Frequently Asked Questions

A: From the GSAAuctions.gov homepage, click on "Register." Users must choose to register as either an Individual or Company when establishing an account. The registration form contains several required fields which you must complete to become eligible for successful registration. GSA uses Experian's Precise ID and BizID to authenticate the identity of prospective bidders. If Experian is unable to authenticate your identity, GSA will send you an email with instructions on how to proceed with getting your account manually verified. Please do not reattempt to register under a new user ID as GSA will not resend your information to Experian for validation. If Experian is able to validate you, you will be advised to check your email for important instructions on establishing a password and multi-factor authentication methods to complete your registration.

Important Note: Users registering as an Individual are only allowed to have one account per Social Security Number (SSN). Please remember to make note of your username, password and password hint for future reference. You can view items for sale without registering by utilizing the "Browse GSA Auctions" link, but you must successfully register and login to bid. Business accounts allow multiple users of the same EIN, however the entire account will be impacted if one of the users defaults using the account’s EIN.

Q: I have not received the email from GSA with instructions on how to set my password and security factors. What do I do?

A: First, check your spam/junk folders. If you still cannot find the email, please contact the GSA Auctions helpdesk.

Q: I successfully registered on GSAAuctions.gov and have forgotten my password. What do I do?

A: From the GSAAuctions.gov login page, click on the "Forgot password" link. Enter your email address and click Send Email.. GSA will send a 6 digit code to your email address on file. (Please note: If you do not receive the code, check to see if the email went to your junk/spam folder. If you still do not see it, go back to the GSA Auctions screen and click Re-send OTP.) Copy and paste the 6 digit code into the Enter the OTP field and click Submit. You will be prompted to enter in your security answer (created at the time of registration) as well as a new password.

Q: I failed registration and had to provide documentation to GSA Central Office Headquarters to verify. Is there a way to expedite this process for failed registration? I would like to bid on something closing soon.

A: Unfortunately, if your information could not be verified through Experian, GSA Central Office Headquarters will have to manually review your documentation to confirm your information. To avoid any additional delays, please ensure your identification information is clear and easy to read, the address on your documentation is the same as the registered address, and all requested information is sent as soon as possible.

Q: Can I use a P.O. Box address at registration?

A: Yes, a P.O. Box address will be accepted but you must provide a street address too. The street address must be entered in Address Line 1 field and your P.O. Box number in Address Line 2 field on the registration page.

Q: I am an international resident, am I allowed to register on GSA Auctions?

A: Yes, international residents can register on GSAAuctions.gov.

To validate international registrants, both companies and individuals registering on GSA Auctions℠ using an international address must scan and submit two forms of identification (ID) that reflect the registrant's current name and address. The ID must include the following:

One (1) photo ID that includes your country identification number (photo ID should be the equivalent to a United States driver's license or a Government-issued ID with a current address. A passport is acceptable). Company registrants must submit a photo ID of the person opening the account.
A utility bill or a Government issued document that includes the individual's full name and address or company's name and address.

Documents should be scanned and sent to GSA Central Office at registration@gsa.gov and must include the registrant's chosen user name. Documentation must be submitted in the English Language and include a certified translation if not originally in English. Validation is subject to approval by GSA Central Office. All payments shall be made in U.S. currency. Bidder is responsible for obtaining any necessary Government approvals and shall make any arrangements necessary to make such payments. Please NOTE: GSA Auctions℠ does not ship merchandise; bidders or their authorized representatives are responsible for timely pick up and removal of property.

Q: Is my personal information protected?

A: We are aware that you may have concerns over disclosing information. Your privacy is very important to us. GSA Auctions is fully committed to protecting your right to privacy within our on-line auction community. GSA Auctions does not market, sell, rent or otherwise release registered user information to third parties.

For site security purposes, GSA Auctions website uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption for all web communications. This encryption is the highest level of security possible for network communication, and ensures users that their user information such as credit card information and passwords will not be vulnerable to hackers via the Internet or physically via internet breaches. This service remains available to all user. This government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic and identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited.

Q: I am an individual who would like to sell/post my personal items on GSA Auctions. How do I get started?

A: GSA is a Federal Agency that offers only government personal property to the general public. If you are a Federal or State Agency you can sell items on GSA Auctions too. If you are a private citizen interested in a website to post your personal items for sale, our authority does not include contracting with private companies and or clientele to assist in the disposal of non government property, with exception of government contractor inventory. Therefore, we are unable to assist you with your personal sales.

