Answer

No, a fire protection district may not procure a used fire truck or associated equipment whose total cost is $30,000 or more through bid at a private auction. Further, the Fire District may not split up items/purchases to stay under this cost. Any purchase by a Fire District for used fire trucks and associated equipment with a total cost of $30,000 or more must be procured in accordance with the provisions of the Public Bid Law (R.S.38:2212.1), unless an alternative procurement process is applicable. The following are alternative procurement methods that a fire protection district can use to obtain a used fire truck without formal bidding: Alternative 1 The District can purchase a used fire truck through a Request For Proposals (RFP) as provided for under R.S.38:2238.2. Alternative 2 The District can purchase a truck and equipment off of an existing State Contract or piggyback off a contract of another political subdivision in the State under R.S. 38:321.1 or the Local Services Law, R.S. 33:1324. Alternative 3 A Fire District may also purchase surplus used fire trucks and associated equipment from another public entity or the US Government without complying with the Public Bid Law pursuant to R.S. 38:2212.1(D). The Attorney General has also noted that this exception also authorizes a public entity to bid on items at a public auction conducted to dispose of surplus property of a public entity. AG Op. No. 95-0166. Alternative 4 The District may obtain surplus fire trucks and equipment through exchange or donation from another fire district under Article VII, §14(E) of the Louisiana Constitution. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 05/13/2025 12:38:56 AM