Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2006 - (Sec. 2) Amends federal criminal code provisions relating to Federal Prison Industries (FPI) (a wholly-owned government corporation) to establish governmentwide procurement policies for purchases from FPI based upon competitive procedures. Authorizes contract awards on a noncompetitive basis if the Attorney General determines that FPI cannot reasonably expect fair consideration to receive a contract award on a competitive basis and the contract award is necessary to maintain inmate work opportunities.
Specifies conditions under which a contract award may be made to FPI using other than competitive procedures. Provides that a timely offer received from FPI to furnish a product or service to a federal agency shall be considered for award without limitation as to the dollar value of the proposed purchase, unless the contract opportunity has been reserved for competition for small businesses under the Small Business Act and its regulations.
Allows FPI to exclude from its bids certain costs relating to security, educating and training inmates, and excess capital costs of machinery and inventories used in prisons.
Makes decisions by a federal contracting officer regarding the award of a contract to FPI or the performance of such contract final, unless reversed on appeal.
Requires federal agencies to report purchases from FPI to the Federal Procurement Data System.
Requires FPI to publish and maintain a catalogue of its products and services.
Imposes federal occupational, health, and safety standards on FPI with respect to its industrial operations.
(Sec. 3) Revises rulemaking procedures for approving new FPI products or services. Requires the Chief Operating Officer of FPI to submit a proposal to the Board of Directors of FPI with a detailed analysis of the probable impact on the private sector of a proposed expansion of sales from such new products or services.
(Sec. 4) Requires a federal agency that has a requirement for a product that is authorized for sale by FPI and is listed in its catalog to first solicit an offer from FPI and make purchases on a noncompetitive basis. Requires, subject to specified limitations, a contract award to be made on a noncompetitive basis to FPI if the contracting officer determines that: (1) the FPI product will meet the procurement requirements; (2) timely performance of the contract by FPI can be reasonably expected; and (3) the negotiated price does not exceed a fair and reasonable price.
Requires that the terms and conditions of a procurement contract and the price to be paid to FPI be determined by negotiation between FPI and the federal agency making the purchase. Prohibits the negotiated price from exceeding a fair and reasonable price as determined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Prohibits the total dollar value of FPI sales to the federal government in FY2008-FY2012 from exceeding specified percentages of FPI sales for the base period. Sets limits on FPI sales within various business sectors, relating to specific products, and arising from changes in design specifications. Prohibits the use of such preferential contracting authorities on or after October 1, 2012. Requires the Attorney General to make specified findings on the effect of such percentage limitations.
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the head of an executive agency, before purchasing a product listed in the latest FPI catalog, to conduct market research to determine whether the FPI product is comparable to products available from the private sector that best meet the agency's needs in terms of price, quality, and time of delivery.
Prohibits the head of an executive agency from entering into a contract with FPI under which an inmate would have access to sensitive or classified information.
(Sec. 5) Authorizes FPI to enter into a contract with a federal contractor or subcontractor to produce products as a subcontractor or supplier, but restricts FPI products or services from a subcontractor from entering the commercial market or infringing on procurement preferences for the blind or disabled or on certain Buy America requirements. Specifies that use of FPI as a subcontractor or supplier cannot be imposed upon prospective or actual federal prime contractors or subcontractors.
(Sec. 6) Requires the Board of Directors of FPI to prescribe hourly wage rates for inmates performing work for or through FPI. Requires an hourly minimum rate of $2.50 for inmates whose term of imprisonment will expire in two years or less. Requires a biannual review of inmate wage rates.
Directs the Board of Directors of FPI, not later than September 30, 2008, to increase the maximum wage rate for inmates to 50% of the minimum wage rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and to 100% of such wage rate not later than September 30, 2013. Limits to 80% the maximum amount of deductions from inmates' gross.
(Sec. 7) Includes services furnished by such convicts or prisoners within the prohibition against the transportation or importation of goods produced by prisoners or convicts in interstate or foreign commerce. Allows for the completion of existing contracts and programs involving federal inmates who are furnishing services in commerce.
(Sec. 9) Provides that nothing in this Act shall establish: (1) an entitlement of any federal prison inmate to employment in a FPI facility or any particular wage or benefit; (2) inmates as employees for purposes of any law or program; or (3) any cause of action against the United States.
(Sec. 10) Establishes within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBP) the Enhanced In-Prison Educational and Vocational Assessment and Training Program to provide: (1) in-prison assessments of inmates' needs and aptitudes; (2) a full range of educational opportunities; (3) vocational training and apprenticeships; and (4) comprehensive release-readiness preparation. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after FY2007. Expresses the sense of Congress that FPI should use some of its net earnings to accomplish the purposes of this program. Phases in the implementation of the program in all federal prisons within eight years.
Amends the federal criminal code to authorize inmates with work assignments within FPI to perform work for a tax-exempt charity, religious organization, or local governmental unit or school district (eligible entities) that have an agreement with FPI. Establishes the position of Inmate Work Training Administrator to create alternative inmate work opportunities with eligible entities. Sets forth requirements for proposals by eligible entities for participation in inmate work programs, including certain representations regarding the charitable nature of the entities' work, protections for non-inmate workers, wage rates for inmates, and deductions from inmate wages. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.
Directs the Chief Operating Officer of FPI to develop proposals to have FPI donate products and services to charitable entities that provide goods or services to low-income individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.
Establishes with the FBP the Cognitive Abilities Assessment Demonstration Program to assess the cognitive abilities and perceptual skills of inmates to prepare such inmates to return to society and reduce recidivism. Requires such demonstration program to be conducted for three consecutive fiscal years beginning during FY2008 at 12 federal correctional institutions and to be offered to 6,000 inmates who are within five years of release. Directs the Director of the FPB to report to Congress on such demonstration programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.
Requires the Director of the FBP to offer prerelease employment assistance to inmates upon release.
(Sec. 11) Authorizes private for-profit business entities to participate in work-based training and apprenticeship programs for federal prison inmates. Sets forth requirements relating to training and wage rates for inmates.
Prohibits FPI from offering for commercial sale products produced or services furnished by federal inmates.
Terminates authority for programs after September 30, 2016, and requires all agreements relating to programs to be performed before October 1, 2021.
Requires the Attorney General to: (1) meet with officials of FPI to review inmate work-based training programs; and (2) report to the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on program progress.
Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) undertake an on-going assessment of inmate work-based training programs; (2) provide an opportunity for public comment on the scope and methodology of such assessment; and (3) make interim and final reports to Congress on such assessment.
(Sec. 12) Revises the membership structure and terms of the Board of Directors of FPI.
(Sec. 13) Permits FPI to: (1) locate more than one workshop at a federal correctional facility; and (2) operate a workshop outside a facility if all inmates working in such workshop are classified as minimum security inmates.
Directs FPI to establish a cost accounting system.
(Sec. 14) Directs that correctional officers or other employees of FPI who are separated from employment due to reductions in FPI revenues be: (1) eligible for appointment in the competitive civil service; (2) registered on a Bureau of Prisons reemployment priority list; and (3) given priority for appropriate positions in the Bureau of Prisons.
(Sec. 15) Revises and expands FPI annual reporting requirements to Congress. Requires copies of FPI's annual reports to be made available to the public.
(Sec. 17) Provides for proposed revisions to the Governmentwide Federal Acquisition Regulation for implementing this Act and final regulations within 180 days of enactment of this Act. Requires public participation in the formulation of such regulations.
Requires the Board of Directors of FPI to issue regulations defining "prison-made product," "prison-furnished service," " specific product," and "specific service." Requires the Board of Directors to use means designed to most effectively solicit public comment on proposed regulations, procedures, and policies and to conduct open meetings.
Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish an inmate training wage pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
(Sec. 18) States that provisions of this Act relating to FPI bid protests are not intended to alter the protest rights of any other offeror of a federal contract bid. States that nothing in this Act is intended to modify the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (concerning procurement from persons who are blind or severely disabled).
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2965 Introduced in House (IH)]
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2965
To amend title 18, United States Code, to require Federal Prison
Industries to compete for its contracts minimizing its unfair
competition with private sector firms and their non-inmate workers and
empowering Federal agencies to get the best value for taxpayers'
dollars, to provide a five-year period during which Federal Prison
Industries adjusts to obtaining inmate work opportunities through other
than its mandatory source status, to enhance inmate access to remedial
and vocational opportunities and other rehabilitative opportunities to
better prepare inmates for a successful return to society, to authorize
alternative inmate work opportunities in support of non-profit
organizations and other public service programs, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 17, 2005
Mr. Hoekstra (for himself, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Mrs. Maloney,
Mr. Sensenbrenner, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Coble, Mr. Manzullo, Mr. Nadler,
Mr. Ehlers, Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia, Mr. Dingell, Mr. Jenkins, Mr.
Everett, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Hostettler, Mr. Feeney, Mr. Kingston, Ms.
Baldwin, Mr. Inglis of South Carolina, Mr. Upton, Mr. Emanuel, Mr.
Bartlett of Maryland, Mr. Knollenberg, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Flake, Mr.
Sessions, Mr. Olver, Mr. LoBiondo, Mrs. Myrick, Mr. Royce, Mr. Lantos,
Mr. McGovern, Mr. Pence, Mr. Souder, Mr. Camp, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Boehner,
Mr. Ney, Mr. Carter, Mr. Nussle, Mr. Weiner, Mr. Norwood, Mr. Rogers of
Michigan, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania, Mr. Duncan, Mr. McCotter, Mr.
McKeon, Ms. Hart, Mr. Kucinich, Mr. Thornberry, Mr. Ryan of Wisconsin,
Mr. Latham, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, Mr. Leach, Mr. Shadegg, Ms.
Woolsey, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Culberson, Mr. Gingrey, Mr. Terry, Mr.
Wamp, Mr. Ferguson, Mrs. Musgrave, Mr. Chocola, Mr. Beauprez, Mr.
Porter, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Tiberi, Mrs. Biggert, Mr. Wilson of South
Carolina, Mr. Shuster, Mr. Moran of Kansas, Mr. Hayes, Mr. King of
Iowa, Mrs. Wilson of New Mexico, Mr. Barrett of South Carolina, Mr.
Platts, and Mr. Cantor) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to require Federal Prison
Industries to compete for its contracts minimizing its unfair
competition with private sector firms and their non-inmate workers and
empowering Federal agencies to get the best value for taxpayers'
dollars, to provide a five-year period during which Federal Prison
Industries adjusts to obtaining inmate work opportunities through other
than its mandatory source status, to enhance inmate access to remedial
and vocational opportunities and other rehabilitative opportunities to
better prepare inmates for a successful return to society, to authorize
alternative inmate work opportunities in support of non-profit
organizations and other public service programs, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Prison
Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2005''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Governmentwide procurement policy relating to purchases from
Federal Prison Industries.
Sec. 3. Public participation regarding expansion proposals by Federal
Prison Industries.
Sec. 4. Transitional mandatory source authority.
Sec. 5. Authority to perform as a Federal subcontractor.
Sec. 6. Inmate wages and deductions.
Sec. 7. Clarifying amendment relating to services.
Sec. 8. Conforming amendment.
Sec. 9. Rules of construction relating to chapter 307.
Sec. 10. Providing additional rehabilitative opportunities for inmates.
Sec. 11. Restructuring the Board of Directors.
Sec. 12. Providing additional management flexibility to Federal Prison
Industries operations.
Sec. 13. Transitional personnel management authority.
Sec. 14. Federal Prison Industries report to Congress.
Sec. 15. Independent study to determine the effects of eliminating the
Federal Prison Industries mandatory source
authority.
Sec. 16. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 17. Definitions.
Sec. 18. Implementing regulations and procedures.
Sec. 19. Rules of construction.
Sec. 20. Effective date and applicability.
Sec. 21. Clerical amendments.
SEC. 2. GOVERNMENTWIDE PROCUREMENT POLICY RELATING TO PURCHASES FROM
FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES.
Section 4124 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 4124. Governmentwide procurement policy relating to purchases
from Federal Prison Industries
``(a) In General.--Purchases from Federal Prison Industries,
Incorporated, a wholly owned Government corporation, as referred to in
section 9101(3)(E) of title 31, may be made by a Federal department or
agency only in accordance with this section.
``(b) Solicitation and Evaluation of Offers and Contract Awards.--
(1) If a procurement activity of a Federal department or agency has a
requirement for a specific product or service that is authorized to be
offered for sale by Federal Prison Industries, in accordance with
section 4122 of this title, and is listed in the catalog referred to in
subsection (g), the procurement activity shall solicit an offer from
Federal Prison Industries, if the purchase is expected to be in excess
of the micro-purchase threshold (as defined by section 32(f) of the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 428(f))).
``(2) A contract award for such product or service shall be made
using competitive procedures in accordance with the applicable
evaluation factors, unless a determination is made by the Attorney
General pursuant to paragraph (3) or an award using other than
competitive procedures is authorized pursuant to paragraph (7).
``(3) The procurement activity shall negotiate with Federal Prison
Industries on a noncompetitive basis for the award of a contract if the
Attorney General determines that--
``(A) Federal Prison Industries cannot reasonably expect
fair consideration to receive the contract award on a
competitive basis; and
``(B) the contract award is necessary to maintain work
opportunities otherwise unavailable at the penal or
correctional facility at which the contract is to be performed
to prevent circumstances that could reasonably be expected to
significantly endanger the safe and effective administration of
such facility.
``(4) Except in the case of an award to be made pursuant to
paragraph (3), a contract award shall be made with Federal Prison
Industries only if the contracting officer for the procurement activity
determines that--
``(A) the specific product or service to be furnished will
meet the requirements of the procurement activity (including
any applicable prequalification requirements and all specified
commercial or governmental standards pertaining to quality,
testing, safety, serviceability, and warranties);
``(B) timely performance of the contract can be reasonably
expected; and
``(C) the contract price does not exceed a current market
price.
``(5) A determination by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph
(3) shall be--
``(A) supported by specific findings by the warden of the
penal or correctional institution at which a Federal Prison
Industries workshop is scheduled to perform the contract;
``(B) supported by specific findings by Federal Prison
Industries regarding why it does not expect to win the contract
on a competitive basis; and
``(C) made and reported in the same manner as a
determination made pursuant to section 303(c)(7) of the Federal
Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C.
253(c)(7)).
``(6) If the Attorney General has not made the determination
described in paragraph (3) within 30 days after Federal Prison
Industries has been informed of a contracting opportunity by a
procurement activity, the procurement activity may proceed to conduct a
procurement for the product or service in accordance with the
procedures generally applicable to such procurements by the procurement
activity.
``(7) A contract award may be made to Federal Prison Industries
using other than competitive procedures if such product or service is
only available from Federal Prison Industries and the contract may be
awarded under the authority of section 2304(c)(1) of title 10 or
section 303(c) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act
of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 252(c)(1)), as may be applicable, and pursuant to
the justification and approval requirements relating to such
noncompetitive procurements specified by law and the Governmentwide
Federal Acquisition Regulation.
``(8) A contract award may be made to Federal Prison Industries
using other than competitive procedures by the Federal Bureau of
Prisons.
``(9) A contract award may be made to Federal Prison Industries
using other than competitive procedures if the product or service to be
acquired would otherwise be furnished by a contractor preforming the
work outside of the United States.
