Correctional Facility Construction Bidding: Complete Contractor Guide 2025
Win jail and prison construction contracts. Learn about security requirements, ACA standards, detention hardware specifications, and how to bid on federal, state, and county correctional facility projects.
Correctional Facility Construction Market
Justice Facility Construction Quick Facts
Annual Market:
$5B+
New construction
Renovation:
$3B+
Annual improvements
Cost/Bed:
$150-250K
Medium security
Facilities:
5,000+
US jails/prisons
Correctional facility construction is a specialized market requiring expertise in security systems, detention hardware, and compliance with numerous standards. Projects range from county jails to federal prisons and require understanding of inmate classification and operational needs.
Federal
Bureau of Prisons (BOP), ICE detention, US Marshals. GSA procurement for federal facilities.
State DOC
State Departments of Corrections. Large prison systems, typically design-bid-build or CM at Risk.
County/Local
County jails, detention centers, and justice centers. Often bond-funded projects with public procurement.
Correctional Facility Types
Characteristics
- • Single-cell housing
- • Maximum perimeter security
- • Multiple security layers
- • Restricted movement
- • High staff-to-inmate ratio
Construction Features
- • Reinforced concrete cells
- • Security hollow metal throughout
- • Multiple fence lines with detection
- • Isolation/segregation units
- • Advanced surveillance systems
Characteristics
- • Dormitory or cell housing
- • Double perimeter fence
- • Controlled movement
- • Work programs
- • Educational facilities
Construction Features
- • CMU or precast housing
- • Security glazing
- • Electronic detection systems
- • Vocational training spaces
- • Recreation areas
Characteristics
- • Dormitory housing typical
- • Limited perimeter security
- • Work release programs
- • Pre-release preparation
- • Lower supervision
Construction Features
- • Similar to residential construction
- • Basic security hardware
- • Single fence perimeter
- • Community-style facilities
- • Cost-effective materials
Characteristics
- • Short-term detention
- • Pre-trial housing
- • Multiple classification levels
- • High turnover population
- • Courts integration
Construction Features
- • Booking/intake areas
- • Video arraignment
- • Multiple housing types
- • Medical/mental health
- • Public interface areas
Security Systems
Door Systems
- • Security hollow metal doors/frames
- • Sliding cell doors
- • Swing doors with detention locks
- • Sallyport configurations
- • Emergency release systems
Lock Systems
- • Electromechanical locks
- • Manual backup systems
- • Key control systems
- • Access control integration
- • Group release capability
Glazing Systems
- • Security glazing (attack-resistant)
- • Polycarbonate panels
- • Wire glass (where permitted)
- • Security vision panels
- • Tamper-proof framing
Cell Furnishings
- • Stainless steel fixtures
- • Detention bunks
- • Anti-ligature hardware
- • Vandal-resistant surfaces
- • Security light fixtures
Video Surveillance
- • IP camera systems
- • PTZ coverage
- • Video analytics
- • 30+ day storage
- • Control room displays
Access Control
- • Card/biometric readers
- • Intercom systems
- • PLC door control
- • Touchscreen interfaces
- • Emergency overrides
Perimeter Security
- • Fence detection systems
- • Microwave sensors
- • Ground sensors
- • Tower observation
- • Lighting systems
Communications
- • Intercom/paging systems
- • Inmate telephone systems
- • Radio communications
- • Duress alarm systems
- • PA/mass notification
Special Systems
- • Body scanner equipment
- • Metal detection
- • Contraband detection
- • Cell phone detection
- • Drug detection
Standards & Requirements
American Correctional Association
Standards for adult correctional institutions covering physical plant, safety, security, and operations. Many jurisdictions require ACA accreditation.
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
Detention and correctional occupancy chapters (22/23). Smoke compartments, means of egress, and fire protection requirements.
National Institute of Corrections
Jail design guidelines, direct supervision principles, and technical assistance for correctional facility planning.
Prison Rape Elimination Act
Physical plant requirements for sight lines, camera coverage, and design elements to prevent sexual abuse.
Special Considerations
Anti-Ligature Requirements
- • Mental health/suicide watch areas
- • Special plumbing fixtures
- • Sloped surfaces
- • Breakaway hardware
- • Continuous observation capability
Healthcare Requirements
- • Medical/dental clinics
- • Mental health units
- • Infirmary beds
- • Pharmacy security
- • Emergency treatment areas
Finding Correctional Projects
Federal Bureau of Prisons
SAM.gov for BOP projects. GSA procurement for federal detention facilities. Long lead times on federal projects.
State DOC Procurement
Each state DOC has capital programs. Bond issues fund major projects. Check state procurement portals.
County Governments
County jail projects through county purchasing. Often voter-approved bond projects. Sheriff department involvement.
Justice Design Firms
HOK, HDR, DLR Group, and specialized firms. Building relationships with A/E firms leads to subcontracting opportunities.
High-Value Specialty Scopes
- • Detention hardware
- • Security electronics
- • Security glazing
- • Stainless steel fixtures
- • Perimeter security systems
Supporting Trades
- • Concrete/masonry
- • Mechanical/electrical
- • Fire protection
- • Roofing (security concerns)
- • Kitchen equipment
Winning Correctional Bids
Correctional Experience
Document completed detention/correctional projects. Show understanding of security levels and operational requirements.
Security Clearance
Background check capability for workers. Understanding of tool control and material security in secure environments.
Phased Construction
Many projects involve renovation of occupied facilities. Demonstrate ability to maintain security during construction.
Vendor Relationships
Established relationships with detention hardware manufacturers and security system vendors.
- Underestimating detention hardware lead times (often 16-24 weeks)
- Not accounting for security coordination and operational restrictions
- Missing tool accountability and background check requirements
- Inadequate system integration testing time in schedule
- Overlooking ACA/PREA compliance requirements in bid preparation
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