FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION (FCI) BERLIN
Project Overview
Under construction since 2008, FCI Berlin consists of a medium security, 1,100-bed prison and a 128-bed lower security prison “camp”. It will be exclusively for male inmates. Typical sentence duration for inmates in similar FCI is in the range of 15-25 years. There is no parole in the Federal penal system. No UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) facility is planned for Berlin. Because of the lack of opportunities for inmates to work, other than in the operation of the prison infrastructure, educational programs will probably be fairly extensive.
Once completed, FCI Berlin will be one of New Hampshire’s largest federal facilities, and will employ approximately 300 people.
All construction is expected to be completed during 2010, with final fit-up underway late in the year. The prison will be populated with inmates early in 2011. Bureau of Prisons staff from other facilities will be relocated beginning this summer; local recruitment for correctional officers is expected to commence in late spring. Federal Correctional officers must, at a minimum, be under age 37, have good credit, and be in good physical condition.
Business Opportunities
All construction and materials contracting is complete. During the fit-up period, it is expected that a heavy volume of P-Card (Purchase Card – the Federal Government’s version of Visa or MasterCard) purchases will be made locally. P-Card purchases are normally capped at $3000, and cannot be “bundled” – that is, you can’t make a $3500 transaction by splitting it into two parts – say a $2700 purchase and an $800 sale.
Once a permanent FCI Berlin Contract Officer is on site, contracts for goods and services will be solicited. For an overview of what goods and services are typically purchased by an FCI similar to Berlin, view our new research report: “The Bureau of Prisons Purchases of Goods and Services.”
Photo Courtesy of Russell Doucette
Below you will find an introductory PowerPoint presentation on Selling to the Federal Government put together by NH PTAP.
Selling to the Federal Government
Steps for NH businesses wishing to sell to the FCI Berlin: Selling to FCI Berlin
Finally, make sure your Central Contractor’s Registration up to date www.ccr.gov. If you are not familiar with this process, or would like further information on government contracting in general, contact the Procurment Techncial Assistance Program at www.nheconomy.com/ptap or by calling (603) 271-7581.
Technical Training
The White Mountains Community College is located in Berlin and offers a variety of degree and certificate programs, including a Criminal Justice Program.
Contacts/Links
City of Berlin
Pamela LaFlamme, 603-752-8587 or plaflamme@verizon.net
NH Department of Employment Security - Berlin
Diana Nelson, 603-752-5500 ext. 92313 or Diana.S.Nelson@nhes.nh.gov, or
Mark Belanger at Mark.J.Belanger@nhes.nh.gov
NH Department of Resources and Economic Development / PTAP
Dave Pease, 603-271-7581 or david.pease@dred.state.nh.us
NH Department of Resources and Economic Development / PTAP
Kathy Frenette, 603-271-7581 or kathy.frenette@dred.state.nh.us
Federal Bureau of Prisons' Website
Federal Bureau of Prisons