Mike Levin: “Last week, the Senate voted 74-24 to table an amendment that would have removed the Federal Prison Industries provision…”

“Last week, the Senate voted 74-24 to table an amendment that would have removed the Federal Prison Industries provision from the bill. This vote was an overwhelming victory for those who believe, as I do, that Federal Prison Industries should not be able to prohibit private sector companies and their employees from bidding on federal contracts that are paid for with their tax dollars. Under Section 821 of the bill, which has now been endorsed by the full Senate, FPI's ``mandatory preference'' would come to an end, and Federal Prison Industries would have to compete for future Department of Defense contracts. Under this provision, the Department of Defense, not Federal Prison Industries, would be responsible for determining whether Federal Prison Industries can best meet the Department's needs in terms of price, quality, and time of delivery. If DOD determines that the FPI product is not the best available in terms of price, quality, and time of delivery, the Department is directed to purchase the product on a competitive basis.”