IFB Auctioneering Services to Dispose of Retired Vehicles and Equipment, Northern California

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #32A0634 for auctioneering services to dispose of retired vehicles and equipment in Northern California, spanning jurisdictions including Sacramento County, Sacramento City, San Francisco City, and West Sacramento City. The contract will run from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028, with a contractor responsible for providing a secure facility within 40 miles of Caltrans Division of Equipment headquarters capable of storing at least 75 fleet vehicles. The contractor must conduct a minimum of one auction per month, provide online and/or onsite auction services, and handle all aspects of vehicle sales including title transfers, ensuring buyers remove purchased items within five working days of the auction. Key deliverables include maintaining a consistent auction facility location, managing vehicle and equipment disposal, and executing comprehensive sales processes. Bids are due by 2:00 p.m. on July 22, 2025, with a proposed award date of July 29, 2025. Bidders must meet specific qualifications, including a continuous three-year business presence as an auctioneering service in California, a valid California Vehicle Dealer License, and maintaining a $20,000 Surety Bond.

The solicitation emphasizes small business participation, with a 25% Small Business participation goal and a 5% preference for certified Small Business or Micro Business bidders. A Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive of up to 5% is available based on DVBE participation, though DVBE participation is not mandatory. Compensation for the winning bidder will be structured as a seller's fee percentage of the gross auction price, with bidders required to specify their proposed fee percentage. For evaluation purposes, Caltrans assumes potential total sales of $9,000,000 over the contract term, with an estimated 18 sales. The procurement seeks to create opportunities for diverse business participation while ensuring efficient disposal of state-owned vehicles and equipment, with the successful contractor receiving compensation directly tied to the auction sales performance.