(BOP) - The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has officially launched its first ever Facilities Management Industry Day, a four-day event bringing hundreds of contractors, technical experts, and industry partners to Washington, D.C. This historic gathering marks a major step forward in the Bureau’s efforts to modernize and strengthen infrastructure across its nationwide footprint.
Deputy Director Joshua J. Smith visited the event in the afternoon and offered brief remarks to participants, emphasizing the significance of this inaugural gathering for the Bureau. He highlighted the essential role industry partnerships play in supporting the BOP’s mission and noted that the expertise represented at Industry Day will contribute to safer, more efficient, and more resilient federal facilities. His comments reinforced the Bureau’s commitment to transparency, engagement, and operational excellence.
Held January 13 to 16, 2026, and hosted by the BOP’s Facilities Management Branch, Industry Day provides a unique opportunity for private sector partners to hear directly from BOP subject matter experts about the agency’s most pressing construction, maintenance, and modernization needs. The event was organized under the leadership of Justin M. Thornton, Chief of Facilities Management, whose team spent months coordinating logistics, technical content, and engagement opportunities to ensure the event delivered meaningful value to both the Bureau and its industry partners. Their work resulted in a well-structured, informative program that reflects the professionalism and dedication of the Facilities Management Branch.
Thornton noted the significance of the moment, stating, “Being able to host the Bureau’s first ever Industry Day is an achievement we’re proud of, and it reflects the outstanding effort of the entire Facilities Management team. Their dedication brought this event to life and set the stage for stronger partnerships and better outcomes across our facilities.”
In turn, participating firms can showcase their capabilities, ask questions, and explore opportunities to support critical infrastructure improvements.
This is the first time the Bureau has convened an event of this scale focused exclusively on facilities operations and modernization. With significant funding available for infrastructure upgrades, Industry Day helps the BOP identify qualified businesses, including those eligible for direct award, to accelerate project timelines and ensure resources are used efficiently and effectively.
What Industry Day Offers
The no-cost event is open to companies with expertise in essential facilities disciplines, including:
- Roofing
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (M.E.P.) trades
- Boiler and chiller services
- Fire alarm and sprinkler systems
- Security electronics
- General construction services
Participants hear directly from BOP engineers, project managers, and program leaders about current requirements, upcoming opportunities, and best practices for working with the agency.
Event Schedule Highlights
Day One: January 13, 2026
Day one consisted of presentations, Q&A sessions, and technical briefings, including opening remarks and strategic framing from BOP leadership.
Days Two to Four: January 14 to 16, 2026
Dedicated one-on-one sessions give firms 15 minutes each to present their capabilities, ask detailed questions, and engage directly with BOP representatives. These sessions are designed to foster meaningful partnerships and ensure the Bureau has access to the expertise needed to support large-scale infrastructure improvements.
Why This Matters
Industry Day represents a major milestone in the Bureau’s commitment to modernizing its facilities, improving safety, and strengthening operational readiness. By engaging directly with industry partners, the BOP is building the relationships and technical capacity needed to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and move projects forward more efficiently.
This week’s event is only the beginning. The connections made here will help shape the future of BOP facilities work for years to come.