R.I. Gen. Laws § 13-7-7: Notice to public purchasing agents of articles being produced.

(a) The department of corrections shall cause any articles and materials that are used in the offices, departments, or institutions of the state and of the several cities and towns to be produced by the labor of inmates in the public welfare institutions.

(b) From time to time the department of corrections shall notify the state purchasing agent, and the managing officer of any office, department, or institution having the duty of purchasing articles and materials for any city or town, what articles and materials are being produced in the public welfare institutions. This notification shall describe the articles and materials in detail, giving the style, size, design, or quality and any other information necessary to properly describe the articles and materials.