LINCOLN, Neb.—The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) is now in the process of reviewing bids for the new 1,512-capacity multi-custody facility to replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary. NDCS received bids through 2:00 p.m. on June 3, 2025. Bids were submitted by: Clark Construction/MCL Construction (a joint venture); Hausmann Construction; and Sampson Construction/Caddell Construction (a joint venture).
“From day one, our engineering team has approached this project the Nebraska way — focusing on fiscal responsibility, while building a facility that will support the needs of our state,” said NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys. “All of the bids received will keep this project within the proposed budget and the funding appropriated by the Legislature. We look forward to launching construction and appreciate all Nebraskans who have supported this rehabilitation-focused facility.”
As is general practice for NDCS engineering projects, there is a 40-day bid evaluation period from the bid due date. During this time, bids are reviewed and an intent to award is signed with the selected bidder. When the intent to award is signed, bid numbers will become public information.
The facility, located north of Interstate 80 and east of 70th street in northeast Lincoln, will replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary, which serves as the oldest facility in the NDCS system. Portions of that campus date back to 1869. Over the decades, the campus has been expanded and modified to maintain the facility’s viability. However, the facility’s age and configuration have made it difficult to operate as a modern correctional facility.
Utilizing the latest trends in correctional architecture, the new multi-custody facility design will incorporate natural light and acoustics that facilitate proper sound levels throughout the facility. These normative spaces will support the rehabilitative mission of the facility and the mental and physical wellbeing of the population and staff.
The facility campus will include a maximum/medium custody compound adjacent to a minimum compound. Rehabilitative programming spaces will be located directly in housing units, with vocational spaces placed throughout the facility.
The architect firm overseeing the design of Nebraska’s new prison is DLR Group; the firm will work with the Nebraska Department of Corrections to review bids and finalize construction plans.
