SURPLUS SERVICES - FAQ'S
- What is Surplus Property?
- By what authority does Delaware’s Surplus Program operate?
- What kinds of property are available?
- Is there a charge for property transferred to eligible agencies?
- If this is a donation program, why must there be a service charge?
- How are the services charges determined?
- Who is eligible to acquire State Surplus Property?
- Who is eligible to acquire Federal Surplus Property?
- What is the procedure for establishing Federal Surplus Property eligibility?
- Does the agency maintain a want list for surplus property?
- Is there any restriction on the use of surplus property?
- How does Government Support Services enforce compliance with the terms of the transfer of Federal Property?
- How may a State Agency dispose of surplus items no longer needed or usable?
- How are service charges collected?
- May an individual purchase or use surplus property?
- What are the hours of operation?
In Delaware it is both State and federal property no longer needed by the federal government or the state agency turning in the item.
By what authority does Delaware’s Surplus Program operate?
State Surplus Property
29 Del. C., §7002 designates the Office of Management and Budget as the agency to which surplus or excess property is reported. Government Support Services assumes the responsibility of reallocating or disposing of the property once it is reported as excess.
Federal Surplus Property
The Federal Property and Administrative Service Act of 1949, as amended by Public Law 94-519, authorizes the allocation of federal surplus property to designated state agencies, which in turn distributes the property to eligible donees. The Office of Management and Budget, Government Support Services is designated state agency in the State of Delaware.
What kinds of property are available?
Property would include items such as: desks, file cabinets, hand tool, furniture, vehicles, hardware, computers, kitchen equipment, sports equipments, office supplies, etc.
Is there a charge for property transferred to eligible agencies?
Yes. There is a minimal handling fee associated with the reallocation of State Property.
If this is a donation program, why must there be a service charge?
The Surplus program is 100% self-sufficient. Services charges are necessary to cover the cost of operating this beneficial program.
How are the services charges determined?
Service charges are based upon the cost to handling the surplus property.Who is eligible to acquire State Surplus Property?
29 Del. C., §7002 restricts the reallocation of State Property to other State agencies and volunteer fire, ambulance, and rescue services for a two week period. At the end of this two week period the property may be made available to other political subdivisions, non profit organization or the general public at reasonable costs.Who is eligible to acquire Federal Surplus Property?
Federal Surplus property is available to tax supported public agencies (local governments and municipalities and non-profits, tax exempt education or public health institution or organizations.State Agencies are also eligible for Federal Surplus property. The general public is not eligible.
What is the procedure for establishing Federal Surplus Property eligibility?
Applications for eligibility must be made to Government Support Services, Surplus Property Program. Evidences of civil rights compliance; tax support or non-profit and tax exemption status; official state approval, accreditation or license to operate; and a description of the services rendered must accompany the application.
Does the agency maintain a want list for surplus property?
Yes. The Surplus Property Program has a want list for difficult -to-obtain and items not normally stocked in the distribution center. If you have such a need, please let us know.
Is there any restriction on the use of surplus property?
State Surplus Property
Yes. If the recipient is a State Agency the property must be used in that agency’s operations and added to their inventory.
Federal Surplus Property
Yes. The recipient must agree to the following restrictions:
- Selection must be usable and needed.
- Property must be put into use within 12 months after it is received and utilized for a period of 12 months; except there is a utilization period of 18 months on all property with a Government Acquisition cost of $5,000 and over, and all passenger motor vehicles regardless of Government Acquisition cost. Restriction on all air craft and vessels will be according to the terms and condition within the condition transfer document for vessels and aircraft.
How does Government Support Services enforce compliance with the terms of the transfer of Federal Property?
The Division conducts utilization checks on all 18 month and five-year restricted Federal property during the period and conducts random utilization checks on selected items with a one-year restriction.
How may a State Agency dispose of surplus items no longer needed or usable?
State Surplus Property
The State Agencies must notify Government Support Services, Surplus Property Program, in writing that the surplus item is longer needed or usable. Government Support Services will, in turn instruct the agency on the methods of disposal.
Federal Surplus Property
(top)For property under a one-year, 18 month or five year (aircraft and vessels) restrictions, permission must be obtained from Government Support Services.
How are service charges collected?
State Surplus Property
The State Agencies receiving property will be billed by an intergovernmental invoice (IV) after taking delivery of the property. State surplus property received by the public must be paid in cash when picked up.
Federal Surplus Property
(top)The eligible institution is billed as the property is picked up. Remittance must be by institution check.
May an individual purchase or use surplus property?
Individuals may purchase state property through the Surplus Property Program only. State property is made available to the public after first being mad available to State Agencies and volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance companies.
What are the hours of operation?
State Agency
The distribution center is open every day from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., except on State holidays. State Agency employees must enter through the front door.
General Public
(top)The distribution center is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and selected Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., schedules are available.
