SURPLUS FAQ

What is surplus property?

Surplus property is all physical personal property (excluding land and buildings) determined to exceed the needs of state government by the management of a state agency or institution. Once property is declared surplus, it is reported to the Office of Surplus Property Management (OSPM). It then qualifies for disposal (transfer, donation, or public sale) under Department of General Services policies and procedures established in accordance with section §2.2-1124, of the Code of Virginia.

How do you determine the price for property you sell?

Federal property is obtained through the federal donation program, and the only fees collected are service fees to cover the costs of warehousing and transportation in accordance with the Virginia State Plan of Operation

The Commonwealth's surplus property program collects a small service charge for the property it transfers. These fees offset the cost to maintain a statewide surplus property program for agencies and other eligible customers who may not otherwise be able to efficiently dispose of their surplus property or afford new equipment. Service charges are marked on each Distribution Document and Invoice, (DGS Form 43-008) or the Transfer Document (GSA Standard Form 123), followed later by an invoice.

The prices for state surplus property offered in our warehouse distribution centers to eligible walk-in customers are based on fair-market value assessments. We compare prices for comparable federal property we have sold, recent public sale prices of similar items, and the fair and equitable price we can negotiate.

Who is eligible to purchase federal surplus property?

Federal surplus property is available to state and local government agencies and institutions, and to certain health, educational, and other qualified organizations including certain nonprofit organizations, in accordance with federal regulations. Detailed information is contained in the Virginia State Plan of Operation and on our Eligibility page. The Federal Surplus Property Eligibility Application also provides information to qualify for federal surplus property.

Who is eligible to purchase state surplus property?

State surplus property is available at any time to all state and local government offices, and to the qualified pool of donees that meets federal eligibility requirements, including certain nonprofits and small businesses. These potential buyers may view and purchase property at any time at our warehouse distribution centers. We also offer this property for sale to the general public via public auctions and on GovDeals. Interested public buyers can always view our auction schedule for the next sale opportunity.

What is a donee?

A donee is a qualified and eligible government entity, locality, certain non-profit organizations or small businesses that meets federal eligibility requirements to receive state surplus property.

Are non-profit 501(c)3 organizations eligible to purchase state surplus property?

Certain qualified nonprofits are eligible to apply to obtain federal and state surplus property, according to our eligibility requirements, and in accordance with the Code of Virginia. Our procedures allow surplus materials to be sold to Virginia charitable corporations granted tax-exempt status under 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, see our Eligibility page. The Federal Surplus Property Eligibility Application also provides information to qualify for federal surplus property.

How and where can I purchase surplus items?

Potential buyers from the public may view and purchase property via public auctions and on GovDeals. Interested public buyers can always view our auction schedule for the next sale opportunity.

How and where can I find out about public auctions of surplus property?

We publish a calendar of public auctions in Virginia.

How does my government entity, locality or eligible organization purchase surplus property?

Federal surplus property is available to state and local government agencies and institutions, and to certain health, educational, and other qualified organizations including certain non-profit organizations. First, an organization must meet eligibility requirements and if they are not already an approved entity, apply for eligibility. Once an organization is deemed eligible, it must complete forms available on the Eligibility page.

State surplus property is available to all state and local government offices, and to the qualified pool of donees that meet federal eligibility requirements. These potential buyers may view and purchase property at our warehouse distribution centers. Government entities, localities or approved eligible organizations may visit the Richmond warehouse or Wytheville warehouse or view available items at Richmond or available items at Wytheville.

How does my government entity, locality or eligible organization pay for surplus property?

For state agencies and institutions, OSPM accepts the state Small Purchase Charge Card (MasterCard), or we will process and invoice documents for payment (IAT). For eligible nonprofits and small businesses, we request payment at time of purchase.

How does my government entity, locality or eligible organization surrender or turn in surplus property and equipment?

The head of each Virginia agency and institution designates a Surplus Property Officer (SPO) or other designated person to manage surplus property for the agency. You should first contact this individual about processing excess surplus equipment. The agency SPO will coordinate surplus property turn-in and/or disposal requirements with the OSPM. To contact us, call (804) 236-3670 or e-mail OSPM.

Will you pick up property we have prepared for surrender?

We do not have the ability to pick up or deliver items. An agency can bring the property to our warehouses or hire one of the moving companies on contract with the Commonwealth. If an agency has property that can be listed for sale online, we can list that property for sale in place so it won't have to be transported to the warehouse distribution center.