makes Left Brain Professionals your optimal partner for all aspects of DCAA accounting, compliance and understanding of GovCon audits. Led by a CPA and GovCon accountant with over 15 years of federal audit experience, we have the expertise to guide you through the complex maze of federal regulations.
We’ve helped companies – small, medium, and large – successfully navigate the DCAA and DCMA audit process. The best time to prepare for an audit is before you are audited. We can help you with:
- Accounting System Adequacy
- Audit Representation and Defense
- Claims Audits/Termination Proposals
- Contract Proposal Audits
- DCAA Audit Support
- DCMA Audit Support
- Financial Capability Assessments
- Incurred Cost Audits
- Pre-Contract Award Compliance Audits
- Post-Audit Remediation
Compliance and audits are built around three fundamental steps:
1. Say what you do (written policies & procedures)
2. Do what you say (consistently follow your P&P)
3. Have evidence to prove it (historical records should validate P&P)
Three phases of an audit:
1. Known audit, but no set date
This is the least stressful phase as there are no looming deadlines. This is your opportunity to prepare and complete a mock audit.
Mock audits allow you to undergo the same level of scrutiny without the fear of failure. We work with you to correct any deficiencies ensuring success on the actual audit.
2. Audit notice received
Now is crunch time. Most auditors provide at least 30 days to schedule and prepare for an audit. If you completed a mock audit, gathering updated information for the real audit is easy. In fact, you may be able to reuse some of the same data and records.
If you did not complete the mock audit, you still have time to gather all of the requested documents and potentially identify and correct any deficiencies before the auditors arrive.
3. Audit complete
Now is the time to correct deficiencies. Depending upon the nature and severity of the findings, auditors may require (or allow) some items to be corrected before issuing the final audit report.
Why & When to Hire a Professional
CPAs and consultants know the audits and the audit process. They know the questions auditors ask, the answers they expect, and can help you navigate the process. They also know what to say and what not to say during an audit.
An external party can you help successfully pass an audit by:
- Acting as the primary point of contact between you and the auditors
- Helping you prepare
- Managing the audit project from beginning to end
- Providing bandwidth to support the audit
Call early and call often. The sooner you involve us, the sooner we can help. Even if it’s just a quick question while updating your policies and procedures.
Call a professional the moment you receive notice of an audit. We can help ensure you know the exact audit to be performed, assistance with initial response to auditors, and the set the stage for a successful audit. Note that certain types of audits may require support from multiple professionals including your attorney.