Federal Surplus Looking To Help More Nonprofits In Oklahoma

You can find just about anything on the Federal Surplus grounds in Oklahoma, a service under the Office of Management and Energy Services umbrella.

Like for example, this small arms storage facility that could be repurposed as a storm shelter.

“We bring in a lot of stuff and a different variety of stuff," said Roger Stone, Administrator with the Division of Capital Asset and Management.

Every year the federal government donates thousands of items worth millions of dollars of surplus property to states.

Various state and public agencies and nonprofits take advantage of some deep discounts.

“When we bring it in, they’re paying pennies on the dollar. Basically, what we’re doing is bringing it in at cost of shipping, plus whatever it costs for us to stay open," said Stone.

The Federal Surplus Program does plenty of business with agencies and organizations, but they’re now trying to get the word out to Oklahoma public schools and nonprofits that they can utilize these resources as well.

“The nonprofits’ where we hurt the most. It’s hard to let everyone know about us on the nonprofit side," said Stone.

They don’t need to get the word out to Grady County Fire Department Chief Perry Wenzel.

He’s a frequent surplus shopper.

“It has been a very valuable resource for us, and it still will be for years to come," said Wenzel.

His latest purchase is the sixth set of Jaws of Life for the department.

“With the Jaws of Life at a crash site, it is a very valuable piece there because you need to get access to the people as quick as possible. It is a life-saving purchase," said Wenzel.

Wenzel estimates Grady County Fire uses the Jaws of Life 30 to 40 times a year across their 12 stations.

You can see if your group qualifies for the donation program by clicking here.