How to Acquire Surplus Federal Personal Property
GSA Personal Property Donation Program
Personal property that the federal government no longer needs includes all types and categories of property except land or other real property, certain naval vessels, and records of the federal government. It includes such items as:
- Hand and machine tools;
- Office machines and supplies;
- Furniture;
- Appliances;
- Medical supplies;
- Hardware;
- Clothing;
- Motor vehicles;
- Boats;
- Airplanes;
- Construction equipment;
- Textiles;
- Communications; and
- Electronic equipment.
For assistance, contact GSA's Personal Property Management Office.
Distribution of Surplus Personal Property
State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASP) have been established by each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. The SASPs distribute personal property designated as surplus by the federal government.
The SASPs advise applicants of eligibility requirements and procedures to follow in acquiring surplus federal personal property and of the conditions and restrictions placed on the property.
Most SASPs operate on a self-sustaining basis and may assess recipients a service charge to cover handling, transportation, and administrative expenses. For complete information on this GSA Order, please see FSS P 4025.5, Donation of Surplus Personal Property.
Conditions and Restrictions on Property
Clear title to donated property is only granted after a specified period of time has elapsed and the donee has fulfilled all federal and state restrictions imposed on the property. State restrictions may vary as each state agency is permitted to impose its own terms and conditions.
Federal restrictions require that all property be placed into use by the donee within one year of acquisition and be used for at least one year thereafter.
Additional restrictions are imposed by the General Services Administration (GSA) on certain types of property such as aircraft, vessels, and gifts received from foreign dignitaries. Violations of any of the restrictions may require return of the property to the SASP or reimbursement of the fair market value if the property is unable to be recovered.
Visit Eligible Activities to Receive Surplus Federal Personal Property by Donation for a listing of eligible recipients.
Last Reviewed 4/6/2009