Q: Can I use the same email address when registering at GSA Auctions as a company and an individual for both accounts?

A: Yes, you can use the same email address for both a company and individual account. Once you log into the system with your email address and password, the system will display all available accounts that are linked to your email address. You will have the opportunity to select which account you want to log into.

Q: Can I use the same email address as my family member to register?

A: GSA advises against multiple users registering with the same email address. Each user should register with an email address that is unique to them. Usernames are associated with registered email addresses at the time of login. Sharing email addresses creates an unnecessary security risk as well as possible login disruptions.

Q: Will all communication from GSA Auctions and/or GSA Staff come from a @gsa.gov email address?

A: Yes. Please be vigilant when reading or responding to emails from GSA Auctions and/or GSA Staff that the email address is from a @gsa.gov address. If you receive an email from an address different than @gsa.gov, do not respond to it, and report it immediately to gsaauctionshelp@gsa.gov.

Q: Can I, as a federal employee, purchase Federal personal property that my agency has for sale on GSA Auctions?

A: GSA employees or spouse or minor child of GSA employees, or their agents, may not bid on Federal personal property. An employee of another agency may bid if he/she is not prohibited from doing so by his/her employing agency's rules or regulations.

Q: Why am I being asked to provide a credit card number at registration?

A: By providing a credit card number, Experian is able to do a more thorough account verification. This step is completely optional and it will not affect your ability to establish an account if you do not wish to participate or if you do not have the required card. Please note that registration on GSAAuctions.gov is free, and the card is not charged or stored on the database.

Q: Why can’t I log in using my user ID anymore?

A: GSA has implemented Multi-factor authentication (MFA) on 08/02/2020 which has changed the way you log into your account. All users who had logged into their account within 3 years of the implementation date should have received an email containing a temporary password and instructions to transition your account from logging in with your user ID to logging in with your email address. Although you are using your email address to log in, all of your activities will be documented under your unique user ID.

Q: I am an existing user of GSA Auctions and did not receive an email to transition my account from logging in with my user ID to logging in with my email address. What do I need to do?

A: All users who have logged into their account within three (3) years of the implementation date 08/02/2020 should have received an email containing a temporary password and instructions on transitioning the account. If you have not logged in within 3 years of the implementation date, your account has likely expired and you will need to re-register. If you have logged in within 3 years of the implementation date, and you did not receive an email with a temporary password or instructions, please check your spam/junk folder. If you still cannot find it, please contact the helpdesk for assistance.

Q: Why do I still need a user ID if I am just going to log in using my email address and password?

A: You will still have a unique user ID that will be used to formally document all of your activities within the system.

Q: I have multiple accounts with the same email address. How will the system know which account I want to log into?

A: Once you log into the system with your email address and password, the system will display all available accounts that are linked to your email address. You will have the opportunity to select which account you want to log into.

Q: What does Remember me mean?

A: By selecting the Remember me box at login, the system will pre-populate your email address each time you open the login screen. This prevents you from having to enter it in during each login.

Q: What does Do not challenge me on this device for the next 12 hours, mean?

A: By selecting the Do not challenge me on this device for the next 12 hours you will not be required to submit a one time passcode for 12 hours (assuming you are logging in on the same device as when you selected the option). This option will not display again until the 12 hours have expired. However, if you try logging in from a different device during that 12 hour period, you will be required to request a one time code because the system does not recognize your new device.

Q: The system does not recognize my login information. What can I do?

A: There are a number of reasons why the system may not recognize your information. Please review the reasons below:

The login screen has changed since MFA has been implemented (08/02/2020), and instead of requiring a user ID and password to log in, users will have to login with their email address and password.
- If you were an existing and active (logged into your account within the past 3 years) GSA Auctions user prior to the implementation of MFA, you should have received an email with a temporary password to assist in setting up your MFA factors. If you did not go through this process, you will not be able to log in. Please contact the helpdesk for assistance.
- If you have not logged into the system within 3 years, your account is considered “expired” and will no longer be accessible to you. Please re-register.
- If you are a new user to GSA Auctions, look for an email from GSA that contains your temporary password. You will need to set up your MFA factors and create a password for future logins.

Q: I’ve already set up my factors for MFA, but now I would like to add an additional factor. How can I add a factor to my existing factors?

A: In order to add a factor to your existing factors or to change information under your factor (e.g. updating a phone number), you must reset all of your factors (we hope this process will be more user friendly in the future). To do this, log into GSA Auctions and click on the My Preference tab. Next, click on the blue button titled Reset. You will receive an email confirming that your factors have been reset. You will be asked to set up your factors during your next login.

