General federal asset sales questions
What is federal asset sales?
Federal asset sales is an e-government program designed to improve and optimize the way the federal government sells its surplus, exchange/sale, and/or forfeited assets to the public via online and offline auctions. It is intended to allow access to federal government websites through the creation of a single, secure, efficient, and effective online e-marketplace at USA.gov’s Auctions and Sales page.
Who sells government property on USA.gov’s Auctions and Sales?
GSA’s federal asset sales seeks to engage all agencies from the federal government. Select agencies are designated as “sales centers” to sell government assets on behalf of federal agencies participating in the initiative. At this time, the following agencies are sales centers, although more agencies may be selected in the future:
- Department of Agriculture, Centralized Excess Property Operation
- Department of Defense
- Department of Interior, Aviation Management Division
- Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service & Asset Forfeiture Division
- Department of Justice, U.S. Marshal Service
- General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, Sales Program Division
Sales centers vary by type and geographic area of property sold.
Why is the federal government selling property?
As part of the normal process of performing its business, the federal government requires common items such as computers, furniture, buildings, etc., to complete its mission. Once these items have served their useful life to the government, they may still be of use to private citizens. These excess items are then identified as assets for sale and are offered either to members of the public or to other government agencies for purchase.
Where do the proceeds of the sales go?
Proceeds from property sales are returned to the federal government (via the Department of Treasury) and are available for use in other federal government endeavors.
Where can I learn more about Federal Asset Sales?
USA.gov’s auction and sales offers more information about federal asset sales.
Will USA.gov’s auction and sales collect any information covered by the Privacy Act?
No. The portal does not collect any information covered by the Privacy Act. Individual sales centers may require you to provide personally identifiable information in order to register or complete a sales transaction.
Why is my Social Security number required for bidding?
In accordance with Public Law No. 104-134, Section 31001, the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, the Tax Identification Number must be provided by anyone conducting business with the federal government, from which a debt to the government could arise. Individuals cannot successfully register to bid on items without providing a TIN. A TIN is defined as an individual’s Social Security number or a business entity’s Employer Identification Number.
Some auctions are listed as “export only.” What does this mean?
The term “export only” refers to merchandise identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that cannot be registered, used, resold, or entered into the commerce of the United States or its territories.
“Export only” means merchandise is offered on the condition that all licensing and federal permits will be met by the buyer before exportation. It is recommended that you contact your local CBP office or engage the services of a customs broker or bonded carrier for further information. You can also visit the CBP website or export.gov for more detailed export information. Buyers are responsible for obtaining and complying with all export requirements. “Export only” seized property and general order merchandise must be physically removed from the United States within 60 days after the sale. Check the terms of sale for the specific removal dates.
All countries have their own customs laws and may or may not allow you to import your merchandise into their country. A customs broker or the customs service of the importing country can assist you in answering this question. Information is also available at the U.S. government’s export portal at export.gov.
Why are some auctions closing times extended?
Occasionally, technical problems will interrupt the bidding process for an unspecified amount of time. These interruptions could affect some or all bidders. Based on the length of the interruption and the number of bidders affected, a center may decide to extend the closing time for an auction. Extension can range from one hour to 24 hours based on these criteria, to ensure fair and full competition.
In addition, some auctions have “inactivity time” built into the auction. This is the number of minutes that must pass without any bidding activity for the auction to close. If the inactivity period is displayed as “N/A”, then the auction will close at the specified auction close date and time.
How-to Questions for the USA.gov’s Auction and Sales Website
What types of items can I buy from USA.gov’s Auction and Sales?
USA.gov’s Auction and Sales sells items in two major categories: real and personal property. Real property includes property such as land, single-family homes, commercial buildings, and farms. Personal property includes just about anything else, such as vehicles, jewelry, electronics, furniture, industrial equipment, etc.
How do I buy an item?
Here are a few basic steps to get you started:
- Find an item. Browse through our categories using the tabs at the top of the page or by following the links.
- Learn about the items you find. Read the item descriptions carefully, and contact the seller if you have additional questions.
- Select the item which will take you to an authorized sales center. You will be required to register with each sales center before bidding.
- Bid on the item or choose “Buy It Now.” Once you have found the item you want, you should register and place a bid, or purchase the item instantly depending on what purchase options are available to you.
- Pay for the item. After you have won the bid for the item you want, you will need to pay the seller. Your seller will send you an email with information on how to pay and where you should send payment.
