8.601
General
Federal agencies must consider and are encouraged to purchase supplies and services from Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) to support inmate rehabilitation, as listed in the FPI Schedule.
Overview
FAR 8.601 introduces Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known as UNICOR, as a government-owned corporation that provides training and employment for federal prisoners by selling goods and services to government agencies. The section outlines FPI’s mission to support prisoner rehabilitation while minimizing negative effects on private industry. It also explains that FPI’s offerings are cataloged in the FPI Schedule, available online or by written request. Agencies are encouraged to purchase from FPI whenever practicable, making FPI a preferred source for certain government acquisitions.
Key Rules
- FPI’s Role and Purpose
- FPI is a government corporation providing work and training for federal inmates through the sale of goods and services to federal agencies.
- Product and Service Listing
- All FPI-manufactured supplies and services are listed in the FPI Schedule, accessible online or by request.
- Agency Purchasing Encouragement
- Agencies are encouraged to buy from FPI to the maximum extent practicable, supporting its rehabilitative mission.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must consider FPI as a source and review the FPI Schedule for relevant products/services.
- Contractors: Should be aware that agencies may prioritize FPI offerings in procurement.
- Agencies: Should maximize purchases from FPI when feasible and ensure compliance with FPI acquisition policies.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures agencies support prisoner rehabilitation by purchasing from FPI when possible.
- Contracting officers must check FPI availability before seeking other sources, which can affect acquisition planning and timelines.
- Failure to consider FPI may result in compliance issues or procurement delays.