MO Project: Contextual Branding

Office of Administration

General Services

Excellent customer service, every time.

MOSASP Success Stories

Leaving one confluence for another

Newly acquired vessel finds new home at Gasconade museum

The crew of the USS Aries Hydrofoil Memorial were elated when they acquired a special service landing craft vessel through the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property (MOSASP). Originally, a hauling vessel for the Army Corp of Engineers, this 30-plus year-old craft was deemed surplus by the federal government and granted transfer to the Memorial in May for $7,000.

Located at the confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri Rivers, the USS Aries Hydrofoil Memorial is a museum that includes the namesake of the organization, which was the last hydrofoil ship used by the United State Navy. Among other displays are boats and barges that are located on a historical Army Corp of Engineers boat manufacturing facility.

When the special service vessel became available on GSAXcess, a letter of intent, along with a letter of support from MOSASP, was submitted, which ultimately lead to the property being allocated to the museum. The vessel will be used for museum operations.

“There are very few donees that are able to acquire vessels, I was extremely excited for this opportunity for MOSASP,” MOSASP Administrative Support Assistant Tammy Anderson said.

The crew (BJ Meinhardt, Bob Meinhardt, and Sam Voss) had to determine the readiness of the vessel, which was docked in St. Louis. After six trips to get the vessel ready for the 130-mile trip, all was a “go” to take the vessel up the Mississippi River to the confluence of the Missouri River, and then to museum near Gasconade[LS1] , Missouri.

On Wednesday, June 3, the vessel left St. Louis. After a full day of work, the crew stayed in St. Charles, Missouri that night.

Perfect weather accompanied the voyage as it headed up-stream from Missouri’s first capitol. The river was perfect since it was neither too high nor too low…as it can be at flood stage during this time of year. While rain had been plentiful the week prior, clear skies and sun followed the crew to Gasconade.

On the voyage, the crew had to pay close attention to navigation signage so the vessel would not hit a sandbar, which can be plentiful and unpredictable, especially on the Missouri River.

On Thursday, the crew made it safely back to Gasconade, making the trip more quickly than anticipated.

BJ Meinhardt said the vessel achieved between six to seven miles per hour on the journey, ultimately cutting one day off the planned three-day trip.

“Any day on the river is a good day,” BJ said.

The vessel will be used for the museum as a display and as support for the museum’s endeavors. Since the vessel can haul vehicles and supplies, it will open up transportation possibilities on the river.

“Having a marine museum on the confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri Rivers poses many unique problems. The seasonal flooding of two different rivers coming from different directions means we always have to be on guard to protect the museum exhibits,” USS Aries Hydrofoil Memorial’s Eliot James stated. “The addition of a historic landing craft from MOSASP is a huge benefit to this endeavor, both in terms of another exhibit but also as a vessel that lets us move materials, supplies, and equipment from the banks of the rivers around the harbor to the museum ship, the USS Aries HMI in emergencies.”

The museum was very pleased with their new vessel, along with all the property they have acquired through MOSASP. The crew frequently utilizes GSAXcess to locate items to help further the mission. For the museum, GSAXcess is one of the best tools in their toolbox. 

While the landing craft worked for years near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, its new home at the confluence of the Gasconade River promises to provide many more years of life for this historic craft.

 [LS1]The Gasconade River? The confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri Rivers? I’m a little confused. Although after reading further I’m assuming you mean Gasconade the city? 

___________________________________________________________________________

Taxpayers win through services of MOSASP

Three state parks save more than 25,000 in purchase of picnic tables

Picnic tables are essential in the success of Missouri State Parks. There are hundreds located throughout the state, and when it is time to replace or repair them, it can be very costly.

Three state parks recently benefited from services of the Missouri Agency of Surplus Property (MOSASP), that saved them almost 78 percent, in cost, on 100 picnic table frames.

After locating hundreds of picnic tables, MOSASP Warehouse Manager Victor Connell, knew that someone could greatly benefit from them, especially since they were located at nearby Harry S. Truman Lake.

