David Thomas: “I do agree and in fact, I think the American public would be shocked to learn that under a depression-era statute the…”

“I do agree and in fact, I think the American public would be shocked to learn that under a depression-era statute the DOD is required to purchase national security products from Federal prisoners. In addition, FPI's entry into services generally, and data services related to mapping and geographic information in particular is troubling. This is an inappropriate area for prison work for a number of reasons. First, Congress has included mapping and geographic information services within the statutory definition of professional architect-engineer (A/E) services. This law requires Federal agencies to award A/E contracts (including those for surveying or mapping services) to firms based on their ``demonstrated competence and qualification'' subject to negotiation of a fee ``fair and reasonable to the government'', rather than awarding such contracts to the lowest bidder. The vast majority of States have also adopted this process in their codes and it is recommended by the American Bar Association in its Model Procurement Code for State and Local Governments. Public health, welfare and safety is dependent on the quality of work performed by professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, surveying and mapping. To add to these highly technical and professional services the drawings, maps and images processed by prison inmates is questionable to the public interest.”