Government Surplus Auction

State Surplus Property Program

When a state agency has an item it no longer requires, that item is first offered to other state agencies. By transferring property from one agency to another, the Commonwealth is able to save taxpayer dollars through the reuse of valuable property. When an item is no longer required by any state agency, it is declared surplus and offered for sale in a variety of venues.

Heavy Equipment Auctions

Used heavy equipment, off-road equipment, and dump trucks are offered for sale when they are no longer being used by the Commonwealth. These items are first offered to municipalities, then to the general public. View heavy equipment sale dates and information

Heavy Equipment Auction Websites:

• Municipalities Login: www.govplanet.com/muni
• Public Auction Login: www.govplanet.com/penndot

Distrbution Center

​To make the sales process more convenient and accessible for additional customers, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services will move the sale of all state surplus property exclusively to an online auction format.

Online Auctions

​All items are sold at various locations throughout the state or through an online auction. Online auctions are managed by www.GovPlanet.com/PA and GovDeals.com (These links direct you to Pennsylvania’s auction items).

Bridge Marketing

​When a Pennsylvania historical bridge is scheduled for replacement due to width or load restrictions, the Commonwealth seeks to identify adaptive re-uses for the bridge. Bridges may be offered for sale to other state agencies, municipalities, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and/or the general public. In the past, historic bridges have been moved and restored as part of state park improvements, Rails to Trails projects, or placed on university campuses.

How to Surplus State-Owned Property

• How to Surplus Guide
• NEW – PASS 2023 User Interface Updates
• PASS-1-Introduction
• PASS-2-Submitting Disposal Requests
• PASS-3-Submitting Agency-to-Agency Transfer Requests

Report Surplus Property – Pennsylvania Automated Surplus System (PASS):

• For users WITH @pa.gov username: Pennsylvania Automated Surplus System (P.A.S.S) (Single Sign-On)
• For NON-CWOPA users (email address NOT [email protected] ): Pennsylvania Automated Surplus System (P.A.S.S.) (Native Login)
• ** If a NON-CWOPA user, and this is the first time logging into the system, please contact State Surplus at: [email protected] to receive a username and password.

Purchasing State Surplus Property

When state surplus property is made available for sale to the public through auction, the internet or Department of General Services’ warehouse, the following prohibitions and limitations apply:

• Employees of the Department of General Services’ Bureau of Supplies and Surplus may not purchase the property.
• Property Control Officer(s) and their supervisor(s) of the Commonwealth agency which declares the property “surplus” may not purchase the property.
• State employees may not purchase any item with a price greater than $500.
• State employees are also subject to any specific guidelines of their respective agencies in regard to purchases of items with a price of $500 or less.
• Employees should check agency policy on purchasing of state property to identify any additional restriction.

How to Score the Best Deals on Government Surplus: A Buyer’s Guide

Government surplus auctions offer incredible opportunities to buy high-quality used equipment, vehicles, electronics, real estate, office supplies, and more at a fraction of retail prices. Whether you’re a small business owner, reseller, or individual looking for a great deal, knowing how to navigate GovDeals.com effectively can help you maximize your savings. This guide will provide expert tips and strategies for scoring the best deals.

1. Understand How GovDeals Works

GovDeals is an online auction platform where government agencies sell surplus assets to the public. There are hundreds of categories of surplus for sale. Familarize yourself with the categories that interest you and sellers in your area by navigating the website.

2. Create a Winning Bidding Strategy

To secure the best deals, follow these key bidding strategies:

Start with a Low Bid – Avoid bidding wars by placing a low bid and waiting until the auction nears its close.

Use Proxy Bidding – Set a maximum bid in advance and let the system automatically increase your bid in small increments, ensuring you stay competitive and don’t go over your budget.

Set Up Text Alerts – When you register as a bidder you can agree to recieve text alerts that will notify you when you are outbid, when an auction is nearing close, and other important information.

3. Research Listings Carefully

Not all government surplus items are in perfect condition, so it’s crucial to research before bidding:

Read the Item Description – Pay close attention to details about the item’s condition, functionality, and any known defects.

Check Photos – High-quality images can reveal signs of wear, missing parts, or damage that might not be listed in the description.

Ask Questions – If you need more details, contact the seller for clarification before placing a bid.

4. Take Advantage of Lesser-Known Categories

Many bidders focus on high-demand items like vehicles and electronics, but there are often incredible deals in less competitive categories such as:

5. Know the True Value of Items

Before bidding, compare prices with new and used alternatives on platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace. If the auction price is significantly lower, you’ve found a great deal! Still be mindful of hidden costs such as fees, repairs and transportation.

For example, this 2011 Lexus ES 350 sold for $4,542, with $300 of that being taxes. Kelley Blue Book says a fair market value for this model is $8,130-9,505 .

The Lexus that sold on GovDeals was having trouble starting. For someone with the knowledge of fixing vehicles, this could be a good car to flip for profit.

6. Stay Updated on New Listings

Great deals don’t last long, so stay ahead by:

Setting Alerts – Use GovDeals’ notification features to receive alerts for items you’re interested in.

Checking Listings Daily – Auctions frequently open and close, so browsing regularly increases your chances of finding valuable items.

Following Your Favorite Sellers – Some agencies regularly sell specific types of assets, making it easier to track desirable listings. Bookmark their custom URL to only see their auctions.

7. Plan for Pickup and Transportation

Winning an auction is just the first step. Most items on GovDeals require in-person pickup, so consider:

Location – Check if the item is nearby or if shipping is available.

Pickup Deadlines – Each listing includes specific pickup deadlines, so ensure you can retrieve your item on time.

Transport Logistics – For large or heavy items, you may need to rent a truck or hire professional movers.

Final Thoughts

With the right strategy, GovDeals can be a goldmine for budget-conscious buyers. They are trusted by over 15,000 government agencies, selling their surplus online for 25 years. By researching listings, bidding smartly, and planning for logistics, you can score incredible deals on government surplus items. Whether you’re looking for personal use, business inventory, or resale opportunities, GovDeals provides a cost-effective way to buy quality assets.

Want to start bidding? Visit GovDeals.com and explore current auctions today!