(a) Each nonstate entity which is required to be audited pursuant to sections 4-230 to 4-236, inclusive, shall designate an independent auditor to conduct such audit. Not later than thirty days before the end of the fiscal period for which the audit is required, the nonstate entity shall file the name of such auditor with the cognizant agency. If a nonstate entity fails to make such filing, the cognizant agency may designate an independent auditor to conduct the audit. A nonstate entity shall be responsible for paying the costs of any audit conducted by an independent auditor designated by a cognizant agency.

(b) (1) Upon the completion of the audit, pursuant to sections 4-230 to 4-236, inclusive, the nonstate entity shall file a copy of the audit report with the cognizant agency and, if applicable, state grantor agencies and pass-through entities. Once filed, such report shall be made available by the nonstate entity for public inspection. Copies of the report shall be filed not later than thirty days after completion of such report, if possible, but not later than six months after the end of the audit period. The cognizant agency may grant an extension of not more than thirty days, if the auditor conducting the audit and the chief executive officer of the nonstate entity jointly submit a request in writing to the cognizant agency that includes the reasons for such extension and an estimate of the time needed for completion of such audit, at least thirty days prior to the end of such six-month period. If the reason for the extension relates to deficiencies in the accounting system of the nonstate entity, the request shall be accompanied by a corrective action plan. The auditor or chief executive officer shall promptly provide any additional information the cognizant agency may require. Before determining whether to grant an extension request, the cognizant agency may require the auditor and officials of the nonstate entity to meet with representatives of the cognizant agency.

(2) Any nonstate entity, or auditor of such nonstate entity, which fails to have the audit report filed on its behalf within six months after the end of the fiscal year or within the time granted by the cognizant agency may be assessed, by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, a civil penalty of not less than one thousand dollars but not more than ten thousand dollars. In addition to, or in lieu of such penalty, the cognizant agency may assign an auditor to perform the audit of such nonstate entity. In such case, the nonstate entity shall be responsible for the costs related to the audit. The secretary may, upon receipt of a written request from an official of the nonstate entity or its auditor, waive all such penalties if the secretary determines that there appears to be reasonable cause for the entity not having completed or provided the required audit report.