Election Watch 2008

Heard On The Hill

The Senate On Sale

By Emily Heil and Elizabeth Brotherton
Roll Call Staff

October 21, 2008

With the economy in shambles, many folks are looking to make a quick buck by selling their shabby couches or defunct stereos on Web sites such as Craigslist.

Apparently, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms is trying to do the same thing, though the office's sales method is a bit more bureaucratic.

In an official government solicitation, the SAA is offering up two parking station kiosks - brand new! - for the bargain price of just $7,668 each. Originally purchased from the Parking Booth Co. Inc., the kiosks are 8 feet by 8 feet, with 2-foot platforms, stairs, railings and a landing.

Just like a Craigslist ad, the solicitation features pictures of the two kiosks, along with some buy-at-your-own-risk advice. "A bidder may bid [o]n one or both Parking Station Kiosks," the Oct. 9 solicitation reads. "Inspection of the kiosks prior to submitting a bid is strongly recommended."

So why the big kiosk sale? Sergeant-at-Arms Terrance Gainer told HOH that the kiosks were ordered three or four years ago but never put to use. Since then, security technology has advanced pretty dramatically, and the chamber would rather get the newest kiosk model.

"We want to recoup our money and put it to better use," Gainer said.

Bids are due Nov. 7, and the winning bidder will need to pick up the kiosks within 10 business days - and he or she best pay up. "Payment via certified check for the amount of the winning bid must be received by the Senate prior to pickup," the solicitation reads.

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