Q: How do I make a name/address change on my account?

A: Customers cannot modify their name after successfully registering. If a change to your name needs to be made, you must provide documentation showing proof of the change. This documentation can be sent to registration@gsa.gov. Addresses can be updated by selecting the My Preferences and clicking on Personal Information.

Q: How do I update my profile?

A: You can change your personal information on your profile by following the steps below:

Login to GSA Auctions
Click the Preference tab located at the top of the screen
Click the appropriate section listed on the left side where you need to update information
The information page selected will be displayed
Update the necessary data
Scroll to the end of the page and Press Update

*IMPORTANT* For email address changes, the following steps will need to be taken prior to successfully changing your email address.

Step 1: Update your email address by following the outlined instructions above. Once you click Update, GSA will send you an email that includes a link. Click on the link to verify your new email address.
Step 2: Once you complete step 1, a notice will be sent to GSA’s IT department to alert them that your email address needs to be updated in the OKTA database (GSA’s third party vendor for managing Multi-Factor Authentication). Your email address will be updated within 24-48 hours (not including weekends or holidays). *Note: you can still log into GSA Auctions using your old email address and password until you receive an email from GSA Auctions containing your new login credentials (new email address and temporary password).
Step 3: You will receive an email from GSA that contains a temporary password. You will be required to log into GSA Auctions using your new email address and temporary password. Additionally, you will need to reset your factors to log in. The email will contain step by step instructions for logging in.

Q: Can I delete my GSA Auctions account or change my GSA Auctions account from being registered as a company to an individual or vice versa?

A: No, you may not delete, cancel or change your account from being registered as a company to an individual or from an individual to a company. Separate accounts will need to be created for an individual and company registrant. Individual accounts can only have one active account per Social Security Number (SSN).

Q: The auction ended and I thought I was winning, but the current bid shows the text "Reserve Not Met." What does this mean?

A: The reserve price is the lowest price the agency is willing to accept for the item. If the reserve price is not met, we are not obligated to sell the item. And while GSA is not obligated to sell an item we may elect to do so anyway. If you received a message that reads Reserve Not Met you were not awarded the item, but you may be contacted by the SCO if your high bid is in an acceptable range for possible award.

Q: Why does the auction's close time change?

A: The auction close time could change due to either (a) Extensions due to inactivity logic or (b) Extensions due to technical difficulties. (a) Extensions due to inactivity logic: The auction close time can change due to the "inactivity period" which is displayed under "bidding details" and refers to the amount of time that must pass without bidding before the auction is over. The auction will close in one of two ways: Either at its actual scheduled close time, or after the inactivity period. Modifying your Proxy bid during the inactivity period will also reset the time of the auction.(b) Extensions due to technical difficulties: When technical problems occur and interrupt the bidding process for an unspecified amount of time, these interruptions may affect some or all bidders. In the event of an interruption, an evaluation of the length of interruption time and the numbers of bidders affected may prompt GSA Auctions to extend the closing time for an auction. Extension may range from 1 hour to 24 hours based on the aforementioned criteria, to ensure fair and full competition.

Q: What happens if I win an auction?

A: You will receive an email message from GSAAuctions.gov that will detail payment terms and pickup/delivery instructions.

Q: Why are auctions terminated?

A: It may be necessary to withdraw items from bidding due to technical errors or uncontrollable circumstances. Auctions may be terminated because the property is no longer available due to federal agency or state needs. Additionally, property could become damaged, stolen, or improperly described on the site. Depending on the circumstances, these items if available, may be re-offered at a later date.

Q: I paid the liquidated damages I owed; why does GSA Auctions still show that I am in default?

A: Liquidated damage payments are processed by GSA's Finance office on a daily basis. It can take up to 2 business days to process a payment and clear a user's GSA Auctions℠ account. Avoid if at all possible, incurring liquidated damages.

Q: As a registered user of GSA Auctions, why am I blocked from bidding?

A: In the event a registered user of GSA Auctions provides false information or defaults for non-payment or non-removal, he/she will lose all rights to place bids for other items. Bidders may also be blocked at their requests; In cases where fraudulent activity has been reported or discovered; in cases where multiple personal accounts existed prior to GSAAuctions restricting the number of individual accounts to one: if the bidder is no longer an authorized user of a business account. A blocked bidder will only be allowed to browse items available at GSA Auctions. Once a bidder cures his/her default, he/she will be removed from blocked status and given access to begin bidding on available items.

