Professional auction services for the inventory, cataloging, marketing, and sale of estate personal property through a competitive-bidding process

Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is conducting the Request for Proposal process to secure a contractor for Auctioneering services for its Public Guardian and Public Administrator programs. The goals for the services: 1). Clients receive reasonable return on their goods sold through the auction process. 2). The auction processes and procedures are clear and understood by all parties (County, client and vendor) to ensure smooth transactions.

The Public Guardian program serves older adults and adults with physical or mental disabilities who lack capacity to provide for their needs. The Public Guardian may be appointed for clients without alternative, appropriate conservators. Deputy Public Guardians (DPGs) arrange health care, housing, meals, transportation, personal care, and recreation for conservatees. DPGs also gather and manage client assets, apply for public benefits, and collect and pay bills. There are two types of conservatorships: probate and LPS, discussed below. The Public Guardian serves both probate and LPS conservatees, but the legal standards for the conservatorships and the populations served are different.

The San Mateo County Public Administrator helps families manage the affairs of a loved one who has passed away with dignity, respect, and care. Serving as a neutral third party, the Public Administrator can handle every aspect of estate management—from securing property and paying bills to locating heirs, liquidating assets, and distributing inheritance—without the need to hire an attorney. Services include making burial arrangements, closing accounts, and investigating potential assets, providing peace of mind during a difficult time. The office may be appointed by heirs, named in a will, or assigned by the court when no administrator exists. Fees are based on estate value and subject to court approval.