Contact: ucicustomerservice@utah.gov    |  801-522-7931

UCI Construction operation was established in 1989 to facilitate construction and remodeling of UCI buildings at the Draper Prison site. In 1997, UCI Construction began contracting with the Division of Facilities and Construction Management (DFCM) to work on other state owned buildings and properties.

UCI is licensed by the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing as a general contractor and is capable of working in most construction capacities from simple remodels to complete building construction.

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.