NEW Program Brief: Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program
Under the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP), BJA certifies that local or state prison industry programs meet all the necessary requirements to be exempt from federal restrictions on prisoner-made goods in interstate commerce. The program places inmates in realistic work environments, pays them prevailing wages, and gives them a chance to develop marketable skills that will increase their potential for rehabilitation and meaningful employment on release.The technical assistance provider under PIECP, the National Correctional Industries Association, works with the public and private sectors to provide the latest information and strategies on prison industries and to enhance certificate holders' prison industry programs.Currently, 37 state and 4 county-based certified correctional industry programs operate in the United States, and these programs manage at least 175 business partnerships with private industry. As of September 30, 2005, PIECP generated more than $33 million for victims' programs, $21 million for inmate family support, $97.5 million for correctional institution room and board costs, and $46.6 million in state and federal taxes.LegislationPIECP originally was authorized under the Justice System Improvement Act of 1979 (Public Law 96-157, Sec. 827). The Crime Control Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-647) authorizes continuation of the program indefinitely.
Funding Webinars – Participate and Access Materials
To assist potential applicants interested in applying for funding opportunities, BJA has hosted several solicitation-specific webinars as well as Grant Applicant Education Series webinars. Visit the BJA Funding Webinars page to learn about upcoming webinars and to access presentation files for and YouTube links to watch previously held webinars.
Access the following resources for further information and guidance:
EligibilityA total of 50 jurisdictions may be certified under this program. Each certified program must be determined by the Director of BJA to meet statutory and guideline requirements. Currently, 45 certificates have been awarded.
Interested applicants should contact: Julius Dupree Policy Advisor 202–514–1928 Email: Julius.Dupree@usdoj.gov
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Technical Assistance ProviderThe technical assistance provider under PIECP, the National Correctional Industries Association, works with the public and private sectors to provide the latest information and strategies on prison industries and to enhance certificate holders' prison industry programs.
National Correctional Industries Association http://www.nationalcia.org/
American Correctional Association (ACA) http://www.aca.org/
More BJA Publications
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Developing a Jail Industry: A Workbook (NCJ 182506), Bureau of Justice Assistance, George Sexton, Rod Miller, Vic Jacobsen, August 2002. This resource offers a starting point for county officials, jail staff, and advisory committees interested in creating and/or improving a jail industry. This BJA Monograph emphasizes the value of the development process in creating and/or improving a jail industry by identifying six principles of success: building a strong foundation, learning from others, analyzing potential opposition, gaining support through participation, taking time to plan, and using all available resources. It also contains a workbook of specific ideas and guidance on a 15-component development process and lists potential benefits, obstacles, and opportunities of a jail industry.
Announcement:
Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Technical Assistance Program Solicitation Released
BJA is seeking applications for funding through the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Technical Assistance Program. This program provides technical assistance to Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program certificate holders and their cost accounting centers to enhance prison industry programs which assist incarcerated individuals in developing marketable skills that will increase their potential for rehabilitation and meaningful employment upon release. Applications are due June 28, 2016.
Funding:
Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Technical Assistance Program FY 2016 Competitive Grant AnnouncementApplication Deadline: 06/28/2016, 11:59 PMBJA is pleased to announce that it is seeking applicants for the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Technical Assistance Program solicitation. This program furthers the Department’s mission by providing technical assistance to Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program certificate holders and their cost accounting centers to enhance prison industry programs which assist incarcerated individuals in developing marketable skills that will increase their potential for rehabilitation and meaningful employment upon release.Solicitation
Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Technical Assistance Program FY 2011 Competitive Grant AnnouncementApplication Deadline: 07/07/2011, 11:59 PMThis program provides technical assistance to Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program certificate holders and their cost accounting centers to enhance prison industry programs.Solicitation
