Hi Jane:

We, here at DRI, have acquired quite a bit of surplus equipment.  We have
a DOE contract and I am not aware of any requiring threshold on the
dollar amount of the contract in regard to acquiring equipment.

However, we have had some very serious problems!!  We failed to keep
really good records on the equipment that arrived - just because it is
"surplus" equipment, it still belongs to the government and they expect
you to keep detailed inventory records.  Now we are scrambling to locate
all of our "free" goodies!  Also we had problems with an item
that once it was here, was not what the P.I. wanted, or it didn't work.
It was a nightmare trying to send it back.  In fact, I think we still
have some junk that we are trying to get back to the govt.

Now I don't mean to sound completely negative.  There is really some neat
equipment out there waiting for a new home and the price is right!
But keep really good records!!

Marg Herndon
Business Manager
Water Resources Center
Desert Research Institute/Las Vegas

(702)895-0471  xxxxxx@snsc.dri.edu

On Tue,

18 Jun 1996, Research Administration Discussion Group wrote:

> I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with acquiring surplus/excess
> equipment from the government.  Our situation is that with the base
> closings/consolidations, there is equipment coming available in San Antonio
> that we would like to acquire.  Can any one give me info as to how we make
> contacts, get on the "list", or just plain give me your experiences in this
> area.  And, do you have to get a certain amount of DOD funding to be eligible?
>
> Much thanks.  I look forward to your responses.
>
> BTW, as indicated below, I've had an institution change, but I remain the
> same old Jane.
>
> Jane Youngers
> Director, Office of Grants Management
> University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
> xxxxxx@uthscsa.edu
>
> p.s., this is the 3rd time I've tried to send this--I guess if you are
> reading it I've finally had success!!
>