For the second year in a row, auditors reviewing the Marianas Visitors Authority found the same problems waiting for them: late personnel authorizations, missing procurement documents, and contracts approved without required public notice.
Auditors from Burger Comer & Associates reported that MVA’s FY2024 financial statements were fairly presented, but the agency continued to operate with weak internal controls that increase the risk of unauthorized hires, improper procurement, and non‑compliance with CNMI regulations.
The audit found that 91% of personnel action forms reviewed were signed after their effective dates, and some lacked clear documentation. Procurement testing showed missing public notices, absent sole‑source justifications, and incomplete contract files. More than half of contracts lacked required approval from the Advertising and Promotions Committee.
MVA’s financial position also declined. The agency ended FY2024 with $7.23 million in restricted net position, down from $8.06 million the previous year. Revenues fell to $9.94 million, driven by a sharp drop in federal grant funding, while expenditures decreased to $10.77 million.
Visitor arrivals rose 22 percent to 237,498, led by continued recovery in the Korea market. Japan and China remained limited due to currency conditions, travel behavior shifts, and restricted air service.
Despite the operational weaknesses, auditors issued unmodified opinions for MVA’s federal programs, including ARPA Fiscal Recovery Funds and CDBG‑DR, and reported no questioned costs.
MVA agreed with all findings and outlined corrective steps, including strengthened procurement documentation, improved personnel action procedures, and centralized contract management.
