Can you look up a Research Foundation inventory number and tell me who it belongs to?

Yes - anyone in the RF Property Office can access the database to determine the individual accountable for the equipment.

How do I send my old equipment items to University Surplus?

First, notify the RF Property Office that you wish to surplus the equipment. We will check to make sure ownership of the equipment is with the RF and not the sponsor of the project that purchased the equipment.

If the ownership of the equipment is with the RF, we will complete the Property Transfer Form (FDP-411A). If the item is a computer, you must complete and sign a Transfer of Computer Equipment Form (FDP-411B). We will need to know if you want to take it to University Surplus or if you want it to be picked up from your office or lab. If you prefer that the item be picked up, please provide the location and contact information for the movers.

If the sponsoring agency has retained title to the equipment, we must first contact the agency for permission to dispose of the equipment.

Is it possible to take my research equipment with me if I transfer to another university?

If you are contemplating a transfer, contact us to obtain an up-to-date list of your equipment items. We will ask you to indicate which items you will be requesting approval to take. The RF will prepare a request to your Department Head and Dean for approval to transfer these items. If these approvals are obtained, we will contact your new university concerning accepting the transfer of the items. The items will be removed from your RF inventory when the recipient university accepts their transfer.

If a sponsor has retained ownership of some of the items purchased through the RF, the sponsor will be contacted to obtain permission to transfer the equipment.

Can I sell my old equipment instead of sending it to University Surplus?

Not usually. The Texas A&M University System members require that equipment purchased through the RF be made available for reutilization by other system members when it is no longer required by the Principal Investigator and his/her department.

There are rare exceptions to this rule that are reviewed individually. You may contact the Property Supervisor (Becky Jones-Pruitt) for additional information.