Construction
Construction
The UCI Construction Operation was established in 1989 to handle construction and remodeling of UCI facilities at the Draper prison. In 1997 it began contracting with the Division of Facilities and Construction Management to work on other government owned buildings and properties.
Working under a management team that is dedicated and committed to completing building projects on time and under budget, the UCI Construction Teams pride themselves on many jobs done well.
While heavily involved in asbestos abatement projects, we were often asked by our customers to do related demolition and reconstruction work. In 1997, UCI started contracting with the Division of Facilities and Construction Management (DFCM) to do reconstruction projects related to asbestos abatement. This would result in a single source to coordinate demolition, hauling, construction, finishing, and roofing. This coordination allows maximum utilization of funds, manpower and equipment to keep costs at a minimum. Since demonstrating our ability to complete these projects with quality workmanship and performance, we are now contracting with DFCM to do projects that are not solely related to asbestos abatement.
UCI Construction Teams are managed by experienced construction supervisors that are well versed in government regulations and building requirements. Often our supervisors consult with customers to point out costly errors or omissions that might take the project over budget or out of government compliance. This experience has been a valued asset for both UCI and our customers.
Because projects are often far from the prison, the utmost care is used in selecting inmate construction workers. Offenders who hope to participate in UCI's Construction Operation face stiff competition. They not only must show a background of competency, but they must also be at the highest level of trust in the prison ranking system. Candidates must interview for these jobs in the same manner as in the private sector. They must show a willingness to follow instructions and a desire to learn. Consideration is given to personality and to how well the worker integrates into the crew. Unacceptable behavior reflects on the reputation of UCI and will not be tolerated.
The selected candidate is placed in less restrictive housing at the prison. In his work he will have the privilege of leaving prison grounds each day and will experience a work environment much like he will find outside the prison when he is released. At work he wears jeans and a T-shirt or denim shirt so that he will not be a spectacle in public. A supervisor will provide training and on the job inspection, and will offer feedback and evaluations of the work. At UCI, construction workers are supervised closer than any other comparable construction operation.
Interested agencies can receive more information about construction and demolition services by calling the UCI switchboard at (801) 576-7700, or contact us through the web.