``(c) Offers From Federal Prison Industries.--A timely offer
received from Federal Prison Industries to furnish a product or service
to a Federal department or agency shall be considered for award without
limitation as to the dollar value of the proposed purchase, unless the
contract opportunity has been reserved for competition exclusively
among small business concerns pursuant to section 15(a) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(a)) and its implementing regulations.
``(d) Performance by Federal Prison Industries.--Federal Prison
Industries shall perform its contractual obligations under a contract
awarded by a Federal department or agency to the same extent as any
other contractor.
``(e) Finality of Contracting Officer's Decision.--(1) A decision
by a contracting officer regarding the award of a contract to Federal
Prison Industries or relating to the performance of such contract shall
be final, unless reversed on appeal pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3).
``(2) The Chief Executive Officer of Federal Prison Industries may
appeal to the head of a Federal department or agency a decision by a
contracting officer not to award a contract to Federal Prison
Industries pursuant to subsection (b)(4). The decision of the head of a
Federal department or agency on appeal shall be final.
``(3) A dispute between Federal Prison Industries and a procurement
activity regarding performance of a contract shall be subject to--
``(A) alternative means of dispute resolution pursuant to
subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5; or
``(B) final resolution by the board of contract appeals
having jurisdiction over the procurement activity's contract
performance disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of
1978 (41 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
``(f) Reporting of Purchases.--Each Federal department or agency
shall report purchases from Federal Prison Industries to the Federal
Procurement Data System (as referred to in section 6(d)(4) of the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 405(d)(4))) in the
same manner as it reports to such System any acquisition in an amount
in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (as defined by
section 4(11) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41
U.S.C. 403(11))).
``(g) Catalog of Products.--Federal Prison Industries shall publish
and maintain a catalog of all specific products and services that it is
authorized to offer for sale. Such catalog shall be periodically
revised as products and services are added or deleted by its board of
directors (in accordance with section 4122(b) of this title).
``(h) Compliance With Standards.--Federal Prison Industries shall
be subject to Federal occupational, health, and safety standards with
respect to the operation of its industrial operations.''.
SEC. 3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REGARDING EXPANSION PROPOSALS BY FEDERAL
PRISON INDUSTRIES.
Section 4122(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (12); and
(2) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5) and inserting the
following new paragraphs:
``(4) A decision to authorize Federal Prison Industries to offer a
new specific product or specific service or to expand the production of
an existing product or service shall be made by its board of directors
in conformance with the requirements of subsections (b), (c), (d), and
(e) of section 553 of title 5, and this chapter.
``(5)(A) Whenever Federal Prison Industries proposes to offer for
sale a new specific product or specific service or to expand production
of a currently authorized product or service, the Chief Operating
Officer of Federal Prison Industries shall submit an appropriate
proposal to the board of directors and obtain the board's approval
before initiating any such expansion. The proposal submitted to the
board shall include a detailed analysis of the probable impact of the
proposed expansion of sales within the Federal market by Federal Prison
Industries on private sector firms and their non-inmate workers.
``(B)(i) The analysis required by subparagraph (A) shall be
performed by an interagency team on a reimbursable basis or by a
private contractor paid by Federal Prison Industries.
``(ii) If the analysis is to be performed by an interagency team,
such team shall be led by the Administrator of the Small Business
Administration or the designee of such officer with representatives of
the Department of Labor, the Department of Commerce, and the Federal
Procurement Data Center.
``(iii) If the analysis is to be performed by a private contractor,
the selection of the contractor and the administration of the contract
shall be conducted by one of the entities referenced in clause (ii) as
an independent executive agent for the board of directors. Maximum
consideration shall be given to any proposed statement of work
furnished by the Chief Operating Officer of Federal Prison Industries.
``(C) The analysis required by subparagraph (A) shall identify and
consider--
``(i) the number of vendors that currently meet the
requirements of the Federal Government for the specific product
or specific service;
``(ii) the proportion of the Federal Government market for
the specific product or specific service currently furnished by
small businesses during the previous 3 fiscal years;
``(iii) the share of the Federal market for the specific
product or specific service projected for Federal Prison
Industries for the fiscal year in which production or
performance will commence or expand and the subsequent 4 fiscal
years;
``(iv) whether the industry producing the specific product
or specific service in the private sector--
``(I) has an unemployment rate higher than the
national average; or
``(II) has a rate of unemployment for workers that
has consistently shown an increase during the previous
5 years;
``(v) whether the specific product is an import-sensitive
product;
``(vi) the requirements of the Federal Government and the
demands of entities other than the Federal Government for the
specific product or service during the previous 3 fiscal years;
``(vii) the projected growth or decline in the demand of
the Federal Government for the specific product or specific
service;
``(viii) the capability of the projected demand of the
Federal Government for the specific product or service to
sustain both Federal Prison Industries and private vendors; and
``(ix) whether authorizing the production of the new
product or performance of a new service will provide inmates
with the maximum opportunity to acquire knowledge and skill in
trades and occupations that will provide them with a means of
earning a livelihood upon release.
``(D)(i) The board of directors may not approve a proposal to
authorize the production and sale of a new specific product or
continued sale of a previously authorized product unless--
``(I) the product to be furnished is a prison-made product;
or
``(II) the service to be furnished is to be performed by
inmate workers.
``(ii) The board of directors may not approve a proposal to
authorize the production and sale of a new prison-made product or to
expand production of a currently authorized product if the product is--
``(I) produced in the private sector by an industry which
has reflected during the previous year an unemployment rate
above the national average; or
``(II) an import-sensitive product.
``(iii) The board of directors may not approve a proposal for
inmates to provide a service in which an inmate worker has access to--
``(I) personal or financial information about individual
private citizens, including information relating to such
person's real property, however described, without giving prior
notice to such persons or class of persons to the greatest
extent practicable;
``(II) geographic data regarding the location of surface
and subsurface infrastructure providing communications, water
and electrical power distribution, pipelines for the
distribution of natural gas, bulk petroleum products and other
commodities, and other utilities; or
``(III) data that is classified.
``(iv)(I) Federal Prison Industries is prohibited from furnishing
through inmate labor construction services, unless to be performed
within a Federal correctional institution pursuant to the participation
of an inmate in an apprenticeship or other vocational education program
teaching the skills of the various building trades.
``(II) For purposes of this clause, the term `construction' has the
meaning given such term by section 2.101 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation (48 C.F.R. part 2.101), as in effect on June 1, 2004,
including the repair, alteration, or maintenance of real property in
being.
``(6) To provide further opportunities for participation by
interested parties, the board of directors shall--
``(A) give additional notice of a proposal to authorize the
production and sale of a new product or service, or expand the
production of a currently authorized product or service, in a
publication designed to most effectively provide notice to
private vendors and labor unions representing private sector
workers who could reasonably be expected to be affected by
approval of the proposal, which notice shall offer to furnish
copies of the analysis required by paragraph (5) and shall
solicit comment on the analysis;
``(B) solicit comments on the analysis required by
paragraph (5) from trade associations representing vendors and
labor unions representing private sector workers who could
reasonably be expected to be affected by approval of the
proposal to authorize the production and sale of a new product
or service (or expand the production of a currently authorized
product or service); and
``(C) afford an opportunity, on request, for a
representative of an established trade association, labor
union, or other private sector representatives to present
comments on the proposal directly to the board of directors.
``(7) The board of directors shall be provided copies of all
comments received on the expansion proposal.
``(8) Based on the comments received on the initial expansion
proposal, the Chief Operating Officer of Federal Prison Industries may
provide the board of directors a revised expansion proposal. If such
revised proposal provides for expansion of inmate work opportunities in
an industry different from that initially proposed, such revised
proposal shall reflect the analysis required by paragraph (5)(C) and be
subject to the public comment requirements of paragraph (6).
