Membership Directory
Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Veteran-Owned Businesses Can Take Advantage of Federal Surplus Property Program

Veteran-Owned Businesses Can Take Advantage of Federal Surplus Property Program

September 8, 2021
The “Veteran Small Business Enhancement Act” gives veteran-owned small businesses access to the Federal Surplus Program through the General Services Administration. Federal Surplus enables eligible organizations and entities to obtain personal property that the government has deemed surplus. Interested individuals and entities are required to submit the Application for Eligibility to Receive Federal Surplus (DTMB-0292) and be registered with the Federal Veterans Administration (VA). Federal Surplus assesses a standard service charge on all direct transfers. Service fees are necessary as Federal Surplus does not receive a yearly budget appropriation. Please note that the maximum service charge on a transfer will be 15% of the GAC (Government Acquisition Cost).

Questions About the Program

  1. Is my Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) qualified to receive federal surplus property?
    • Businesses must be verified through the VA’s Vets First Verification Program.
    • Businesses must have an operating location in Michigan.
  1. Where can I check to see if my business is registered with the VA?
  1. How do I join the Michigan Federal Surplus Program?
    • Complete and return the Application for Eligibility to Receive Federal Surplus Property (DTMB-0292).
  1. Will the property be offered to my business at no charge?
    • All property obtained through federal surplus has an associated service fee that your business must pay. Service fees are based on the Government Acquisition Cost (GAC) and condition of the property. Service fees paid by participating organizations fund our program, as we do not receive any funding from the State or Federal government.
  1. Are there restrictions on the property my business can obtain?
    • VOSBs are subject to standard restrictions on the use of property. Property must be obtained to support businesses operations. It may not be used for personal or unrelated reasons. Restriction periods vary on the property type and original acquisition cost.
    • During the restriction period, you may not sell, trade, lease, lend, bail, cannibalize, encumber, or otherwise dispose of such property, or remove it permanently, for use outside the State, without the prior, written approval of MISASP or GSA. SBA approval may also be required. Finally, below is additional information on other opportunities the DTMB Surplus Program offers regarding the sale of surplus property to the public.

State Surplus Property (public sales through MiBid)

All members of the public are welcome to purchase items from our State Surplus Property Program. Please see the State program’s website for more information:

DTMB – Shop Surplus! (michigan.gov)

More Information From the General Service Administration

GSA Guide to the FSPP