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Subcommittee Hearings

Unlocking Opportunities: Recidivism versus Fair Competition in Federal Contracting

Thursday, June 28, 2012 | 10:00 | Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce
The Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce held a hearing titled Unlocking Opportunities: Recidivism versus Fair Competition in Federal Contracting. The hearing began at 10:00 A.M. on June 28, 2012, in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

The hearing specifically addressed whether contracting preferences provided to Federal Prison Industries, commonly known as UNICOR, unfairly disadvantage small businesses competing for federal contracts. Small businesses argue that they are unfairly prejudiced when UNICOR is allowed to compete for small business set-aside contracts, while UNICOR cites reduced rates of recidivism for prisoners working on UNICOR contracts. The Subcommittee examined both arguments as well as potential legislative solutions, including H.R. 3634, the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2011.

Opening Statement:

Chairman Mick Mulvaney (R-SC)

Witnesses and Testimony:

Panel 1

  • The Honorable Bill Huizenga (MI-02), U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
  • Panel 2

  • Phil Sibal, Deputy Assistant Director, UNICOR, Federal Prison Industries, Washington, DC
  • Panel 3

  • Michael Mansh, President, Pennsylvania Apparel, LLC, Fort Washington, PA
  • John M. Palatiello, President, Business Coalition for Fair Competition, Reston, VA
  • Rebecca Elizabeth Boenigk, CEO, Neutral Posture , Bryan, TX

  • Additional Items:

  • Official Hearing Notice
  • Official Witness List
  • Hearing Memo
  • Hearing Video
  • Press Release