Q: How will I know if the auction is closed?

A: Sale information is visible on the item description page. A sale is considered closed when close time is displayed followed by text "(closed)" e.g. Close Time: 11/22 11:58 AM CT (Closed). On the Item description page, we also display time remaining (countdown clock). Once the countdown clock goes down to 0 the system will automatically refresh the browser page once. Next to the "time remaining," it will either (a) state the new remaining time after a sale extension or (b) state nothing indicating the sale is closing down.

Q: I think I was the winner of a GSA Auction item but I didn't receive an award email notice, who should I contact?

A: Before contacting the GSA Regional Office that sponsored the sale (noted below the item description, accessible under closed auctions), please ensure that you do not have email blockers or SPAM filters installed on your computer that would prevent an award email from reaching you. The firewalls of some servers may block or classify our emails as junk/trash and may prevent them from being delivered. If you are concerned that this may occur, you can add our email address GSAAuctions.GSACentralOffice@gsa.gov to your list of sources from which you are able to receive mail. Remember, that you have a binding contract with government and you are still responsible to fulfill your contractual obligation to which you agreed to in the Online Sales Terms and Conditions, which state:

Acceptance Period

By marking the required box at the end of the online sale terms and conditions during registration and submitting a bid, the bidder agrees to the Terms and Conditions of sale and to pay for and remove the property by the dates and times specified in the contract award email notification, if the bid is accepted. You may be placed in default if you fail to comply with the terms of sale and a "failure to receive notice" will be an insufficient excuse for dismissing your default. An award will be listed as a "winning bid" in the My Trades section of your GSA Auctions account. You might also consider signing up for interim notices regarding your bidding status that are sent out during the sale (also sent via email, so unblocking filters is a must).

Q: I placed a bid within the final seconds of the auction and it was rejected, how could this be?

A: Due to browser delays and potential high volumes of bidding activity, it is not advised to wait until the final seconds to place a bid. Your bid might not be placed in time and could be rejected.

Q: What is the difference between a Proxy bid and a Flat bid?

A: Bids are submitted by Proxy (Maximum Bid) or by Flat bid (Current active bid placed). Proxy bidding is the ability to submit the maximum amount that a bidder is willing to pay for an item and to allow the system to incrementally bid on the bidders behalf up to the maximum amount entered. A Flat bid is the lowest (minimum) bid that a bidder can place. Any increase or counter-offer of bidding using the Flat bid method must be manually submitted by the bidder and must meet the bid increment requirement. The system recognizes the maximum dollar amount listed for Proxy bids and in instances, when a Proxy bid exceeds a Flat bid by less than the full bid increment, the Proxy bid will still be selected as the high bid. In the event that a Proxy bid maximum results in a tie bid with another Proxy bid or a Flat bid, the time submission of the Proxy bid will be a determining factor for award. The Proxy bid that is entered into the system first will be the winning bid.

Q: Can I replace my Proxy bid with a Flat bid or my Flat bid with a Proxy bid?

A: If you have a Proxy bid placed in the system and wish to place a Flat bid, the Flat bid will cancel your Proxy bid limit. Additionally, your Flat bid must be greater than or equal to the minimum bid required by the system. The minimum bid is the current winning bid plus the amount of the bid increment. You may replace your Flat bid with a Proxy bid. While your Proxy bid limit must be greater than or equal to the minimum bid required by the system, your current winning bid will remain the same.

Q: Can I change my Proxy bid limit?

A: You may replace your Proxy bid limit with a higher or lower Proxy bid limit provided that the amount is greater than or equal to the minimum bid required by the system. The minimum bid is the current winning bid plus the amount of the bid increment.

Q: Why did I win the auction at my Proxy bid limit when it appears the previous bid was significantly lower than my Proxy bid limit?

A: This happens when your proxy bid meets or exceeds the reserve price,even in cases where the opposing bidder is also bidding by Proxy. Although you do not see a bid placed at his/her limit, the opposing bidder's Proxy bid limit was high enough to force your Proxy bid to an increment that exceeded theirs, thereby nearing or reaching your high proxy.

Q: I placed a Proxy bid and my bid jumped to a significantly higher amount from the current high bid. Why?

A: This is a case where the current high bid was less than the reserve price. Any bid amount or Proxy that meets or exceeds the reserve price, will immediately jump to the reserve amount. When other bids are entered, either flat or proxy, the system will continue to accept and advance bidding until proxy limits have been met and the sale closes.

