RFP for Online Auction Services for the Texas Facilities Commission State Surplus Property Program

The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive online auction services for the State Surplus Property Program through RFP 0004656. The procurement aims to secure a vendor capable of managing 24/7 internet auctions for disposing of surplus and salvage property from various Texas state agencies, including vehicles, heavy equipment, and other state-owned assets. The selected contractor must operate a robust online auction platform optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, maintaining 98% uptime and capable of handling diverse surplus items like firearms and gaming equipment. Key deliverables include creating and managing internet auctions, posting items within three calendar days of receiving information, and ensuring items are listed for a minimum of ten calendar days. The evaluation criteria will be weighted as follows: 50% on compensation and fees, 20% on relevant experience and qualifications, 20% on proposed methodology, and 10% on website capabilities. The proposal is due on May 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with a pre-proposal teleconference scheduled for May 9, 2025, and an anticipated award date of June 18, 2025. The contract term will run from execution through August 31, 2027, with potential for two additional two-year renewals.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contractor will be compensated through a buyer's premium set by the contractor, with the ability to collect and remit sales taxes and other applicable fees. Historical auction sales volumes provide context for the potential opportunity, with $7.3 million in sales in Fiscal Year 2023 and $8.2 million in Fiscal Year 2024. The contractor must possess a federal firearms license and demonstrate the ability to verify bidder eligibility, particularly for specialized items like firearms and gaming equipment. No minimum service volume is guaranteed, and TFC anticipates potentially awarding the contract to one or more vendors. Optional additional services may include on-site auction creation, equipment cleaning and testing, appraisal services, and specialized handling for specific items. The contractor will be required to provide detailed weekly reports, including reconciliation and unsold lots reports, and receive payment within five business days of auction closing.