The Army Corp of Engineers, who manages Truman Lake, no longer needed the tables, because many of them had to be reconditioned.

Victor called several individuals, until he acquired the contact for Lake of Ozarks State Park Specialist Josie Barlow, who said she knew some local state parks that would gladly take the picnic tables (frames). Even with the cost of new lumber, she knew the savings would be great verses the cost of brand new picnic tables.

“We requested 100 picnic table sets. They were transferred to us for $4 per frame set…at a total of $400,” Josie stated.

The parks department picked up the frames from the Army Corps of Engineers at Mark Twain Lake.

“We spent $45 on lumber and $20 in hardware for a total cost of $69 per table, including the $4 for the table frame. For us to purchase one new picnic table it would be $320, and for an ADA table, it is $400 (equal to the transfer cost of the 100 frames from MOSASP). To purchase 100 non-ADA, the cost would have been $32,000,” she added.

The final cost in restoring all 100 frames was $6,900, which in turn saved the Missouri taxpayers $25,100. Tables were assembled using volunteer labor, which further saved money. Josie said the difference would help fund other important projects.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park kept 60 sets, Pomme de Terre State Park took 20 sets, and Roaring River State Park also took 20 sets.

“This service is providing our visitors with a better experience in our parks,” Josie stated.

___________________________________________________________________________

MOSASP saves Missouri agency thousands of dollars

The Missouri Agency for Surplus Property (MOSASP) assisted in saving the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) thousands of dollars this summer on an incline mower. 

In July, MoDOT’s Central District acquired a Kut Kwick mower by utilizing the services of MOSASP.

 “One of my coworkers called me one day to tell me about this mower available at Surplus. We have always wanted one, especially with all the mowing that we do in the capital city (Jefferson City),” MoDOT Maintenance Supervisor Kyle Fischer stated.

Jefferson City highway banks are very challenging to mow because of the terrain. Fisher stated that typically these areas are cut using weed eaters, in addition to utilizing incarcerated labor from the local prison.

MoDOT jumped on the chance on acquiring this mover. MOSASP was able to save MoDOT more than $30,000. Brand new, the mower would cost around $47,729, but MOSASP was able to transfer the mower to MoDOT for $10,000.

“We at surplus love helping state agencies and eligible organizations to save money,” MOSASP Manager, Lee Ann Braun stated.

“By being able to use this mower in these locations we were able to reduce the incarcerated crew by half. Using a machine over hand work is safer,” Fischer stated. “This saves time and money for the tax payers of Missouri. Modot has some of these mowers in other parts of the State, which has really cut down the mowing time. The places this mower can go, and the slopes it can safely navigate is unreal.”

___________________________________________________________________________

SEMA acquires eye protective gear

While many across the state began to hunker down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was busy assisting emergency personnel with supplies as they faced the virus head-on. With the help of the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property (MOSASP), SEMA was able to supply fire, law and EMS departments in St. Louis with protective goggles.

Protective gear was needed during a time when many uncertainties regarding the virus was plaguing emergency responses. Protecting the mouth, nose, and eyes was a priority, especially for those responding to emergency issues that included the Coronavirus.

On March, 20, SEMA acquired almost 1,500 protective military goggles. Once back to SEMA’a warehouse, they were distributed to fire departments, law enforcement, and EMS’s in Region C, which covers much of the St. Louis area.

MOSASP was proud that it was able to provide a need during this critical time-especially with assisting emergency personnel. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Sewing machine vital for fire department

What would a fire department need with a sewing machine? According to Tri-County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Rick Hobbs, a heavy duty sewing machine can save the department lot of money and time.

When a Consew light-weight commercial sewing machine became available at the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property, Hobbs did not hesitate on the opportunity, especially since it would be greatly used at the district that serves Richland and the rural areas surrounding it in Pulaski, Camden, and Laclede counties. Hobbs stated a sewing machine becomes a necessity as turnout gear is torn or worn. Previously, the department would send it to be repaired in Ohio, which takes time and money, but with this acquisition from MOSASP, the department will be able to do most of the repairs in house.

