- Operational Services Division
A LESSER-KNOWN FUNCTION of OSD’s State Surplus Property Office (SSPO) is to facilitate the transfer of federal surplus property within the state. The type of items available through Federal Surplus often look a little different from the usual vehicles, IT equipment, and office furniture available on the state’s Surplus Property Listing. Recently, the SSPO facilitated the transfer of an aircraft to Cape Cod Community College.
The jet is used in the college’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. In this two-year, hands-on program, the school prepares students to repair and service nearly every part and system of an aircraft, from landing gear to engine systems. By the time students graduate from the program, they are prepared for their certification exam and have hands-on classroom experience to add to their résumés. Students primarily go on to work for airlines and aircraft manufacturers after passing the certification exam.
“Receiving the aircraft was a pretty big event for us,” said Michael Sasso, Director of the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. “Students, faculty, and college leadership came out and there was a big applause as it landed. I think it was a good moment for the students to witness.” The arrival was documented in a YouTube promotional video. The aircraft was added into the classroom rotation the very next day with students excited to get to know the features of the new jet.
This was not the first aircraft the program received through Federal Surplus: In 2018, the SSPO facilitated the transfer of a similarly sized aircraft which students have worked on for four years. Both planes are Dassault Falcons, although manufactured nearly 20 years apart. The addition of the most recent jet brings the program’s total to nine aircrafts.
“Talking about this feels a bit like giving away a secret, but Federal Surplus is a great option for those operating on a tight budget, such as a college,” said Michael. “Without Federal Surplus giving this aircraft a new life, it likely would have been destroyed or dismantled for parts. Now it is making an impact on the careers and lives of these students.”
The Federal Surplus Property Program is overseen by the General Services Administration (GSA). When the GSA deems federal property as surplus, it is made available to eligible entities in all 50 states. The SSPO acts as the obtaining agent for public entities within Massachusetts that wish to use the program. Please contact the SSPO for more information.