``(9) The board of directors shall consider a proposal to authorize
the sale of a new specific product or specific service (or to expand
the volume of sales for a currently authorized product or service) and
take any action with respect to such proposal, during a meeting that is
open to the public, unless closed pursuant to section 552(b) of title
5.
``(10) In conformity with the requirements of paragraphs (5)
through (9) of this subsection, the board of directors may--
``(A) authorize the donation of products produced or
services furnished by Federal industries and available for
sale;
``(B) authorize the production of a new specific product or
the furnishing of a new specific service for donation; or
``(C) authorize a proposal to expand production of a
currently authorized specific product or specific service in an
amount in excess of a reasonable share of the market for such
product or service, if--
``(i) a Federal agency or department, purchasing
such product or service, has requested that Federal
Prison Industries be authorized to furnish such product
or service in amounts that are needed by such agency or
department; or
``(ii) the proposal is justified for other good
cause and supported by at least eight members of the
board.''.
SEC. 4. TRANSITIONAL MANDATORY SOURCE AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section 4124
of title 18, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act),
a Federal department or agency having a requirement for a product that
is authorized for sale by Federal Prison Industries and is listed in
its catalog (referred to in section 4124(g) of title 18, United States
Code) shall first solicit an offer from Federal Prison Industries and
make purchases on a noncompetitive basis in accordance with this
section or in accordance with section 2410n of title 10, United States
Code, or section 318 of title III of the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (as added by subsection (i)).
(b) Preferential Source Status.--Subject to the limitations of
subsection (d), a contract award shall be made on a noncompetitive
basis to Federal Prison Industries if the contracting officer for the
procurement activity determines that--
(1) the product offered by Federal Prison Industries will
meet the requirements of the procurement activity (including
commercial or governmental standards or specifications
pertaining to design, performance, testing, safety,
serviceability, and warranties as may be imposed upon a private
sector supplier of the type being offered by Federal Prison
Industries);
(2) timely performance of the contract by Federal Prison
Industries can be reasonably expected; and
(3) the negotiated price does not exceed a fair and
reasonable price.
(c) Contractual Terms.--The terms and conditions of the contract
and the price to be paid to Federal Prison Industries shall be
determined by negotiation between Federal Prison Industries and the
Federal agency making the purchase. The negotiated price shall not
exceed a fair and reasonable price determined in accordance with the
procedures of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
(d) Performance of Contractual Obligations.--
(1) In general.--Federal Prison Industries shall perform
the obligations of the contract negotiated pursuant to
subsection (c).
(2) Performance disputes.--If the head of the contracting
activity and the Chief Operating Officer of Federal Prison
Industries are unable to resolve a contract performance dispute
to their mutual satisfaction, such dispute shall be resolved
pursuant to section 4124(e)(3) of title 18, United States Code
(as added by section 2 of this Act).
(e) Limitations on Use of Authority.--
(1) In general.--As a percentage of the sales made by
Federal Prison Industries during the base period, the total
dollar value of sales to the Government made pursuant to
subsection (b) and subsection (c) of this section shall not
exceed--
(A) 90 percent in fiscal year 2007;
(B) 85 percent in fiscal year 2008;
(C) 70 percent in fiscal year 2009;
(D) 55 percent in fiscal year 2010; and
(E) 40 percent in fiscal year 2011.
(2) Sales within various business sectors.--Use of the
authority provided by subsections (b) and (c) shall not result
in sales by Federal Prison Industries to the Government that
are in excess of its total sales during the base year for each
business sector.
(3) Limitations relating to specific products.--Use of the
authorities provided by subsections (b) and (c) shall not
result in contract awards to Federal Prison Industries that are
in excess of its total sales during the base period for such
product.
(4) Changes in design specifications.--The limitations on
sales specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall not be affected
by any increases in the unit cost of production of a specific
product arising from changes in the design specification of
such product directed by the buying agency.
(f) Duration of Authority.--The preferential contracting
authorities authorized by subsection (b) may not be used on or after
October 1, 2011, and become effective on the effective date of the
final regulations issued pursuant to section 18.
(g) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section--
(1) the term ``base period'' means the total sales of
Federal Prison Industries during the period October 1, 2003,
and September 30, 2004 (Fiscal Year 2004);
(2) the term ``business sectors'' means the eight product/
service business groups identified in the 2002 Federal Prison
Industries annual report as the Clothing and Textiles Business
Group, the Electronics Business Group, the Fleet Management and
Vehicular Components Business Group, the Graphics Business
Group, the Industrial Products Business Group, the Office
Furniture Business Group, the Recycling Activities Business
Group, and the Services Business Group; and
(3) the term ``fair and reasonable price'' shall be given
the same meaning as, and be determined pursuant to, part 15.8
of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 C.F.R. 15.8).
(h) Finding by Attorney General With Respect to Public Safety.--(1)
Not later than 60 days prior to the end of each fiscal year specified
in subsection (e)(1), the Attorney General shall make a finding
regarding the effects of the percentage limitation imposed by such
subsection for such fiscal year and the likely effects of the
limitation imposed by such subsection for the following fiscal year.
(2) The Attorney General's finding shall include a determination
whether such limitation has resulted or is likely to result in a
substantial reduction in inmate industrial employment and whether such
reductions, if any, present a significant risk of adverse effects on
safe prison operation or public safety.
(3) If the Attorney General finds a significant risk of adverse
effects on either safe prison management or public safety, he shall so
advise the Congress.
(4) In advising the Congress pursuant to paragraph (3), the
Attorney General shall make recommendations for additional
authorizations of appropriations to provide additional alternative
inmate rehabilitative opportunities and additional correctional
staffing, as may be appropriate.
(i) Procedural Requirements for Civilian Agencies Relating to
Products of Federal Prison Industries.--Title III of the Federal
Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 318. PRODUCTS OF FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES: PROCEDURAL
REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Market Research.--Before purchasing a product listed in the
latest edition of the Federal Prison Industries catalog under section
4124(d) of title 18, United States Code, the head of an executive
agency shall conduct market research to determine whether the Federal
Prison Industries product is comparable to products available from the
private sector that best meet the executive agency's needs in terms of
price, quality, and time of delivery.
``(b) Competition Requirement.--If the head of the executive agency
determines that a Federal Prison Industries product is not comparable
in price, quality, or time of delivery to products available from the
private sector that best meet the executive agency's needs in terms of
price, quality, and time of delivery, the agency head shall use
competitive procedures for the procurement of the product or shall make
an individual purchase under a multiple award contract. In conducting
such a competition or making such a purchase, the agency head shall
consider a timely offer from Federal Prison Industries.
``(c) Implementation by Head of Executive Agency.--The head of an
executive agency shall ensure that--
``(1) the executive agency does not purchase a Federal
Prison Industries product or service unless a contracting
officer of the agency determines that the product or service is
comparable to products or services available from the private
sector that best meet the agency's needs in terms of price,
quality, and time of delivery; and
``(2) Federal Prison Industries performs its contractual
obligations to the same extent as any other contractor for the
executive agency.
``(d) Market Research Determination not Subject to Review.--A
determination by a contracting officer regarding whether a product or
service offered by Federal Prison Industries is comparable to products
or services available from the private sector that best meet an
executive agency's needs in terms of price, quality, and time of
delivery shall not be subject to review pursuant to section 4124(b) of
title 18.
``(e) Performance as a Subcontractor.--(1) A contractor or
potential contractor of an executive agency may not be required to use
Federal Prison Industries as a subcontractor or supplier of products or
provider of services for the performance of a contract of the executive
agency by any means, including means such as--
``(A) a contract solicitation provision requiring a
contractor to offer to make use of products or services of
Federal Prison Industries in the performance of the contract;
``(B) a contract specification requiring the contractor to
use specific products or services (or classes of products or
services) offered by Federal Prison Industries in the
performance of the contract; or
``(C) any contract modification directing the use of
products or services of Federal Prison Industries in the
performance of the contract.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `contractor', with respect to a
contract, includes a subcontractor at any tier under the contract.
