Federal surplus property auction
May 20 in Springfield    

[MAY 19, 2004]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Central Management Services announced Tuesday that a 1977 road grader, 1973 John Deere tractor, Oshkosh snowplow, military cargo trucks, camouflage shirts, pants, and other miscellaneous items of equipment and furniture will be auctioned off at its federal surplus property sale Thursday, May 20 at the Illinois State Surplus Warehouse, 1924 S. 10½ St. in Springfield.

"Federal surplus property is sold at a discounted price throughout the year to Illinois local governments, school districts, and not-for-profit educational and health services organizations. The mission of the federal surplus program is to redistribute these assets to qualifying organizations, and remaining property is sold at auction annually," said CMS Director Michael Rumman. "This is a good opportunity for the public to obtain reasonably priced federal property and other equipment that has outlived its usefulness to the federal government."

Registration will begin May 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and opens the day of sale at 7 a.m. The sale will begin promptly at 9 a.m. on May 20. The merchandise will be available for inspection on Tuesday, May 18, and Wednesday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and up to the time of the sale on Thursday, May 20. There are no warranties or guarantees implied or expressed, and all sales are final.

Bidders may pay for purchases with cash, cashier's checks, money orders or traveler's checks in increments of $100 or less. Other acceptable forms of payment are MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Bravo and Private Choice credit cards.

Business or personal checks are also accepted, but these checks must be supported by a letter of credit from a financial institution. The letters must include the maximum amount of credit approved through a specific date and should also state that they cover the purchase price of U.S. government property only. All letters of credit must be approved prior to the sale.

Checks and forms of payment other than cash must be made payable to the General Services Administration. Two types of identification must also be provided, including one with a photograph.

The government reserves the right to reject any payment or identification of a bidder if it appears it may not be in the best interest of the federal government.

All buyers must take possession of property purchased immediately upon conclusion of the auction. The state of Illinois is not responsible for accidents or loss.

People interested in the auction may contact Curtis Howard at [phone].

[Illinois Department of Central Management Services
news release]