Sandia has designated the Contract Audit Department as an independent appraiser responsible for auditing supplier contracts and subcontracts that support the Laboratories’ mission. Contract Audit also provides accounting and financial services in the negotiation, administration, and settlement of costs for contracts placed by Sandia Procurement.
The information and templates below relate to audit processes for contractors, Sandia Subcontracting Professionals (SPs), Sandia Delegated Representatives (SDRs), and requesters. Forms can also be found on the Contractor Bidder Information policies page.
For a better understanding of audit material, please view our Glossary of Terms (MS WORD).
Information and Templates for Audit Processes
Audit Engagement Letter (PDF)
This letter is sent to the contractor by the Contract Audit Department prior to performing an audit and explains its scope and objectives. The letter lists the contract(s) that will be audited and asks that the contractor acknowledge that contract(s) listed represent all of the contractor’s auditable Sandia contracts and that the contractor understands the scope and objectives of the audit engagement.
Management Representation Letter (PDF)
This letter is obtained from the highest level of the audited entity. The official who signs the management representation letter is the person who, in the auditor’s view, is responsible for and knowledgeable, directly or through others, about the matters in the letter. Written representations from management ordinarily confirm oral ones given to the auditor, indicate and document the continuing appropriateness of those representations, and reduce the possibility of misunderstanding. The letter includes representations about financial information, financial statements, internal controls, indirect rates, related party transactions, conflict of interest, and compliance with laws, regulations, and contract terms and conditions. A management representation letter is required by General Accepted Auditing Standards and General Accepted Government Auditing Standards.
An Electronic Cost Claim (ECC) is prepared and provided by the contractor to Sandia Contract Audit in preparation for an audit. The document is used to compare and reconcile previously billed and paid amounts shown in Sandia’s accounting system. It also provides the contractor with an additional opportunity to review previous billings to ensure there have not been errors. The ECC is the basis for the statistical audit sample selections made by the auditor. These should be submitted within 90 days of a contractor’s fiscal year end.
These guidelines are intended for companies that wish to conduct business with Sandia, and are designed to help companies develop adequate accounting systems and processes to support their government contracting efforts.
Contractors – Contract Audit Overview (PDF)
Information sheet describing the types of supporting documentation the contractor might be asked to provide during an audit, and a list describing some common audit findings.