Does UNICOR adversely impact private sector jobs?
FPI’s Board of Directors takes seriously its statutory responsibilities, which includes minimizing of any undue impact on a given industry. In fact, prior to producing a new product or significantly expanding the production of an existing product, private industry is afforded an opportunity to present its concerns to FPI’s Board of Directors through an extensive process involving market analysis, public comment and public board hearing. Prison industry programs stimulate local economies, resulting in the creation of civilian jobs. FPI relies heavily on the private sector, particularly small business, for supplies, raw materials, equipment and services to support its operations. During FY 2006, FPI made purchases from the private sector totaling over $552 million; more than half of which were from small businesses, including women and minority owned and disadvantaged businesses. For some companies, complementing their existing workforce with inmate workers has prevented them from either
