Chapter 8: Overview of Disposal Process
Chapter 8: Overview of Disposal Process
Once a state entity decides that property is no longer needed, Surplus will work with the entity to ensure that the selected disposal method returns the most value to the state. According to state law, there are five basic disposal options:
- Transfer between state entities
- Negotiated sale to eligible donees
- Trade in on the purchase of new equipment
- Sale to the public through a bidding process
- Destruction
The disposal process typically flows through the following transaction options:
- Redistribution (Transfer, Direct Negotiated Sale, Vendor Return)
- Public Sale (Internet Auction, “Retail” Sale, Live Auction, Other)
- Destruction/Disposal
The disposal process is managed for each individual piece of property and entity. Depending on the situation, these processes and other disposal methods may be employed as necessary and in any order. The Surplus Division is responsible for determining the disposal method that is in the state’s best interest. Not all property will be offered for transfer to state entities.
Note: Regardless of the type, all requests for disposal authorization must be received prior to the actual disposal. Requests after-the-fact will not be authorized.
The actual disposal process for all the transaction types is comprised of four basic steps:
- State entity enters the transaction request with market quality photos into the Asset
Works (AW) system. - Surplus virtually receives the property and determines the best disposal method.
- Surplus conducts the transaction(s); entity is notified throughout the process by the AW
system. State entity releases/disposes of property. - Once disposed of, the entity references the AW transaction number as authorization to remove the asset from its inventory.
Typically, this process takes 10-22 business days, depending on the type of transaction, the accuracy of the information provided by the entity, and other factors. The public sale option has the longest turnaround time, as it goes through the following steps:
- Surplus receives transaction in Asset Works (1-2 business days)
- Surplus posts the property to the DOAS website (5 business days)
- Surplus posts the property for public sale (3-5 business days)
- Buyer pays and removes the property (5-10 business days)
This represents the “typical” sales process timeframe. Depending on circumstances, some transactions may be processed in as little as one day, while others may be intentionally held for longer periods to allow for marketing or other reasons that are in the state’s best interest.
8.1 Virtual Disposal
8.1 Virtual Disposal
Surplus property transactions are “virtual disposals,” meaning that the property remains with the custodian entity while it is processed and disposed.
The virtual disposal process is:
- Cost effective – Reduced transportation and handling costs
- Flexible – Entity determines the disposal start time
- Available statewide – Assets are available within the local community
8.2 Asset Works (AW)
8.2 Asset Works (AW)
The Surplus Property Division utilizes Asset Works (AW), a web-based program, to process the disposal of all surplus property. This allows for single point access to all surplus processes and information. State entities must designate personnel to have access to the program. The program tracks the entire disposal process, creating an audit trail that shows each step in the process and who initiated it.
There are three User Profiles for entity property personnel:
- User
- Enters disposal requests
- Runs entity reports
- Manager
- Enters disposal requests
- Approve disposal requests
- Runs entity reports (If an entity elects to allow only one individual to enter and approve disposal, they must have the manager profile.)
- Director
- Runs entity reports
AW User Profiles are different than the previously discussed Property Management Roles. Authorized Users and Property Selectors may dispose of and acquire state and federal surplus property for an entity. AW User, Manager, and Director profiles only denote permissions in the AW system. Individuals may hold both a Property Management and an AW User role, but each requires separate entity designation.
The system also allows agencies to manage asset disposal at individual locations as well as entity-wide. Agencies may also elect to control disposal through pre-established approval processes.
Personnel assigned to manage entity assets must enroll in an online training program. Once successfully completed, authorized individuals will be provided with program access.