Defense Surplus Equipment Disposal: Background Information
"The Department of Defense (DOD) through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) component
called DLA Disposition Services [formerly the Defense Utilization and Marketing Service
(DRMS)] has a policy for disposing of government equipment and supplies considered surplus or
deemed unnecessary, or excess, to the agency’s currently designated mission. DLA Disposition
Services is responsible for property reuse (including resale), precious metal recovery, recycling,
hazardous property disposal, and the demilitarization of military equipment. The effort to dispose
of surplus military equipment dates back to the end of World War II when the Federal government
sought to reduce a massive inventory of surplus military equipment by making such equipment
available to civilians. (Note: disposal of surplus real property, including land, buildings,
commercial facilities, and equipment situated thereon, is assigned to the General Services
Administration’s Office of Property Disposal.).."