Anyone heard of this
I've browsed GSA many times, but never submitted a bid through them. They don't usually have much in my state and most of their lots are self-described as destroyed items. In particular they sell a lot of destroyed military vehicles and furnishings. Not much use for rusty 1980s computers or humvees that were used to train mechanics and that are now missing half their parts. But if you happen to live near one of the military base they get their items from, they're probably more relevant for you.
I've also attended a number of police automobile auctions, a few tax lien auctions, and one marine corps base closure auction. That last one was fun. Great big massive crates of assorted stuff. Two foot long artillery shell casings, officer's dress swords, computer monitors, random metals things that I never figured out what they were, all sorts of stuff. Tax lien auctions are mostly online now, but there are still a couple counties in my area that conduct them in front of local courthouses. Fascinating experience. I highly recommend attending one of these, even if you have no intention to buy, simply to see it.
However,
caveat emptor.
I once bought a station wagon from a police seizure auction, for example. Was allowed to preview the vehicle, even sit in it and start it up....but not drive it. Turned out it had a transmission that was loudly and obviously broken, but only
after it was in motion. Turned around and relisted it through the same auction house. I'd planned on selling it for a profit, but instead ended up losing a couple hundred dollars plus auction fees.
If you're not looking for vehicles or real estate, you might also consider a military surplus store. They carry a lot of the same things, minus the boring stuff like furniture and antique computers, and it tends not to be destroyed like government auction stuff often is. If you want vehicles, try a police auction. Though you won't usually find helicopters and things at those. Mostly drug seizures and vehicles from people who refused to pay parking tickets and were towed. Bring a mechanic with you if you know one. If you want tax lien real estate, bid4assets is the go to site, but be aware that an awful lot of liens are resolved before they go to auction. Don't be surprised if you see 20 properties on the list but only 3 make it to auction. Also, those auctions are typically only once or twice a year per county.
If people have questions I might be able to answer.