The Lenoir County Board of Education has decided to address the issue of obsolescence by publicly auctioning off surplus tablets and laptops that are no longer capable of meeting the current needs of students and teachers. These key assets include various models of MacBook Air laptops from 2020, as well as iPad 7th and 8th Generation tablets. This strategic move presents an opportunity for individuals and organizations to acquire quality technology at potentially competitive prices. Each device is equipped with power cords and bricks and will be sold “as is,” meaning there are no warranties or guarantees regarding functionality or suitability for the buyer’s needs.
Available Devices
The Lenoir County Board of Education is offering 681 MacBook Air “Core i3” laptops (13-inch, 2020, MYE62LL/A) along with smaller quantities of similar models. Additionally, there are different generations and storage capacities of iPads, totaling approximately 9,822 units. The initial offer for this substantial collection of technology amounts to an impressive $1,001,325.78. This offer includes non-monetary terms such as secure pickup arrangements post-March 3, verification of inventory at pickup, payment in full at pickup, positive financial references, pricing per unit, and liability insurance coverage.
These devices, though no longer suited for the evolving educational requirements in Lenoir County, may still hold significant value for other contexts. Interested parties must weigh the potential benefits of these devices against the fact that no guarantees regarding their future performance are provided. This sale offers a prime opportunity for those in need of technology, either for personal use or for resale, to acquire high-quality Apple products at potentially reduced costs.
Bidding Process
To facilitate a transparent and competitive bidding process, the Board has established specific guidelines for raising bids. Any new bid must exceed the existing bid by at least 10% of the first $1,000 and 5% of the remaining amount, setting the lowest acceptable upset bid at $1,051,442.07. Prospective bidders must agree to cover the bid cost and comply with the outlined terms. Additionally, each successful subsequent bid requires a 5% deposit of the increased bid value. This ensures that each bid is financially backed, adding an extra layer of accountability and commitment from bidders.
This procedure is designed to maintain transparency and competitiveness until no further qualifying upset bids are received. At that point, the Board may proceed with the highest offer. Furthermore, the Board retains the right to reject any and all offers at its discretion. This right underscores the Board’s commitment to achieving a fair and equitable sale process, reflective of organized asset management.
Strategic Benefits
The Lenoir County Board of Education is tackling the issue of outdated technology by auctioning off surplus tablets and laptops that no longer meet the needs of students and educators. This auction includes a variety of MacBook Air laptops from 2020, as well as 7th and 8th Generation iPads. This initiative offers a chance for individuals and organizations to purchase quality technology at potentially affordable prices. Each device will come with power cords and bricks, but they will be sold “as is,” which means there are no warranties or guarantees about their functionality or whether they will suit the buyer’s specific requirements. The auction reflects the Board’s strategy to ensure that educational tools remain current and effective while also giving others an opportunity to benefit from devices that still have value. It’s a practical approach to managing tech resources and providing the community with access to useful technology at a lower cost.
