CHALLENGE
Faced with the largest reorganization of the federal government in over fifty years, the newly formed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had an urgent need to retrofit and refurbish law enforcement vehicles from over twenty-two previously separate federal agencies. This would require the purchase, retrofit, and refurbishment of law enforcement and custody transport vehicles, the removal of retrofit equipment from replaced vehicles, the disposal of replaced vehicles, and the research and development of new vehicle packages. Because of the strong and immediate threat faced by our nation it was imperative that the vendor chosen for this task be reliable, and be able to act quickly and professionally.
OBJECTIVE
The newly acquired DHS fleet was composed of a variety of vehicles, including sedans, light trucks, sports utility vehicles, vans and buses to be used for law enforcement and detainee transport functions. These vehicles required the installation of emergency light bars, grill lights, security cages, K-9 units, radios, antennas, shot gun racks, containment units and other custom modifications. In addition, many vehicles required the removal and refurbishment of old equipment for use in future retrofits.
SOLUTION
Federal Prison Industry has offered this service as a turn key operation for the last five years and was a logical choice. In order to deliver a high-quality product and timely, efficient service, FPI dedicated facilities in LaTuna, Bastrop, and Three Rivers, Texas, as retrofit and rehabilitation factories. These facilities are fully equipped with today's state-of-the-art manufacturing, painting and coating technologies, and employ a highly skilled workforce. Because FPI is a Federal Program focused on training and motivated by customer satisfaction, we have been able to provide the Department of Homeland Security with a level of service, speed and ease of transaction, and attention to detail not available in the commercial marketplace. All OEM part warranties are honored, all work performed is fully guaranteed, and custom component manufacturing is available.
“I am very proud of this mutual relationship between Detention & Removal and the Bureau of Prisons we have forged so far. We're being more responsive to the actual fleet needs of our field offices and at the same time being more efficient and fiscally responsible.”-Tony Tangeman, Deputy Executive Commissioner Detention & Removal
RESULT
FPI met and exceeded the challenge presented by Homeland Security, produced over 6,000 vehicles over the last several years, providing DHS with a steady stream of upfitted vehicles and fabricated components.
“I am convinced that no one from the private sector can compete with the operation I witnessed on this trip. I was amazed by the professional appearance of the finished vehicle, this project makes sense!”-Michael Moriarity, Chief Deputy US Marshal, Shreveport, LA
CONTACT INFORMATION
Fleet:Mike Henderson, Program Manager
mhendrsn@central.unicor.gov
New Business Development:
Brent Watson, Program Manager
bwatson@central.unicor.gov
Fleet Management and Vehicular Components:
Cindi Keidel, Deputy General Manager
ckeidel@central.unicor.gov
