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1. Who can buy surplus?

• The General Public
• Other Jurisdictions - Other governmental entities, including volunteer fire or rescue departments, and certain not-for-profit organizations should check with the city's surplus agent at 757-926-3090 or via email for materials that may become available prior to public sale. Items not yet listed for public sale may be purchased directly by governmental agencies and non-profits prior to public sale. The city reserves the right to withdraw any item from sale at any time.
• City Employees - City employees may purchase surplus under the following conditions:
  • Up to $500 for items from departments that the employee does not work in.
  • The employee may not purchase items that are from his/her own department, regardless of value.
  • Office of Purchasing employees can not purchase anything from the city.

2. Can I see the items before I bid on them?

Sometimes a picture of the item will be included with the item description (whether it's an online auction or a sealed bid). For certain items (e.g., vehicles and heavy equipment), a date is made available during which anyone interested in seeing the items may do so. Otherwise, items are not made available for inspection.

3. Where are the items located?

The bid solicitation will advise you where the items are located. View the surplus locations that are typically utilized.

4. What payment methods are available?

When buying through an online auction or a sealed bid, payment must be in the exact amount of the sale (including a buyer's premium if applicable) by cash, certified check, or money order made out to the City of Newport News. Personal or business checks will not be accepted unless certified. The city does not accept credit or debit cards in payment for surplus equipment.

Live auctions handled by an outside party may be paid according to the terms published and announced by the auctioneer. This may require a deposit with full payment to follow prior to release of the item(s). Those payments are not made payable to the city, but to the company handling the auction.

5. Does the city ship the items to me?

It is the bidder's responsibility to remove and transport the items purchased. The city cannot assist in preparing the items for shipment.

6. What kind of condition are the surplus items in?

The city makes no warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, as to the actual condition or quality of the items offered or fitness for a particular purpose or for use in general. The responsibility as to the condition of the property rests with the bidder. Under no circumstances will a refund or adjustment be made on account of property failing to meet bidder’s expectations. Sale is "as is, where is" without warranty. There is no guarantee or warranty on the part of the city as to the condition or quality, or that the property offered, or a portion thereof, may not be withdrawn prior to the sale. Except as stated in a specific bid solicitation, no service of any kind will be furnished by the city, and any cost of removing property from the site shall be assumed by the bidder.