``(f) Protection of Classified and Sensitive Information.--The head
of an executive agency may not enter into any contract with Federal
Prison Industries under which an inmate worker would have access to--
``(1) any data that is classified;
``(2) any geographic data regarding the location of--
``(A) surface and subsurface infrastructure
providing communications or water or electrical power
distribution;
``(B) pipelines for the distribution of natural
gas, bulk petroleum products, or other commodities; or
``(C) other utilities; or
``(3) any personal or financial information about any
individual private citizen, including information relating to
such person's real property however described, without the
prior consent of the individual.
``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `competitive procedures' has the meaning
given such term in section 4(5) of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403(5)).
``(2) The term `market research' means obtaining specific
information about the price, quality, and time of delivery of
products available in the private sector through a variety of
means, which may include--
``(A) contacting knowledgeable individuals in
government and industry;
``(B) interactive communication among industry,
acquisition personnel, and customers; and
``(C) interchange meetings or pre-solicitation
conferences with potential offerors.''.
SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO PERFORM AS A FEDERAL SUBCONTRACTOR.
(a) In General.--Federal Prison Industries is authorized to enter
into a contract with a Federal contractor (or a subcontractor of such
contractor at any tier) to produce products as a subcontractor or
supplier in the performance of a Federal procurement contract. The use
of Federal Prison Industries as a subcontractor or supplier shall be a
wholly voluntary business decision by the Federal prime contractor or
subcontractor, subject to any prior approval of subcontractors or
suppliers by the contracting officer which may be imposed by the
Federal Acquisition Regulation or by the contract.
(b) Commercial Sales Prohibited.--The authority provided by
subsection (a) shall not result, either directly or indirectly, in the
sale in the commercial market of a product or service resulting from
the labor of Federal inmate workers in violation of section 1761(a) of
title 18, United States Code. A Federal contractor (or subcontractor at
any tier) using Federal Prison Industries as a subcontractor or
supplier in furnishing a commercial product pursuant to a Federal
contract shall implement appropriate management procedures to prevent
introducing an inmate-produced product into the commercial market.
(c) Prohibitions on Mandating Subcontracting With Federal Prison
Industries.--Except as authorized under the Federal Acquisition
Regulation, the use of Federal Prison Industries as a subcontractor or
supplier of products or provider of services shall not be imposed upon
prospective or actual Federal prime contractors or a subcontractors at
any tier by means of--
(1) a contract solicitation provision requiring a
contractor to offer to make use of Federal Prison Industries,
its products or services;
(2) specifications requiring the contractor to use specific
products or services (or classes of products or services)
offered by Federal Prison Industries in the performance of the
contract;
(3) any contract modification directing the use of Federal
Prison Industries, its products or services; or
(4) any other means.
SEC. 6. INMATE WAGES AND DEDUCTIONS.
Section 4122(b) of title 18, United States Code (as amended by
section 3 of this Act), is further amended by adding after paragraph
(10) a new paragraph (11) as follows:
``(11)(A) The Board of Directors of Federal Prison Industries shall
prescribe the rates of hourly wages to be paid inmates performing work
for or through Federal Prison Industries. The Director of the Federal
Bureau of Prisons shall prescribe the rates of hourly wages for other
work assignments within the various Federal correctional institutions.
In the case of an inmate whose term of imprisonment is to expire in not
more than 2 years, wages shall be earned at an hourly rate of not less
than $2.50, but paid at the same rate and in the same manner as to any
other inmate, and any amount earned but not paid shall be held in trust
and paid only upon the actual expiration of the term of imprisonment.
``(B) The various inmate wage rates shall be reviewed and
considered for increase on not less than a biannual basis.
``(C) The Board of Directors of Federal Prison Industries shall--
``(i) not later than September 30, 2005, increase the
maximum wage rate for inmates performing work for or through
Federal Prison Industries to an amount equal to 50 percent of
the minimum wage prescribed by section 6(a)(1) of the Fair
Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1));
``(ii) not later than September 30, 2010, increase such
maximum wage rate to an amount equal to such minimum wage; and
``(iii) request the Secretary of Labor to establish, not
later than October 1, 2005, an `inmate training wage' pursuant
to that Act.
``(D) Wages earned by an inmate worker shall be paid in the name of
the inmate. Deductions, aggregating to not more than 80 percent of
gross wages, shall be taken from the wages due for--
``(i) applicable taxes (Federal, State, and local);
``(ii) payment of fines and restitution pursuant to court
order;
``(iii) payment of additional restitution for victims of
the inmate's crimes (at a rate not less than 10 percent of
gross wages);
``(iv) allocations for support of the inmate's family
pursuant to statute, court order, or agreement with the inmate;
``(v) allocations to a fund in the inmate's name to
facilitate such inmate's assimilation back into society,
payable at the conclusion of incarceration; and
``(vi) such other deductions as may be specified by the
Director of the Bureau of Prisons.
``(E) Each inmate worker working for Federal Prison Industries
shall indicate in writing that such person--
``(i) is participating voluntarily; and
``(ii) understands and agrees to the wages to be paid and
deductions to be taken from such wages.''.
SEC. 7. CLARIFYING AMENDMENT RELATING TO SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 1761 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended in subsection (a), by striking ``any goods, wares, or
merchandise manufactured, produced, or mined'' and inserting ``products
manufactured, services furnished, or minerals mined''.
(b) Completion of Existing Agreements.--Any prisoner work program
operated by a prison or jail of a State or local jurisdiction of a
State which is providing services for the commercial market through
inmate labor on October 1, 2004, may continue to provide such
commercial services until--
(1) the expiration date specified in the contract or other
agreement with a commercial partner on October 1, 2004, or
(2) until September 30, 2008, if the prison work program is
directly furnishing the services to the commercial market.
(c) Approval Required for Long-Term Operation.--A prison work
program operated by a correctional institution operated by a State or
local jurisdiction of a State may continue to provide inmate labor to
furnish services for sale in the commercial market after the dates
specified in subsection (b) if such program has been certified pursuant
to section 1761(c)(1) of title 18, United States Code, and is in
compliance with the requirements of such subsection and its
implementing regulations.
SEC. 8. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
Section 4122(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``production of commodities'' and inserting ``production of
products or furnishing of services''.
SEC. 9. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION RELATING TO CHAPTER 307.
Chapter 307 of title 18, United States Code, is further amended by
adding the following:
``Sec. 4130. Construction of provisions
``Nothing in this chapter shall be construed--
``(1) to establish an entitlement of any inmate to--
``(A) employment in a Federal Prison Industries
facility; or
``(B) any particular wage, compensation, or benefit
on demand, except as otherwise specifically provided by
law or regulation;
``(2) to establish that inmates are employees for the
purposes of any law or program; or
``(3) to establish any cause of action by or on behalf of
any inmate against the United States or any officer, employee,
or contractor thereof.''.
SEC. 10. PROVIDING ADDITIONAL REHABILITATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INMATES.
(a) Additional Educational, Training, and Release-Preparation
Opportunities.--
(1) Program established.--There is hereby established the
Enhanced In-Prison Educational and Vocational Assessment and
Training Program within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
(2) Comprehensive program.--In addition to such other
components as the Director of the Bureau of Prisons deems
appropriate to reduce inmate idleness and better prepare
inmates for a successful reentry into the community upon
release, the program shall provide--
(A) in-prison assessments of inmates' needs and
aptitudes;
(B) a full range of educational opportunities;
(C) vocational training and apprenticeships; and
(D) comprehensive release-readiness preparation.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--For the purposes of
carrying out the program established by paragraph (1),
$75,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year after fiscal
year 2005, to remain available until expended. Funds shall be
allocated from the gross profits within the Federal Prison
Industries Fund, and, to the extent such amounts are
inadequate, from the General Treasury.
