What does the government do with all the unwanted things they bought with our tax money? They auction it off at levels much below what they paid. Federal surplus, seized and forfeited assets make up the majority of items at these auctions. Just about everything and any thing is auctioned. The most extensive data base with government auction events is the General Services Administration. Also referred to as the GSA, they provide a factual resource without misleading the public into thinking government auctions are secret and for the few select. This is a government sponsored resource and does not cost the public money to be a part of. The General Service Administration has its own website with categorized auctions. Each auction has a brief description and picture of the item(s) being sold. The website is easy to navigate and is broken down into states.

Categories of Auctions

*Agricultural Equipment and Supplies

*Aircraft and Aircraft Parts

*Boats and Marine Equipment

*Communication Equipment

*Computer Equipment and Accessories

*Construction Equipment

*Electrical and Electronic Equipment

*Vehicles (Fire trucks, cars, etc.)

*Furniture

*Shop Tools

*Household/Personal Items

*Horses

*Treasury Bills

*Financial Assets

*Lab Equipment

*Medical Dental Equipment

*Office Supplies

*Trailers and Tractors

*Houses

*Land

*Jewelry

Depending on which auction you attend, even more kinds of items are available. Interested participants can freely browse the GSA data base on the web. In order to participate in an actual auction, you first need to register with GSA. The registration process is simple and does not require too much of your time. The GSA requires you to simply assign yourself a user name and password. Secondly, you need to provide a credit card on file for identification purposes. Once you have created this profile with the GSA, you can determine how you want your information presented on paperwork for a completed auction winning. Its important to have your information in order before preceding to bid on auctions. If your profile is incorrect, you cannot change the information you supplied in your registration. For example, if you are bidding on behalf of a company, you must register as that company in the profile. You may also create separate profiles if you are only participating as an individual.

In 1996, in accordance with public Law No. 104-134, The Debt Collection Improvement Act was passed. What this means to you, is that you must provide a Tax Identification Number in order to conduct business with the Federal Government. This isn't something to be worried about, its actually just using your Social Security Number or if a business, you use an Employer Identification Number.

Government auctions are an excellent resource for the public to find deals on just about anything. In addition to this being a free service, no buyer fees are associated with these auctions. If you come across any organizations claiming to be affiliated with government auctions but require a fee, avoid doing business. Your tax money pays for this service, there is no need to pay a middle man for free information.