Hobbs was thankful that MOSASP was able to help the department save time and money, especially in the current situation regarding the COVID-19 virus. 

___________________________________________________________________________

MOSASP plays critical role during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Life Evangelistic Center (NLEC) continued its mission in caring for the homeless during these critical times. Headquartered in the St. Louis area, NLEC’s mission includes caring for the hungry and homeless in some of Missouri’s largest population centers. These vulnerable individuals needed assistance, because shelters and other safe locations were closed or were full. NLEC took to the streets to address the needs. As sanitary items (personal protective supplies) were becoming almost impossible to find, Larry Rice,

Founder and Director of NLEC, began to think of ways to ensure that the homeless were getting items that could help them stay clean in an environment that was proving very difficult. NLEC even began the daunting task of making their own hand sanitizer to minimize virus spread through these vulnerable individuals. As a frequent visitor to the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property (MOSASP), Rice was extremely grateful when hygiene kits became available. These kits included shampoo, hair conditioner, oral hygiene supplies, hair brush and comb, shaving supplies, deodorant, tissues, body and skin care items, and hand sanitizer. 

MOSASP was only offering emergency services between March 24 to May 1, which included the transfer of hygiene kits to its donees. 
NLEC acquired 2,000 hygiene kits. Rice said that NLEC distributed the kits in early April to homeless individuals in St. Louis and Springfield. By Easter, he had handed out all of the kits he acquired from MOSASP. 

“This is a critical time for the homeless. Not only are they facing COVID-19, but they are suffering financially as well,” Rice said. 
He added that these individuals are in cars, tents, and derelict homes; and do not have access to proper hygiene. 

“It was a blessing we were able to acquire this,” he said.

MOSASP is grateful that the agency was able to make such a positive difference throughout the state. When many medical items and basic care-necessities were non-existent, MOSASP was able to provide these items to agencies and organizations. “I am pleased and thankful that we were able to address many needs throughout the state of Missouri. MOSASP exists to assist our donees, especially in times likes these,” MOSASP Manager Lee Ann Braun said.

___________________________________________________________________________

City of Cuba acquires plane through MOSASP

Those who drive past Cuba, Mo, along I-44, will spot an airplane standing guard at Cuba Municipal Airport. This C-12 aircraft was transferred through the Federal Donation Program, a program operated by the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property (MOSASP).

When a C-12 aircraft became available, the City of Cuba jumped on the opportunity to have a plane displayed at the city airport. The city was granted the craft in June, 2017, which meant the hard part began. Since the plane was located in North Carolina, this meant a team had to tackle the daunting task of bringing the craft back to Missouri.

Leading the mission was Retired United States Army Colonel Don Fuchs. He had to get the assistance of several volunteers, along with planning logistics of moving such a large item. Working with MOSASP Office Manager Tammy Anderson, Don was able to lay out a plan that would allow the transfer of an aircraft, which included dismantling and reconstructing it once brought back to the Show-Me-State.

Logistics took longer than expected. Volunteers had to be found with the right expertise along with making sure they could request leave from their jobs at a certain time. Much planning took place, along with making sure the financial factor met expectations.

Tammy worked diligently and patiently with Don while relaying updates to the General Services Administration (GSA).

In early 2019, the first of two trips was planned to pick up the airplane. Dismantling of the wings began, but only a portion of the plane came back. The second trip was completed in April of 2019, which included bringing back the fuselage.

Overall, it took three semi-truck loads, 13 people on site, countless man-hours, financial cost in moving such a large piece of property, and logistics to tackle this project.

Once back in Missouri, the team reconstructed the aircraft and placed at the end of the runway at Cuba Municipal Airport. The local American Legion, the Disabled Veterans of America, and the VFW contributed financially to the project, which was dedicated shortly thereafter.