(4) Schedule for implementation.--All components of the
program shall be established--
(A) in at least 25 percent of all Federal prisons
not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act;
(B) in at least 50 percent of all Federal prisons
not later than 4 years after such date of enactment;
(C) in at least 75 percent of all Federal prisons
not later than 6 years after such date of enactment;
and
(D) in all Federal prisons not later than 8 years
after such date of enactment.
(b) Additional Inmate Work Opportunities Through Public Service
Activities.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 307 of title 18, United States
Code, is further amended by inserting after section 4124 the
following new section:
``Sec. 4124a. Additional inmate work opportunities through public
service activities
``(a) In General.--Inmates with work assignments within Federal
Prison Industries may perform work for an eligible entity pursuant to
an agreement between such entity and the Inmate Work Training
Administrator in accordance with the requirements of this section.
``(b) Definition of Eligible Entities.--For the purposes of this
section, the term `eligible entity' means an entity--
``(1) that is an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from
taxation under section 501(a) of such Code and that has been
such an organization for a period of not less than 36 months
prior to inclusion in an agreement under this section;
``(2) that is a religious organization described in section
501(d) of such Code and exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code; or
``(3) that is a unit of local government, a school
district, or another special purpose district.
``(c) Inmate Work Training Administrator.--
``(1) The Federal Prison Industries Board of Directors
shall designate an entity as the Inmate Work Training
Administrator to administer the work-based training program
authorized by this section.
``(2) In selecting the Inmate Work Training Administrator,
the Board of Directors shall select an entity--
``(A) that is an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code;
and
``(B) that has demonstrated, for a period of not
less than 5 years, expertise in the theory and practice
of fostering inmate rehabilitation through work-based
programs in cooperation with private sector firms.
``(3) With respect to the formation and performance of an
agreement authorized by this section, the Director of the
Bureau of Prisons and the Chief Operating Officer of Federal
Prison Industries shall be responsible only for--
``(A) maintaining appropriate institutional and
inmate security; and
``(B) matters relating to the selection and payment
of participating inmates.
``(d) Proposed Agreements.--An eligible entity seeking to enter
into an agreement pursuant to subsection (a) shall submit a detailed
proposal to the Inmate Work Training Administrator. Each such agreement
shall specify--
``(1) types of work to be performed;
``(2) the proposed duration of the agreement, specified in
terms of a base year and number of option years;
``(3) the number of inmate workers expected to be employed
in the specified types of work during the various phases of the
agreement;
``(4) the wage rates proposed to be paid to various classes
of inmate workers; and
``(5) the facilities, services and personnel (other than
correctional personnel dedicated to the security of the inmate
workers) to be furnished by Federal Prison Industries or the
Bureau of Prisons and the rates of reimbursement, if any, for
such facilities, services, and personnel.
``(e) Representations.--
``(1) Eleemosynary work activities.--Each proposed
agreement shall be accompanied by a written certification by
the chief executive officer of the eligible entity that--
``(A) the work to be performed by the inmate
workers will be limited to the eleemosynary work of
such entity in the case of an entity described in
paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b);
``(B) the work would not be performed but for the
availability of the inmate workers;
``(C) the work performed by the inmate workers will
not result, either directly or indirectly, in the
production of a new product or the furnishing of a
service that is to be offered for other than resale or
donation by the eligible entity or any affiliate of the
such entity.
``(2) Protections for non-inmate workers.--Each proposed
agreement shall also be accompanied by a written certification
by the chief executive officer of the eligible entity that--
``(A) no non-inmate employee or volunteer of the
eligible entity (or any affiliate of the entity) will
have his or her job abolished or work hours reduced as
a result of the entity being authorized to utilize
inmate workers; and
``(B) the work to be performed by the inmate
workers will not supplant work currently being
performed by a contractor of the eligible entity.
``(f) Approval by Board of Directors.--
``(1) In general.--Each such proposed agreement shall be -
presented to the Board of Directors, be subject to the same
opportunities for public comment, and be publicly considered
and acted upon by the Board in a manner comparable to that
required by paragraphs (6) and (7) of section 4122(b).
``(2) Matters to be considered.--In determining whether to
approve a proposed agreement, the Board shall--
``(A) give priority to an agreement that provides
inmate work opportunities that will provide
participating inmates with the best prospects of
obtaining employment paying a livable wage upon
release;
``(B) give priority to an agreement that provides
for maximum reimbursement for inmate wages and for the
costs of supplies and equipment needed to perform the
types of work to be performed;
``(C) not approve an agreement that will result in
the displacement of non-inmate workers or volunteers
contrary to the representations required by subsection
(e)(2) as determined by the Board or by the Secretary
of Labor (pursuant to subsection (i)); and
``(D) not approve an agreement that will result,
either directly or indirectly, in the production of a
new product or the furnishing of a service for other
than resale or donation.
``(g) Wage Rates and Deductions From Inmate Wages.--
``(1) In general.--Inmate workers shall be paid wages for
work under the agreement at a basic hourly rate to be
negotiated between the eligible entity and Federal Prison
Industries and specified in the agreement. The wage rates set
by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to be paid
inmates for various institutional work assignments are
specifically authorized.
``(2) Payment to inmate worker and authorized deductions.--
Wages shall be paid and deductions taken pursuant to section
4122(b)(11)(C).
``(3) Voluntary participation by inmate.--Each inmate
worker to be utilized by an eligible entity shall indicate in
writing that such person--
``(A) is participating voluntarily; and
``(B) understands and agrees to the wages to be
paid and deductions to be taken from such wages.
``(h) Assignment to Work Opportunities.--Assignment of inmates to
work under an approved agreement with an eligible entity shall be
subject to the Bureau of Prisons Program Statement Number 1040.10 (Non-
Discrimination Toward Inmates), as contained in section 551.90 of title
28 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor document).
``(i) Enforcement of Protections for Non-Inmate Workers.--
``(1) Prior to board consideration.--Upon request of any
interested person, the Secretary of Labor may promptly verify a
certification made pursuant subsection (e)(2) with respect to
the displacement of non-inmate workers so as to make the
results of such inquiry available to the Board of Directors
prior to the Board's consideration of the proposed agreement.
The Secretary and the person requesting the inquiry may make
recommendations to the Board regarding modifications to the
proposed agreement.
``(2) During performance.--
``(A) In general.--Whenever the Secretary deems
appropriate, upon request or otherwise, the Secretary
may verify whether the actual performance of the
agreement is resulting in the -displacement of non-
inmate workers or the use of inmate workers in -a work
activity not authorized under the approved agreement.
``(B) Sanctions.--Whenever the Secretary determines
that performance of the agreement has resulted in the
displacement of non-inmate workers or employment of an
inmate worker in an unauthorized work activity, the
Secretary may--
``(i) direct the Inmate Work Training
Administrator to terminate the agreement for
default, subject to the processes and appeals
available to a Federal contractor whose
procurement contract has been terminated for
default; and
``(ii) initiate proceedings to impose upon
the person furnishing the certification
regarding non-displacement of non-inmate
workers required by subsection (d)(2)(B) any
administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions
as may be available.''.
(2) Authorization of appropriation.--There is authorized to
be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006
through 2010 for the purposes of paying the wages of inmates
and otherwise undertaking the maximum number of agreements with
eligible entities pursuant to section 4124a of title 18, United
States Code, as added by paragraph (1).
(3) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for chapter
307 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 4124 the following new item:
``4124a. Additional inmate work opportunities through public service
activities.''.