- Pick up the item.
How do I receive the item? Do the sales agencies provide shipping?
Buyers are responsible for picking up purchased items. At this time, sales agencies do not provide shipping, although special arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis. Buyers are responsible for any additional costs associated with shipping the item.
Why does the URL change when I select a property?
USA.gov’s Auction and Sales is a centralized website that allows you to browse through the inventory of property for sale at several government agencies. Once you locate an item you wish to bid on, you are redirected to the agency that is selling the property listed.
I’ve purchased from this site before, so why do I need to register again?
Again, USA.gov’s Auction and Sales. is a centralized website that allows you to browse through the inventory of several government agencies. However, to bid on or purchase property, you must deal directly with the agency listing the property. Each sales center requires bidders to complete its specific registration process.
How can I learn about upcoming auctions?
The Federal Asset Sales initiative has an email list that will keep you up-to-date. Simply register at USA.gov’s Auction and Sales.
How can I locate items on the USA.gov’s Auction and Sales portal?
- Searching: The USA.gov’s Auction and Sales portal enables you to search across personal property types (vehicles, jewelry, electronics, etc.) and across multiple government sites. To search personal property, first select a personal property tab and enter a search term into the search box.
- Browsing: You can also browse across property types (personal and real property) by selecting a property tab and selecting from the links provided. You can also browse the entire contents of the site using the “All Categories” link.
I’ve purchased an item that does not match the description. What action can I take?
Description Warranty
The government warrants to the original purchaser that the property listed on the auction website will conform to its written description. If a description is determined to be inaccurate before payment, the contract will be canceled without any liability to the bidder. If a description is determined to be inaccurate before the property is removed, the government will keep the property and refund any money paid. If a description is determined to be inaccurate after removal, the government will refund any money paid if the purchaser takes the property at his or her expense to a location specified by the sales contracting officer. The refund claims procedure described below will be strictly followed for a filing claim. No refunds will be made after the property is removed for shortages of individual items within a lot. This warranty is in place of all other guarantees and warranties, expressed or implied.
The government does not warrant the merchantability of the property or its purpose. The purchaser is not entitled to any payment for loss of profit or any other monetary damages - special, direct, indirect, or consequential.
Refund Claim Procedure
To file a claim for inaccurately described property:
- Submit a written notice to the sales contracting officer within 15 calendar days from the date of award prior to payment or 15 calendar days from the date of removal.
- If the property has been removed, maintain the property in the purchased condition until you return it.
- If the property has been removed, return the property at your own expense to a location specified by the sales contracting officer. Written claims need to be filed to the sales contracting officer. Verbal contact with the custodian or the sales contracting officer will not constitute a notice of inaccurate description.
Refund Amount
The refund is limited to the purchase price of the inaccurately described property.
Photographs
Photographs must not depict an exact representation of the bid item(s) and should not be relied upon in place of written item descriptions or as a substitute for physical inspection. Please contact the custodian for inspection dates and times.
Inspection
Bidders are invited, urged and cautioned to inspect the property before bidding on it. Bidders must contact the custodian indicated in the item description for inspection dates and times.
Reporting Discrepancies
Prospective purchasers are asked to inform the sales office of any discrepancies in the property description discovered while inspecting the property and of any lots in this sale that contain hazardous material or waste not indicated in the property descriptions.
Payment-Related Concerns
What payment methods are accepted?
Depending on the sales agency, payment methods may be restricted. Generally, the agencies participating in the Federal Asset Sales initiative accept the following payment types:
- Cash or cash equivalent
- U.S. currency (no greater than $10,000)
- Bank cashier’s check
- Credit union cashier’s check issued by a federal or state-chartered credit union
- U.S. Postal Service or commercial money order
- Traveler’s checks
- Properly endorsed United States federal, state, or local government checks
- Personal or company checks accompanied by a bank letter of guarantee. and
- Credit Cards: MasterCard, Visa, Discover/Novus, and American Express
Details on Check Payments: Certified checks, bank drafts and debit cards with dollar limitations, and/or that require a Personal Identification Number (PIN), are not acceptable. All checks and money orders must be made payable to the General Services Administration.
Details on Credit Card Payments: Credit cards can be processed manually or online through the Department of Treasury’s pay.gov system.
How much time do I have to pay for the item after the end of the auction?
Property must be paid for within two business days and property removed within 10 business days from the time and date of the award email notification of sale results, unless otherwise specified in the contract.