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How to acquire surplus Federal Personal Property | GSA

How to acquire surplus Federal Personal Property | GSA

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Category
Nonprofit
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Eligibility
state and local government agencies, public organizations, and eligible nonprofit tax‑exempt organizations
Auto Summary
State and local agencies, as well as eligible nonprofit organizations, can acquire surplus federal personal property through the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program by confirming eligibility, contacting their local State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP), and using the PPMS system to search for items; SASPs may charge service fees, and recipients must meet usage requirements and comply with federal and state restrictions, including handling special categories like aircraft, vessels, and firearms.
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Espanol: Cómo adquirir propiedad personal federal excedente | GSA
URL
https://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/government-property-for-sale-or-lease/office-of-personal-property-management/for-state-agencies-and-public-organizations/how-to-acquire-surplus-federal-personal-property

What this is

The Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program lets the federal government hand off property it no longer needs — office equipment, vehicles, tools, electronics, furniture, lab gear — to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, and schools. It is administered by the GSA Office of Personal Property Management and distributed state-by-state through a State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP). In California, that's the DGS Office of Fleet and Asset Management (OFAM).
This is for nonprofit organizations, not individuals. Individuals cannot acquire surplus property directly — but the nonprofits serving them can.

Who's eligible (California nonprofits)

Per California DGS, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and the property must be used for educational, public health, programs for older individuals, or other approved nonprofit purposes. Eligible categories also include public airports, Veterans Service Organizations, and tax-supported public agencies.

What to actually do

  1. Apply or renew as a Federal Donee through DGS OFAM. Search "Apply, Renew as Federal Donee of Surplus Property" on dgs.ca.gov.
  1. Contact California SASP: DGS State Surplus Property and Reutilization, (916) 928-5806 or contactSPR@dgs.ca.gov.
  1. Once approved, browse available property through the California Surplus Property System (CSPS) (state inventory) and the federal Personal Property Management System at ppms.gov. CSPS viewing/sale hours are Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
  1. Pay the service charge — usually a percentage of property value to cover handling, transportation, and administration. The property itself is donated; the fee is for logistics.

Strings attached

  • You must start using the property within one year of receiving it, and use it for at least one year after that.
  • Violating the use restrictions can mean returning the property or reimbursing its fair market value.
  • Special rules apply to aircraft, vessels, firearms, and animals.

Skip if

  • You're an individual, not an organization. The program does not serve individuals directly.
  • You need real estate — this program covers personal property only, not land or buildings.

Sources

  • California DGS Federal Donee application: search "Apply, Renew as Federal Donee" on dgs.ca.gov
  • Verified 2026-05-17