(c) Inmate Work Opportunities in Support of not-for-Profit
Entities.--
(1) Proposals for donation programs.--The Chief Operating
Officer of Federal Prison Industries shall develop and present
to the Board of Directors of Federal Prison Industries
proposals to have Federal Prison Industries donate products and
services to eligible entities that provide goods or services to
low-income individuals who would likely otherwise have
difficulty purchasing such products or services in the
commercial market.
(2) Schedule for submission and consideration of donation
programs.--
(A) Initial proposals.--The Chief Operating Officer
shall submit the initial group of proposals for
programs of the type described in paragraph (1) within
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Board of Directors of Federal Prison Industries
shall consider such proposals from the Chief Operating
Officer not later than the date that is 270 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(B) Annual operating plan.--The Board of Directors
of Federal Prison Industries shall consider proposals
by the Chief Operating Officer for programs of the type
described in paragraph (1) as part of the annual
operating plan for Federal Prison Industries.
(C) Other proposals.--In addition to proposals
submitted by the Chief Operating Officer, the Board of
Directors may, from time to time, consider proposals
presented by prospective eligible entities.
(3) Definition of eligible entities.--For the purposes of
this subsection, the term ``eligible entity'' means an entity--
(A) that is an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code
and that has been such an organization for a period of
not less than 36 months prior to inclusion in a
proposal of the type described in paragraph (1), or
(B) that is a religious organization described in
section 501(d) of such Code and exempt from taxation
under section 501(a) of such Code.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated $7,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006
through 2010 for the purposes of paying the wages of inmates
and otherwise carrying out programs of the type described in
paragraph (1).
(d) Maximizing Inmate Rehabilitative Opportunities Through
Cognitive Abilities Assessments.--
(1) Demonstration program authorized.--
(A) In general.--There is hereby established within
the Federal Bureau of Prisons a program to be known as
the ``Cognitive Abilities Assessment Demonstration
Program''. The purpose of the demonstration program is
to determine the effectiveness of a program that
assesses the cognitive abilities and perceptual skills
of Federal inmates to maximize the benefits of various
rehabilitative opportunities designed to prepare each
inmate for a successful return to society and reduce
recidivism. The demonstration program shall be
undertaken by a contractor with a demonstrated record
of enabling the behavioral and academic improvement of
adults through the use of research-based systems that
maximize the development of both the cognitive and
perceptual capabilities of a participating individual,
including adults in a correctional setting.
(B) Scope of demonstration program.--The
demonstration program shall to the maximum extent
practicable, be--
(i) conducted during a period of three
consecutive fiscal years, commencing during
fiscal year 2006;
(ii) conducted at 12 Federal correctional
institutions; and
(iii) offered to 6,000 inmates, who are
categorized as minimum security or less, and
are within five years of release.
(C) Report on results of program.--Not later than
60 days after completion of the demonstration program,
the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the
results of the program. At a minimum, the report shall
include an analysis of employment stability, stability
of residence, and rates of recidivism among inmates who
participated in the program after 18 months of release.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated $3,000,000 in each of the three fiscal years
after fiscal year 2005, to remain available until expended, for
the purposes of conducting the demonstration program authorized
by subsection (a).
(e) Prerelease Employment Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Federal Bureau of
Prisons shall, to the maximum extent practicable, afford to
inmates opportunities to participate in programs and activities
designed to help prepare such inmates to obtain employment upon
release.
(2) Prerelease employment placement assistance.--Such
prerelease employment placement assistance required by
subsection (a) shall include--
(A) training in the preparation of resumes and job
applications;
(B) training in interviewing skills;
(C) training and assistance in job search
techniques;
(D) conduct of job fairs; and
(E) such other methods deemed appropriate by the
Director.
(3) Priority participation.--Priority in program
participation shall be accorded to inmates who are
participating in work opportunities afforded by Federal Prison
Industries and are within 24 months of release from
incarceration.
SEC. 11. RESTRUCTURING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Section 4121 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 4121. Federal Prison Industries; Board of Directors: executive
management
``(a) Federal Prison Industries is a government corporation of the
District of Columbia organized to carry on such industrial operations
in Federal correctional institutions as authorized by its Board of
Directors. The manner and extent to which such industrial operations
are carried on in the various Federal correctional institutions shall
be determined by the Attorney General.
``(b)(1) The corporation shall be governed by a board of 11
directors appointed by the President.
``(2) In making appointments to the Board, the President shall
assure that 3 members represent the business community, 3 members
represent organized labor, 1 member shall have special expertise in
inmate rehabilitation techniques, 1 member represents victims of crime,
1 member represents the interests of Federal inmate workers, and 2
additional members whose background and expertise the President deems
appropriate. The members of the Board representing the business
community shall include, to the maximum extent practicable,
representation of firms furnishing services as well as firms producing
products, especially from those industry categories from which Federal
Prison Industries derives substantial sales. The members of the Board
representing organized labor shall, to the maximum practicable, include
representation from labor unions whose members are likely to be most
affected by the sales of Federal Prison Industries.
``(3) Each member shall be appointed for a term of 5 years, except
that of members first appointed--
``(A) 2 members representing the business community shall
be appointed for a term of 3 years;
``(B) 2 members representing labor shall be appointed for a
term of 3 years;
``(C) 2 members whose background and expertise the
President deems appropriate for a term of 3 years;
``(D) 1 member representing victims of crime shall be
appointed for a term of 3 years;
``(E) 1 member representing the interests of Federal inmate
workers shall be appointed for a term of 3 years;
``(F) 1 member representing the business community shall be
appointed for a term of 4 years;
``(G) 1 member representing the business community shall be
appointed for a term of 4 years; and
``(H) the members having special expertise in inmate
rehabilitation techniques shall be appointed for a term of 5
years.
``(4) The President shall designate 1 member of the Board as
Chairperson. The Chairperson may designate a Vice Chairperson.
``(5) Members of the Board may be reappointed.
``(6) Any vacancy on the Board shall be filled in the same manner
as the original appointment. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy
occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's
predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that
term.
``(7) The members of the Board shall serve without compensation.
The members of the Board shall be allowed travel expenses, including
per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of
agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code, to attend meetings of the Board and, with the advance approval of
the Chairperson of the Board, while otherwise away from their homes or
regular places of business for purposes of duties as a member of the
Board.
``(8)(A) The Chairperson of the Board may appoint and terminate any
personnel that may be necessary to enable the Board to perform its
duties.
``(B) Upon request of the Chairperson of the Board, a Federal
agency may detail a Federal Government employee to the Board without
reimbursement. Such detail shall be without interruption or loss of
civil service status or privilege.
``(9) The Chairperson of the Board may procure temporary and
intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States
Code.
``(c) The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall serve as Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation. The Director shall designate a
person to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation.''.
SEC. 12. PROVIDING ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENT FLEXIBILITY TO FEDERAL PRISON
INDUSTRIES OPERATIONS.
Section 4122(b)(3) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``(3)'' and inserting ``(3)(A)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(B) Federal Prison Industries may locate more than one workshop
at a Federal correctional facility.
``(C) Federal Prison Industries may operate a workshop outside of a
correctional facility if all of the inmates working in such workshop
are classified as minimum security inmates.''.
SEC. 13. TRANSITIONAL PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY.
Any correctional officer or other employee of Federal Prison
Industries being paid with nonappropriated funds who would be separated
from service because of a reduction in the net income of Federal Prison
Industries during any fiscal year specified in section 4(e)(1) shall
be--
(1) eligible for appointment (or reappointment) in the
competitive service pursuant to title 5, United States Code;
(2) registered on a Bureau of Prisons reemployment priority
list; and
(3) given priority for any other position within the Bureau
of Prisons for which such employee is qualified.
SEC. 14. FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Section 4127 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 4127. Federal Prison Industries report to Congress
``(a) In General.--Pursuant to chapter 91 of title 31, the board of
directors of Federal Prison Industries shall submit an annual report to
Congress on the conduct of the business of the corporation during each
fiscal year and the condition of its funds during the fiscal year.
