2001 Annual Report - FPI & Small Business - A Winning Combination

Federal Prison Industries (FPI) believes that growing small business opportunities and returning inmates to society with job skills can and should be complementary, not mutually exclusive objectives. To this end, we have established a website that will provide those interested in partnering with FPI information about:

• FPI’s Business Development Program
• How the acquisition process works
• How to contact contracting personnel within each business group
• Upcoming and current solicitations/business opportunities
• Sample joint venture agreements
• Quarterly updates of total procurement dollars awarded to small businesses

In addition, to help small businesses better understand FPI’s manufacturing and service capabilities, we plan on developing a "capability statement." FPI staff are also willing to offer consultation to small businesses to critique, assess, and recommend best approaches for facilitating teaming arrangements and partnerships with FPI.

FPI’s leadership, procurement, and product managers are strongly committed to expanding its outreach to small businesses as either direct vendors, subcontractors to FPI vendors, or prime vendors with FPI fulfilling a subcontracting role.

DID YOU KNOW... that in FY 2001, FPI awarded 66 percent of its contracts to small businesses. This is in addition to credit card purchases, which generate significant sales for small businesses as well.

DID YOU KNOW... that each year procurement preference agency goals are established by the Small Business Administration and FPI’s aim is to not only meet the statutory requirements, but to exceed them? We are proud of the fact that for the past 5 years, FPI has been recognized by the Department of Justice for its support of small businesses.

DID YOU KNOW... that all new product proposals or significant expansion recommendations are reviewed by FPI’s Board of Directors? The Board welcomes and takes into consideration comments from private industry, to include small businesses and on several occasions denied or limited production of products that could have had an adverse impact on the small business community (e.g., electric portable/hand lighting equipment; aluminum and steel shipping/storage containers; and gloves).

DID YOU KNOW... that FPI is willing to consider waiving its mandatory source preference when Federal customers want to contract directly with a specific small business?

DID YOU KNOW... that FPI has an active Business Development Program that has produced numerous teaming agreements and partnerships with small businesses? Examples include partnerships for interior/exterior signs, dorm and quarters furniture, print services, cut fabric, customer services and sales support for promotional items, industrial filters, glass recycling, and task lights.

In one of the most recent examples, FPI entered into a partnership to produce perimeter security systems with a network of small businesses. To maintain maximum customer discretion and minimize impact on other private sector providers, this product was added without making it a mandatory source item. Design, testing, installation, and customer services will be provided by small businesses and FPI will manufacture the systems. Together, the partnership will provide turnkey solutions to meet the Federal Government’s needs.

To learn more about FPI procurement and growing jobs to support both the small business community and FPI’s mission, log onto www.unicor.gov/procurement.

Opportunities sometimes arise in surprising places. When confronted with a prison term in excess of 10 years, I knew that my life was going to change dramatically. Ironically, change has been in the form of increased employability, better communication skills, and a confidence that even I can make a meaningful, productive contribution to the world--a totally new concept for me!

The thought of wasting an entire decade can erode the soul and transform the will to survive into a secret negativity, which if left unchecked can destroy. UNICOR provided not only the opportunity to learn many things, but a chance for me to beat the oppressiveness of isolation from a world which threatened to pass me by. I got the chance to develop a professional knowledge of Sheet Metal Product manufacturing and knowledge of various clerical and managerial functions. Typing, organizational skills, computer skills, and Spanish learned through hands-on training have combined with formal business courses to transform me into a working professional. Through my employment at UNICOR, productivity has become reality, not fantasy. Skills perfected here are a metamorphosis to a better, meaningful and productive "free-life"”; something I never thought possible. "Success" is now a word I ponder subjectively; not objectively. My fears of becoming just an animal trying to survive, have been gradually replaced by confidence.

Staff here have provided encouragement, showing patience and understanding, making this factory an escape from everyday yard pressures and protocols. Anybody wishing to, can excel and learn virtually every aspect of sheet metal product manufacturing; provided of course that they are willing to work. I have seen many inmates start with menial jobs and become skilled tradesmen through experience--there is still hope. Many who are released seek employment in areas learned here. There is no ceiling at Terminal Island UNICOR; through apprenticeships and continuing education, people who used to be burdens on society have become productive and useful. I, myself will be one of the first Powder Coating Journeymen in the United States, because of opportunities here in UNICOR. Not only did I complete this apprenticeship program, but I mastered it. A monumental accomplishment in a life having none.

"UNICOR has become the best medicine for me. I pray that others can receive the same prescription."

My independence has unburdened my family and friends. Where they were once embarrassed by my incarceration, they are now proud of my accomplishments, and are happy - rather than reluctant - to discuss them with myself and others. Not a single conversation between us passes without confirmation of this. I no longer call home for assistance. And, pre-paid calls are gladly accepted.

My fear of confinement and rejection from society has gradually been replaced by an eagerness for the chance to begin life anew; a chance that few normal people ever get. UNICOR has become the best medicine for me. I pray that others can receive the same prescription. In a system that has been scaling back on luxuries and programs, UNICOR is the best thing we have going for rehabilitation. For those who want change, it is still available, although it takes work--UNICOR. UNICOR is making the difference for me!