Q: How do I cancel or lower my bid?

A: You cannot cancel your bids, but you may lower your bid. You can lower your proxy bid by entering the current high bid amount plus the bid increment. In cases where bidding errors are obvious and extreme, you should contact the regional Sales Contracting Officer listed at the bottom of the item description page to give notice of any circumstances that would justify your request to cancel your bid. If you do nothing and the auction does not close for several days, it is likely that you will be outbid.

Q: How Are Tie Bids Resolved in GSA Auctions?

A: In cases of tie bids, the bidder who places the bid amount first will be awarded the item. Keep in mind that bidders may have proxy bids in place and the system will automatically increase the bid amount if the proxy equals or exceeds a flat bid. In cases where both high bids were achieved by proxy, the bidder who submitted his/her proxy first will be considered the winner.

Q: I modified my Proxy bid during the inactivity period and the auction extension time reset. If a bid was not actually placed, why did the auction time reset?

A: Modifying your Proxy bid during the inactivity period is considered activity during the bidding process, and although it may not change the current bid, modifying the Proxy bid to a higher or lower number indicates a new amount that you are willing to pay. The system will bid on your behalf when/if an opposing bid is placed.

Q: Can I pay online?

A: You can pay online via the “My Summary” option. Online payments are utilized by Pay.gov, which is a secure government-wide payment collection portal and transaction engine created and managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Management Service (FMS).

Q: How do I pay online?

A: You will need to log into GSA Auctions with your login name and password. Once logged into GSA Auctions, you will click on the “My Summary” tab at the top of the screen. Then you will click on “Trades”. A listing of auctions awarded to you will be listed. Next to each auction to the left of the screen will be a “Pay Now” button. You will click on this button next to each item to process your credit card payment.

Q: I have received a confirmation email message from GSA Auctions that I have been awarded an item, how and where do I make payment?

A: Although Cash, Personal and Cashier’s checks, and money orders are legal forms of tender for payment of property, due to the Pandemic and ongoing safety efforts your access to Federal locations to make payment is severely restricted and for security reasons GSAAuctions Collections personnel working remotely cannot accept these forms of payment. We are therefore limiting acceptable forms of payment to Credit Cards and Wire transfers.

Online payments are processed through the Department of Treasury's electronic payment service via GSA Auctions℠, which is a secure government-wide payment collection portal and transaction engine created and managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Management Service (FMS) Bureau of Fiscal Service (BFS). By Treasury policy effective June 1, 2015, credit card payments are restricted to a $24,999.99 dollar limit and no more than two cards per transaction.

If paying via EFT/WT, go to the Payment Options tab located at the top right of the GSA Auctions home page. Select the EFT/WT form. As the bidder/customer, you must provide information in TAGS 1510 & 6000 and present the form to your financial institution. Upon presenting the form to your banking institution, they will do the rest and send the wire information to the address on this form. As the designated bidder/customer, you must request information on this form be sent along with your wire. Failure to provide the information in the prescribed format may cause a delay in the notification of funds transfer to the designated agency. Send wire information to:

Heartland Finance Center
Federal Reserve Bank of NY
33 Liberty Street
New York NY 10045

Q: What happens to my bid deposit if my bid is not the winning bid?

A: In the event you have submitted a bid deposit for an auction and was not awarded the item, the deposit will be returned to you via FedEx or Certified Mail within (2) business days after the sale closes by the GSA Regional Sales Office who offered the item.

Can I use a debit card to pay for an item(s)?

A: Yes, if the card has a MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express logo. We do NOT accept debit cards that have dollar limitations and/or a PIN number.

What forms of payment are accepted for bid deposits?

A: The form of payment is normally indicated within the Item Description located on the Item Description Page. For Personal Property, the Sales office will accept Cashier's Checks, and in some instances personal checks and/or other government checks. For Real Property, acceptable forms of payment vary between the following: bank checks and cash. Each Sales office is different, so you should reference the Item Description page first to find out what form of payment is being accepted before sending in your bid deposit.

Q: If I am paying for an item by check or money order, who should it be payable to?

A: All checks and money orders must be made payable to the General Services Administration.

Q: What happens if I refuse to pay for or remove an item that I purchased on GSA Auctions?

