UNICOR

Federal Prison Industries, doing business as Unicor, operates a sign shop located in Cumberland, MD. The Unicor Sign Shop has the capabilities to make quality signs to Corps of Engineers specifications. They make signs on routed wood, plywood, aluminum, and plastic at competitive prices.

Contact Information

• UNICOR fax number: (301) 784-1049
• UNICOR voice number: (301) 784-1519
• Address: 14601 Burbridge Road, SE Cumberland, MD 21502
• E-mail: unicor.sign.factory@usdoj.gov This email will contact John Dawson, factory manager
• Factory Manager, John Dawson: john.dawson2@usdoj.gov
• Production Coordinator: Jerry Sears JSears@central.unicor.gov
• Quotes: Jeff Oates joates@central.unicor.gov (301) 784-1000 ext. 3011.

Who may order signs from Unicor?

Unicor produces signs for all Federal Government agencies. Sign orders from the Corps of Engineers must be approved by the district sign program manager prior to sending to Unicor for a quote or for fabrication.

Unicor may fill orders from non-Federal entities as long as the outside organization is using the signs on federal property for federal agencies. In other words there must be a written agreement as to work being performed such as for land / property maintenance. Another occasion is when agencies are utilizing Federal Grant monies to complete a project or become compliant with a newly instituted program or law. As long as there is written documentation such as a partnership agreement or a contract to verify the work is for the Corps of Engineers, Unicor can produce the signs.

How to order signs

Use this spreadsheet to prepare an order, and have it signed by the district sign program manager (electronic signature is fine). UNICOR will not produce unsigned orders. You can click the email icon on the form to send to the UNICOR. Once UNICOR receives the order, the assigned "detailer" will create an estimate with mock-ups (representative), and return to you for approval. Detailers are extremely familiar with USACE National Sign Standards – any contradictions will be communicated with proposed alternatives. UNICOR will not produce non-compliant signs.

Once your district's procurement procedures have been completed, follow the instructions provided by UNICOR to approve the order and initiate production. Make note of the order number assigned by UNICOR and reference it in correspondence with the factory. It is also recommended to include the order number on the associated purchase request (PR&C).

Unicor will move any order to the front of the line for a 10 percent expedite fee. They also love credit card purchases, which may also expedite things.

Problems After Delivery

1. Signs will arrive crated, with open sidewalls. Do not accept delivery of damaged signs. UNICOR receives restitution for damaged signs ONLY IF delivery is refused.
2. If there are manufacturing deficiencies, contact the UNICOR factory directly. Do NOT contact the invoice center / central accounts.

Buy signs from others, or buy from UNICOR?

• Agencies are encouraged to purchase Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) supplies and services to the maximum extent practicable
• UNICOR guarantees compliance with the sign standard and will replace non-compliant signs at no charge to the project. Replacements automatically receive priority in production.
• To help guide your decision, reference this Sign Procurement Decision Tree.