Skip Maine state header navigation
A Publication Featuring The Information
Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume VI, Issue 3 | March 2003 |
|
|
By Andy Vellani
Ever wonder what happens to your computer equipment that you no longer need? Your agency may have performed last rites for the equipment, but the Maine State Agency for Surplus Property will try to resurrect it and give it a new life.
Your computer could end up being used by your children at school, your town clerk or neighbor, or it may be re-sold by a company that refurbishes computer equipment. These possibilities exist because State Surplus uses a variety of methods for the disposition of property. Once we receive property, we have a technician troubleshoot the computer equipment to get many of these in working condition. This could be as simple as replacing a switch to replacing a hard drive. These are then offered for sale.
The majority of customers are called donees; which are State agencies, municipalities, school systems, and certain non-profits. Donees are allowed to "shop" at our office any day of the week and others are allowed to purchase from our warehouse during scheduled events. Certain organizations have preference, as follows:
- Public sales held once per month
- Public auctions held 5-6 times per year
- Competitive bids for selected items are available intermittently, either coordinated through the Division of Purchases and posted on our website or posted on ebay. (State employees do not have any buying advantage over the general public.)
Our last resort for computer and electronic equipment is recycling through ElectroniCycle, Inc., based in Massachusetts.
Also, pursuant to MRSA, Title 5, Subchapter II, Sec. 20-A, an employee leaving State service is permitted to purchase, at fair market value, property of which they were the principal user provided no other State agency has any need or use for this property.
Surplus property is offered at a significantly lower cost and in many cases is a cost effective alternative to purchasing new. If you want to know more about our program, visit Surplus’ website at: http://www.maine.gov/purchase/surplus/surplus.htm or call 287-2923.