A: It is important to note that once a bid is accepted as the successful bid, the bidder is under contract to pay for and remove the item(s) from the facility within the time period specified in the Sale Terms and Conditions. Failure to pay for or remove all awarded items, or all items within a lot within the timeframe specified, could result in termination of your contract. You also may be subject to paying liquidated damages, an administrative fee for the processing and re-handling of the item for which you neglected to pay for and/or remove. If you fail to pay for or remove the property, GSA shall be entitled to retain (or collect) the following liquidated damages (see fee structure below):

Purchase Price	Fee Assessed
<$325.00	Fee will equal to the award amount
$325.00 - $100,000.00	Fee will be $325.00
>$100,000.00	Fee will be equal to 5% of the award amount

Delayed payments will be reported to our Finance Office and the Treasury Department for collections. This may impact your credit activity and may impact or reduce any refund amounts due to you.

Q: If I am the successful bidder for an auction, can someone else remove the property on my behalf after payment is received?

A: Yes. In order to have someone else remove the property you have purchased from GSA, you must provide a letter of authorization. The letter must state (1) the name of the person you are authorizing to pickup the property, (2) the sale and lot number of the item, and (3) must be signed by you, the purchaser. In addition to the letter of authorization, the person must present a photo id, and a signed Purchaser's Receipt and Authority to Release Property to verify proof of purchase prior to removal; otherwise removal will not be permitted. Be advised that some Federal locations have strict rules regarding who may enter and remove property from their locations. Please review the item description page prior to bidding.

Q: Can I get my SF97, The United States Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle, issued in my business/company name if I am registered as an individual?

A: No. Bidders wanting the SF97 issued in their business/company name MUST register as a company. The way you register determines how your information is displayed on sales paperwork; either your name and address as an individual, or your name, company name and address as a business/company. Changes will not be permitted after award. If you wish to participate as an individual and a representative of a company, you must register separately for each and place bids accordingly.

Q: I was awarded a boat/vessel (65 feet or longer) and wish to register it, who/where can I register my vessel?

A: For more information on Boat/Vessel documentation/registration, you can visit the web site at: https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc or you may contact the National Vessel Documentation Center at 702 T.J. Jackson Drive, Falling Water, WV 25419.

Q: Who do I contact if I am not able to reach the Sales Contracting Officer for the auction that I won?

A: Contact gsaauctionshelp@gsa.gov and let them know that you are having difficulties with your point of contact. We will work to find an additional point of contact for you.

Q: Can I get the Property Custodian to package and ship my property for me?

A: No, Successful bidders are cautioned that they are responsible for packing, loading and removal of any and all property awarded to them from the exact place where the property is located, as indicated on the item description page for each item that they purchase on the gsaauctions.gov website.

Q: What browser can I use to access the GSA Auctions.gov web site?

A: GSAAuctions is designed to support the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11. If you encounter an issue with any of these browsers please send an email to gsaauctionshelp@gsa.gov. Let us know what the issue is and what browser version you were using when you encountered the issue.

Q: How do I view the items for sale on GSA Auctions.gov?

A: From the GSA Auctions.gov homepage, click on the "Browse GSA Auctions" link to view the complete catalog of items currently for sale on our site. You can click on any of the categories to get a listing of the items available in that category, broken down by state. Please be aware that while browsing the auctions, you will not be able to bid. Registration and login are required to bid on items.

Q: What should I do if I get an error message in my browser?

A: This could be a potential issue with the website. Please take a screenshot of the page, note the day and time the error occurred, the steps you took to receive the error, and send the information to GSAAuctionsHelp@gsa.gov.

Q: How do I refresh a page to ensure that I am looking at the most up to date information?

A: Use the browser's Refresh function (F5 key) to get up to date information. By using the browser's Refresh function, the system will refresh the page you are viewing and retrieve the latest information.

Q: I've brought up an item's details page and want to go back to the list of auctions but cannot without re-doing the search or re-navigating to the auctions. How do I go back to the list?

A: Use the up arrow that is next to the bid button to go back to the list of auctions. To return to the main categories page, click on the "Auctions" tab or the "Back to top" link and you will be sent to the main categories page.

Q: What do I need if I encounter a gray application Error Message Screen?

A: Record the error message on the screen and email the error message and a brief account of how you encountered the application error and email it to gsaauctionshelp@gsa.gov. To resume activity on GSA Auctions, close your browser window, open a new browser window and go to www.gsaauctions.gov to login again.

Q: What are Crashed Test Vehicles?

