FAR 45.604-2—Use of GSA sponsored sales centers.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 45.604-2 is a short but important rule about how agencies may dispose of surplus property through GSA-sponsored sales centers. It covers two main topics: first, that agencies are allowed to use sales center services; and second, that using those centers to sell surplus property is permitted only when it is in the Government’s best interest and when the action is consistent with the applicable contract terms and conditions. In practice, this section gives agencies flexibility to use a centralized sales channel rather than handling disposal entirely on their own, but it also requires a judgment call and contract compliance review before using the service. The rule matters because surplus property disposal affects recovery value, administrative workload, accountability, and adherence to existing contractual arrangements. It does not create a blanket requirement to use sales centers; instead, it authorizes use when the agency determines the arrangement is advantageous and legally/contractually supportable.
Key Rules
Agencies May Use Sales Centers
This section authorizes agencies to use GSA-sponsored sales center services. The rule is permissive, not mandatory, so agencies may choose this disposal method when it fits their needs.
Best-Interest Determination Required
Use of a sales center for selling surplus property is allowed only when it is in the best interest of the Government. The agency must make a practical judgment that the sales center approach supports the Government’s interests, such as efficiency, value recovery, or reduced administrative burden.
Must Follow Contract Terms
Any use of a sales center must be consistent with the applicable contract terms and conditions. Agencies cannot use the service in a way that conflicts with the contract governing the property or the disposal arrangement.
Applies to Surplus Property Sales
The section specifically addresses the sale of surplus property. It is about disposal through sales centers, not all forms of property management or all types of excess property actions.
Responsibilities
Agency
Decide whether to use GSA-sponsored sales center services for surplus property disposal, and ensure the decision is in the Government’s best interest and consistent with applicable contract terms and conditions.
Contracting Officer
Review the relevant contract terms and conditions before authorizing or supporting use of a sales center, and ensure the disposal method does not conflict with contractual obligations.
Property/Disposal Officials
Identify surplus property suitable for sale, coordinate with the sales center as needed, and support the agency’s determination that the chosen disposal method is appropriate.
GSA-Sponsored Sales Center
Provide sales center services for agency surplus property sales within the scope of the arrangement and in accordance with the governing terms and conditions.
Practical Implications
This rule gives agencies a flexible disposal option, but it is not automatic; someone must affirmatively decide that using the sales center is the best Government choice.
Before using a sales center, the agency should check the governing contract or disposal agreement to avoid conflicts with special terms, restrictions, or required procedures.
A common pitfall is treating the sales center as a default solution without documenting why it benefits the Government compared with other disposal methods.
Another risk is overlooking property-specific limitations, such as restrictions on sale, transfer, or disposition that may make a sales center inappropriate.
In day-to-day practice, this section is mainly about coordination: disposal staff, contracting personnel, and property managers should align on authority, contract compliance, and the expected value of the sale.
Official Regulatory Text
Agencies may use sales center services. Use of such centers for sale of surplus property is authorized when in the best interest of the Government, consistent with contract terms and conditions.