**GAO-08-634**                      Published: May 29, 2008. Publicly Released: May 29, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

The federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is responsible for the custody and care of more than 201,000 federal offenders. To provide housing for the federal prison population, BOP manages the construction and maintenance of its prison facilities and oversees contract facilities. GAO was asked to look into recent increases in estimated costs for Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) construction projects located in Mendota, CA; Berlin, NH; and McDowell, WV, which have led to almost $278 million or 62 percent more being provided in funding than initially estimated. This report addresses (1) the reasons for the changes to the estimated costs and (2) the actions BOP has taken--or plans to take--to control future cost increases and delays. GAO reviewed and analyzed BOP's fiscal years 2001 to 2009 budget documents, files for these three projects, and project management guidance. GAO also reviewed government and industry guidance on project management and met with BOP officials.

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## Topics

Justice and Law Enforcement

Budget outlaysConstruction contractsConstruction costsCorrectional facilitiesCost analysisCost controlCost effectiveness analysisCost overrunsFacility constructionFacility maintenanceFacility managementFederal facilitiesMaintenance (upkeep)Policy evaluationPrisonersProgram evaluationProgram managementSchedule slippagesSite selectionCost estimatesPolicies and proceduresProgram costs