FPI is, first and foremost, a correctional program. Its impetus is helping inmates acquire the skills necessary to successfully make the transition from prison to law-abiding, tax-paying, productive members of society. The production of items and provision of services are necessary by-products of those efforts, as FPI does not receive any appropriated funds for operation. FPI is required by statute to diversify its product offerings as much as possible in order to minimize the program’s impact on any one industry. FPI currently produces over 80 types of products and services and has six business groups: Clothing and Textiles; Electronics; Fleet; Office Furniture; Recycling; and Services.

Inmate workers are ordinarily hired through waiting lists. A renewed emphasis has been placed on the use of job sharing and half-time workers. This allows for an increase in the number of inmates who benefit from participating in the FPI program. FPI has placed emphasis on prioritizing inmates on the waiting list within three years of release for available FPI positions, with the aim of hiring inmates at least six months prior to release. FPI has also placed an emphasis on prioritizing inmates on the waiting list who are military veterans, as well as those with financial responsibilities.