Bidding Opens on State Surplus Vehicles, Electronics, and Entertainment Equipment

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced that bidding will open today for surplus property and equipment offered by State and Local Governments through the State of Illinois' innovative Internet auction site, www.ibid.illinois.gov.  Many of the surplus vehicles, electronics items and entertainment equipment available on iBid will be on display during the Illinois State Fair.  Bidding began today, August 13, 2010 at 10 a.m. Central Standard Time.

"Our online surplus auctions on iBid help local governments increase the exposure of their surplus property to thousands of Internet users across the state and country," said CMS director James P. Sledge.  "Through our surplus program, local governments also pay significantly lower rates on items needed for their communities.  From wood planers, to boats, to cell phones - we encourage people attending the Illinois State Fair to view and bid on a variety of surplus equipment."

More than 70 unique items will be available on iBid, including a Sonic Scooter for the disabled, Blackberry Cell Phones, Laptops, Monte Carlo and Camaro vehicles, a 250cc Motorcycle, John Deere Garden Tractor, Drill Press, 175 horsepower Boat Motor, and a Smart Board Rear Projection Interactive Whiteboard.  Fairgoers can visit the iBid booth at the Grandstand (next to Ticket Office) to inspect items and register to bid for equipment.

Bidding will close beginning Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 6:15 p.m. (CST), after which auctions may continue until there is a single, uncontested winner.  Interested bidders may view a full list of available items, property descriptions and prices by visiting www.ibid.illinois.gov.   On iBid, browsers may search the site without registering, but a credit card and a driver's license is required in order to place a bid.  Winners pay for items via credit card (MasterCard or Visa), and must pay shipping expenses.

The State of Illinois' equivalent of eBayÓ has sold more than $3 million worth of property since the online site was unveiled at the Illinois State Fair in August of 2003.  Since its inception, thousands of successful bidders throughout Illinois, across the country and around the world have won items.  With an increased number of bidders taking part online, CMS has significantly improved sales of surplus property and brought a higher rate of return per item to Illinois taxpayers.