STANDARDS & PROCEDURES THAT FACILITATE FPI'S ABILITY TO ACCOMPLISH ITS MISSION On January 7, 1999, Federal Prison Industries, Inc. published a draft rule in the Federal Register, entitled "FPI Standards and Procedures that Facilitate FPI's Ability to Accomplish its Mission." A 60-day public comment period was provided and comments were due by March 8, 1999. In order to allow additional time for public review and comments, another 60-day public comment period is being provided. The publication of FPI's procedures marks the culmination of a process that began a few years ago in efforts to clarify certain provisions of FPI's statute, 18 U.S.C. 4121 et seq. It represents a continuing effort to make the use of FPI as a provider of goods and services to the Government as simple and efficient as possible. The document's provisions include: purpose and scope; definitions; a mission statement; roles and responsibilities of FPI's Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and the Ombudsman; agency meeting procedures; inmate employment levels; provision of products as a mandatory source; provision of products as a non-mandatory source; provision of services to the commercial market; waiver and appeal procedures; pricing; and new product development or expansion. FPI is codifying its procedures in order to clarify its procedures and to foster its relationship with its customers and suppliers by providing for public review and comment. DESCRIPTION OF FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES: Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), which operates under the trade name UNICOR, is a wholly-owned government corporation within the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons. The corporation was created by Congress in 1934, and provides employment, education, and training opportunities to inmates under Federal custody. UNICOR's mission is to employ and provide skills training to the greatest practicable number of inmates in Federal correctional facilities necessary to ensure the safe and secure operation of such facilities, and in doing so, to produce market priced, quality goods in aself-sustaining manner and minimizes potential impact on private business and labor. FPI produces more than 150 separate items at over 100 factory locations and provides these products to Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. FPI also provides services to federal agencies and to other customers pursuant to its recycling and services programs. COMMENTS: If applicable, comments are due by May 10, 1999. Comments should be sent to: Rules Unit, Office of General Counsel, Bureau of Prisons, HOLC Room 754, 320 First Street, NW., Washington, DC 20534. MISCELLANEOUS: If you have any questions or if you would like a copy of the proposed rule, please contact Marianne S. Cantwell, Corporate Counsel, Federal Prison Industries, Inc., phone (202) 305-3501. Posted 03/05/99 (W-SN305311).

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