Online Government Auctions

Government auctions are big business, whether they are online government auctions or voice auctions that have to be attended in person. Information on all government auctions, in person and online, is available at Firstgov.gov. This website contains information on auctions by all levels of government, federal, state and local. Since each governmental entity has its own protocol for auctions, you have to look at each category and each agency to see what their procedure is.

Government auction goods are surplus goods or seized property. Surplus goods are goods that government used and no longer needs. Surplus goods can be things like desks, chairs, office equipment, cars, machine guns, Coast Guard boats, and so on. Also sold at auction is property that was seized by government. This can include almost anything. Government will seize the assets of arrested criminals when those assets are obtained from the proceeds from crime. Items in this category can be houses, boats, cars, planes, jewelry, antiques, etc. All of these goods are made available to the public through auctions. A look at the Firstgov website will give you information on the auctions. You will find many agencies conduct online auctions. Since each agency makes its own auction arrangements, you have to look through the listings to see what is available where.

For example, the U.S. Air Force has online auctions called AF Advantage. Here you can bid on machine guns and ammunition, aircraft telemetry equipment, aircraft data recorders, commercial marine craft, etc. The General Services Administration has its online website, GSA Auctions. You can find all kinds of surplus good on this site from Coast Guard boats, cameras, dental equipment, and fire trucks, to furniture and tools. Many agencies use the Bid4 Assets site for their online auctions. You can find all kinds of government surplus and seized assets for sale. They list which government agencies have current auction items, and whether they are federal, state or local governments. You can find and buy houses this way. Vehicles are available and can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Many cars and vehicles are auctioned at online auctions. The Firstgov website divides the cars and vehicles section into online and offline auctions.

The government online auctions are not all located in one place. You have to check the different categories and agencies to see what they have online and offline. It is time consuming but it is well worth the time if you find a good deal.