``(b) Contents of Report.--In addition to the matters required by
section 9106 of title 31, and such other matters as the board considers
appropriate, a report under subsection (a) shall include--
``(1) a statement of the amount of obligations issued under
section 4129(a)(1) of this title during the fiscal year;
``(2) an estimate of the amount of obligations that will be
issued in the following fiscal year;
``(3) an analysis of--
``(A) the corporation's total sales for each
specific product and type of service sold to the
Federal agencies and the commercial market;
``(B) the total purchases by each Federal agency of
each specific product and type of service;
``(C) the corporation's share of such total Federal
Government purchases by specific product and type of
service; and
``(D) the number and disposition of disputes
submitted to the heads of the Federal departments and
agencies pursuant to section 4124(e) of this title;
``(4) an analysis of the inmate workforce that includes--
``(A) the number of inmates employed;
``(B) the number of inmates utilized to produce
products or furnish services sold in the commercial
market;
``(C) the number and percentage of employed inmates
by the term of their incarceration; and
``(D) the various hourly wages paid to inmates
employed with respect to the production of the various
specific products and types of services authorized for
production and sale to Federal agencies and in the
commercial market; and
``(5) data concerning employment obtained by former inmates
upon release to determine whether the employment provided by
Federal Prison Industries during incarceration provided such
inmates with knowledge and skill in a trade or occupation that
enabled such former inmate to earn a livelihood upon release.
``(c) Public Availability.--Copies of an annual report under
subsection (a) shall be made available to the public at a price not
exceeding the cost of printing the report.''.
SEC. 15. INDEPENDENT STUDY TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTS OF ELIMINATING THE
FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES MANDATORY SOURCE AUTHORITY.
(a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General shall undertake to
have an independent study conducted on the effects of eliminating the
Federal Prison Industries mandatory source authority.
(b) Solicitation of Views.--The Comptroller General shall ensure
that in developing the statement of work and the methodology for the
study, the views and input of private industry, organized labor groups,
Members and staff of the relevant Congressional committees, officials
of the executive branch, and the public are solicited.
(c) Submission.--Not later than June 30, 2006, the Comptroller
General shall submit the results of the study to Congress, including
any recommendations for legislation.
SEC. 16. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that it is important to study the
concept of implementing a ``good time'' release program for non-violent
criminals in the Federal prison system.
SEC. 17. DEFINITIONS.
Chapter 307 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 4131. Definitions
``As used in this chapter--
``(1) the term `assembly' means the process of uniting or
combining articles or components (including ancillary finished
components or assemblies) so as to produce a significant change
in form or utility, without necessarily changing or altering
the component parts;
``(2) the term `current market price' means, with respect
to a specific product, the fair market price of the product
within the meaning of section 15(a) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 644(a)), at the time that the contract is to be
awarded, verified through appropriate price analysis or cost
analysis, including any costs relating to transportation or the
furnishing of any ancillary services;
``(3) the term `import-sensitive product' means a product
which, according to Department of Commerce data, has
experienced competition from imports at an import to domestic
production ratio of 25 percent or greater;
``(4) the term `labor-intensive manufacture' means a
manufacturing activity in which the value of inmate labor
constitutes at least 10 percent of the estimate unit cost to
produce the item by Federal Prison Industries;
``(5) the term `manufacture' means the process of
fabricating from raw or prepared materials, so as to impart to
those materials new forms, qualities, properties, and
combinations;
``(6) the term `reasonable share of the market' means a
share of the total purchases by the Federal departments and
agencies, as reported to the Federal Procurement Data System
for--
``(A) any specific product during the 3 preceding
fiscal years, that does not exceed 20 percent of the
Federal market for the specific product; and
``(B) any specific service during the 3 preceding
fiscal years, that does not exceed 5 percent of the
Federal market for the specific service; and
``(7) the term `services' has the meaning given the term
`service contract' by section 37.101 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation (48 C.F.R. 36.102), as in effect on July 1, 2004.''.
SEC. 18. IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Federal Acquisition Regulation.--
(1) Proposed revisions.--Proposed revisions to the
Governmentwide Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement the
amendments made by this Act shall be published not later than
60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and provide
not less than 60 days for public comment.
(2) Final regulations.--Final regulations shall be
published not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and shall be effective on the date that
is 30 days after the date of publication.
(3) Public participation.--The proposed regulations
required by subsection (a) and the final regulations required
by subsection (b) shall afford an opportunity for public
participation in accordance with section 22 of the Office of
Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 418b).
(b) Board of Directors.--
(1) In general.--The Board of Directors of Federal Prison
Industries shall issue regulations defining the terms specified
in paragraph (2).
(2) Terms to be defined.--The Board of Directors shall
issue regulations for the following terms:
(A) Prison-made product.
(B) Prison-furnished service.
(C) Specific product.
(D) Specific service.
(3) Schedule for regulatory definitions.--
(A) Proposed regulations relating to the matter
described in subsection (b)(2) shall be published not
later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this
Act and provide not less than 60 days for public
comment.
(B) Final regulations relating to the matters
described in subsection (b)(2) shall be published not
less than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act and shall be effective on the date that is 30 days
after the date of publication.
(4) Enhanced opportunities for public participation and
scrutiny.--
(A) Administrative procedure act.--Regulations
issued by the Board of Directors shall be subject to
notice and comment rulemaking pursuant to section 553
of title 5, United States Code. Unless determined
wholly impracticable or unnecessary by the Board of
Directors, the public shall be afforded 60 days for
comment on proposed regulations.
(B) Enhanced outreach.--The Board of Directors
shall use means designed to most effectively solicit
public comment on proposed regulations, procedures, and
policies and to inform the affected public of final
regulations, procedures, and policies.
(C) Open meeting processes.--The Board of Directors
shall take all actions relating to the adoption of
regulations, operating procedures, guidelines, and any
other matter relating to the governance and operation
of Federal Prison Industries based on deliberations and
a recorded vote conducted during a meeting open to the
public, unless closed pursuant to section 552(b) of
title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 19. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Agency Bid Protests.--Subsection (e) of section 4124 of title
18, United States Code, as amended by section 2, is not intended to
alter any rights of any offeror other than Federal Prison Industries to
file a bid protest in accordance with other law or regulation in effect
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.--Nothing in this Act is intended to
modify the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46 et seq.).
SEC. 20. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICABILITY.
(a) Effective Date.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act
and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) Applicability.--Section 4124 of title 18, United States Code,
as amended by section 2, shall apply to any requirement for a product
or service offered by Federal Prison Industries needed by a Federal
department or agency after the effective date of the final regulations
issued pursuant to section 18(a)(2), or after September 30, 2006,
whichever is earlier.
SEC. 21. CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.
The table of sections for chapter 307 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by amending the item relating to section 4121 to read
as follows:
``4121. Federal Prison Industries; Board of Directors: executive
management.'';
(2) by amending the item relating to section 4124 to read
as follows:
``4124. Governmentwide procurement policy relating to purchases from
Federal Prison Industries.'';
(3) by amending the item relating to section 4127 to read
as follows:
``4127. Federal Prison Industries report to Congress.'';
and
(4) by adding at the end the following new items:
``4130. Construction of provisions.
``4131. Definitions.''.
<all>
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2965 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 997 and Rule XVIII.
The Speaker designated the Honorable John Boozman to act as Chairman of the Committee.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2965.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 997, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sensenbrenner amendment.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 997, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment #2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Scott (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 997, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment.
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POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment #5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Scott (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2965.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H6579)
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 362 - 57 (Roll no. 443).
Roll Call #443 (House)On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 362 - 57 (Roll no. 443).
Roll Call #443 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S10003)
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10003)
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.