A: These are passenger cars, light trucks and school buses used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct various compliance and experimental crash tests related to motor vehicle safety. After completion of testing, they are reported to GSA for sale. These vehicles are described as “destroyed in testing”, “not repairable for highway use”, and “salvage sale only”. Buyers of these vehicles will be required to sign a Disclaimer Statement.

Q: How do you view closed auctions?

A: From any page on GSA Auctions, you can select Closed Auctions from the Browse Auctions drop-down menu at the top of the website. You are able to view auctions that have closed during the last 2 years. To find your item without scrolling, just type the item's Sale-Lot Number (A1FBPI07039701 for example) in the Search box and click the Search button. You may also search on the Item Name and Item Description to narrow your closed auctions results.

Q: Why don't you display the reserve price?

A: GSA has made a conscious decision not to make our reserve price public in an effort to maximize the return on investment (Tax Payers dollars). The reserve price is the lowest price the agency is willing to accept for the item. If the reserve price is not met, we are not obligated to sell the item.

And while GSA is not obligated to sell an item if it does not meet the reserve price, we may elect to do so anyway. Remember, an agency may be attempting to recover its cost to replace the item, but to the general public the item may be of little or no usage. A reserve is ideally what we would like to have, but as you know, often the market dictates the true value of an item. Many times a high reserve price may deter bidders who might otherwise engage in bidding, and we definitely want to promote equitable and open competition.

Q: Is GSAAuctions.gov accessible to people with disabilities?

Section 508 generally requires Federal agencies to ensure that their procurement of Electronic and Information Technology takes into account the needs of all end users – including people with disabilities. Any assistive technology, must be designed so that an end user can operate the product, without having to modify it

GSAAuctions.gov is committed to providing access to all individuals—with or without disabilities—seeking information on GSAAuctions.gov. To provide this information, GSAAuctions.gov has been built to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (as amended). Section 508 requires that all individuals with disabilities (whether federal employees or members of the general public) have access to and use of information and data, comparable to that provided to individuals without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on us.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader, eye tracking device, voice recognition software, etc.) and have difficulty accessing information on GSAAuctions.gov, please contact GSAAuctions.gov and provide the URL (web address) of the material you tried to access, the problem you experienced, and your contact information. A GSAAuctions.gov team member will contact you and attempt to provide the information you're seeking.

Q: Some custodial facilities have secured entrances/lobbies that do not allow us to use their phone to call the custodian upon our arrival, what do we do if we do not have a cell phone?

A: Please make sure you communicate with the custodian when planning the pickup of your item(s). You are encouraged to find out the location’s security policy in advance to ensure that you do not have issues when proceeding through security and the removal process and so that you have access to a phone to make contact with the custodian when arriving at the property location.

Q: Will all communication from GSA Auctions and/or GSA Staff come from a @gsa.gov email address?

Q: Do I have to pay sales tax or a buyer's premium on anything I buy on GSA Auctions?

A: The U.S. Government is not responsible for collection of State taxes. Sales tax is not on any items you purchase; successful bidders on GSA Auctions only pay for the high bid amount that they are awarded. Sales tax is an issue handled by each state, especially for items that have to be registered, such as vehicles. You will not be charged a buyer's premium. However, purchasers of Federal personal property may be subject to payment of state sales and/or use tax and may obtain information from a State tax office. Sales and/or use tax officials are permitted to examine records of Federal personal property sales to determine tax liability.

Q: Can I copy pictures from a sale posted on GSA Auctions and re-use them to advertise on my website?

A: Any person wanting to copy and re-use photo(s) from the GSA Auctions website must take it upon themselves to find out about the copyright of the photo(s). We make no representations or warranties about photos we've used. Some photos we may own, and others we may be using with permission.

How do I register to bid on real estate?
What is the invitation for bids (IFB)?
Where is the property located and when can I look at it?
How much are you asking for this property?
What is the appraised value of the property?
Are GSA properties sold at discounted prices?
Is there a starting bid?
Is there a reserve price?
Is a Registration Deposit required?
If my bid is not the highest, how can I find out who the high bidder was and when do I get my Registration Deposit back?
How do I find out if I was the highest bidder?
Do you offer financing?
Is the highest bid always accepted?
If I am the successful bidder, do I receive a deed?

Q: How do I register to bid on real estate?

A: Please view the video How to Bid on Realestatesales.gov. For more information please contact the realty specialist who is handling the specific auction you are interested in. This information can be found on the description tab of each listing.

Q: What is the invitation for bids (IFB)?

