FAR and DFARS › DFARS Part 245: Government Property › Subpart 245.6
DFARS 245.604-1 Sales procedures.
The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.
In plain English
This section sets out how plant clearance officers handle sales of Government property under DFARS. It covers best value sales, informal bid procedures, sale approval and award, negotiated sales, and special disposal requirements. Contractors may be directed to issue informal invitations for bid and must have informal bids confirmed in writing.
Applies to: Plant clearance officers and contractors involved in the sale of Government property
What it requires
- Confirm informal bids in writing
- Record sources solicited
- Obtain maximum practical competition when issuing informal invitations for bid
Key terms: best value sales approach · plant clearance officer · invitation for bid procedures · negotiated sales · ineligible transferee
Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.
The text
(1) Best value sales approach. Plant clearance officers shall determine a best value sales approach, to include due consideration for costs, risks, and benefits, e.g., potential sales proceeds.
(2) Invitation for bid procedures. The plant clearance officer may direct the contractor to issue informal invitations for bid (orally, telephonically, or by other informal media), provided—
(i) Maximum practical competition is obtained;
(ii) Sources solicited are recorded; and
(iii) Informal bids are confirmed in writing.
(3) Sale approval and award. Plant clearance officers shall—
(i) Evaluate bids to establish that the sale price is fair and reasonable, taking into consideration—
(A) Knowledge or tests of the market;
(B) Current published prices for the property;
(C) The nature, condition, quantity, and location of the property; and
(D) Past sale history for like or similar items;
(ii) Approve award to the responsible bidder whose bid is most advantageous to the Government. The plant clearance officer shall not approve award to any bidder who is an ineligible transferee, as defined in 252.245-7005, Management and Reporting of Government Property; and
(iii) Notify the contractor of the bidder to whom an award will be made within 5 working days from receipt of bids.
(4) Negotiated sales.
(i) Negotiated sales include purchases or retention at less than cost by the contractor. Negotiated sales may be made when—
(A) The plant clearance officer determines that this method is essential to expeditious plant clearance; and
(B) The Government's interests are adequately protected.
(ii) Negotiated sales shall be at fair and reasonable prices, not less than those reasonably expected under competitive sales.
(iii) Conditions justifying negotiated sales are—
(A) No acceptable bids are received under competitive sale;
(B) Anticipated sales proceeds do not warrant competitive sale;
(C) Specialized nature of the property would not create bidder interest;
(D) Removal of the property would reduce its value or result in disproportionate handling expenses; or
(E) Such action is essential to the Government's interests.
(5) Plant clearance officers shall consider any special disposal requirements such as demilitarization or trade security control requirements in accordance with DoDM 4160.28-M, Defense Demilitarization Manual, and DoDI 2030.08, Implementation of Trade Security Controls (TSCs) for Transfers of DoD Personal Property to Parties Outside DoD Control, respectively. See PGI 245.6.
Sections it refers to
- 252.245-7005 Management and Reporting of Government Property.
← 245.604 Sale of surplus personal property.
Rule changes for DFARS Part 245
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Definition of Material Weakness (DFARS Case 2021-D006) ↗ · final rule 2025-01-17 · effective 2025-01-17
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Technical Amendments ↗ · final rule 2024-07-29 · effective 2024-07-29
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Definition of Material Weakness (DFARS Case 2021-D006) ↗ · proposed 2024-06-27 · comments due 2024-08-26
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Technical Amendments ↗ · final rule 2024-02-15 · effective 2024-02-15
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.