A: The IFB is a publication that contains the information you need in order to make a bid for a property. Each property for sale has its own unique IFB and constitutes the Government's contract. The contract becomes binding on the parties upon acceptance of your bid. It provides the location of the property, property description, maps, pictures, general terms of the sale, bidding instructions and any special terms of the sale. The IFB also contains the official bid forms for purchase of the property and specifies the required deposit to participate in an auction. Any additional questions you have regarding the property or how to bid can be answered by calling the Realty Specialist listed in the IFB.

Q: Where is the property located and when can I look at it?

A: Surplus Government Real Estate may be located anywhere in the United States and in U.S. Territories. GSA sales include every type of real estate, in both rural and urban areas, including homes, vacant land, office buildings, military installations, and lighthouses. GSA specializes in real estate that was once used for Federal Government missions and is therefore usually commercial type properties. The IFB contains information on how to get to the property and when and how the property can be inspected. The IFB also tells you the name of the Realty Specialist who is handling the property and his/her phone number where they can be reached for any questions not answered in that IFB.

Q: How much are you asking for this property?

A: Law and regulation requires GSA to obtain the Fair Market Value (FMV) for each parcel of real estate it sells. Each property is different so there is no set price for all of our properties. Only the high bidders are considered for award in GSA sales and each high bid is compared to FMV. If the bid is at or higher than GSA's FMV the property is generally awarded to that high bidder. GSA's FMV is proprietary information and is never made available to the public to prevent influencing bidders. Bidders must perform their own due diligence and are encouraged to contact local real estate professionals to help them make a bid that they are comfortable with.

Q: What is the appraised value of the property?

A: As a matter of policy, GSA does not release any information regarding the appraisal of the property being sold. This information is considered proprietary and for GSA internal uses only. In addition, neither the appraised value nor the appraisal reports are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The prospective buyer is encouraged to seek out the opinions of local real estate professionals when considering purchase of a property.

Q: Are GSA properties sold at discounted prices?

A: No, GSA is required to obtain Fair Market Value for property sold to the public. Sales are competitive and only High Bidders are given consideration for award of sale.

Q: Is there a starting bid?

A: Yes, starting bids are used to establish the bidding process. A starting bid, however, may or may not correspond with appraised Fair Market Value. If there is only one bid placed at the starting bid, GSA may not accept that bid. Thus, the starting bid should not be confused with a minimum bid. GSA always reserves the right to refuse any and all bids.

Q: Is there a reserve price?

A: Usually there is no reserve price on real property that GSA sells. However, if a reserve price is determined appropriate, bidders will be informed at realestatesales.gov if the reserve is met or not. For additional assistance on this issue, please contact the Realty Specialist identified in the IFB or listing.

Q: Is a Registration Deposit required?

A: Yes, a Registration Deposit is usually required to be paid prior to being allowed to bid. The amount required is specified in the Invitation for Bids for each property. Depending on the specific auction you may be able to use a credit card or you will need to send the appropriate Registration Deposit with your bidder registration forms to register as a bidder. Written instructions are provided in the IFB about how to make your bid and the address of the GSA Real Property Utilization and Disposal office that you must submit your deposit to before you can place a bid.

Q: If my bid is not the highest, how can I find out who the high bidder was and when do I get my Registration Deposit back?

A: If you were not the high bidder, we make every effort to refund your Registration Deposit to you timely after the date the conclusion of an auction. GSA sales are public and the name, city and state of the highest bidder, once determined, can be obtained by contacting the GSA Real Property Utilization and Disposal office that conducted the sale.

Q: How do I find out if I was the highest bidder?

A: If your bid was the highest bid received and if the bid has met all the criteria required and will be accepted the Realty Specialist will contact you to let you know. This will occur soon after the conclusion of auction.

Q: Do you offer financing?

A: You will need to make arrangements to get your own financing for the purchase. After the date of acceptance, there will be an established closing time, as specified in the Invitation for Bids, in which to send in your final payment to close the sale. More information regarding the closing of the sale will be found in the Invitation for Bids. You may contact the Realty Specialist handling the sale for any further information or arrangements.

Q: Is the highest bid always accepted?

A: Not necessarily. GSA reserves the right to refuse any and all bids and/or to accept an offer in the Government's best interest and sometimes other factors, besides the bid price, are considered.

Q: If I am the successful bidder, do I receive a deed?

A: Yes. After accepting a high bid, GSA generally issues a Quitclaim Deed to the high bidder when they provide full and final payment for the purchase price of a property sold.