Request for Proposals: City of Cookeville Auction Services for Firearms

The Cookeville Police Department is soliciting written proposals, on a competitive basis, from interested and qualified companies or professionals to provide Auctioneer Services to facilitate the sale of firearms through a public auction. Those submitting proposals must be located in and licensed to conduct business in Putnam County, TN, hold or have access to a Federal Firearms License (FFL), and demonstrate experience in firearm auctions.

Proposals, as submitted, should include:

• All estimated costs related to the services requested in this RFP (commission percentage, fee structure based on sale proceeds, etc.)
• Description of advertising plan and exposure
• Description of how firearms will be securely stored, handled, and ownership legally transferred in accordance with federal and state law
• Description of how buyer eligibility requirements under federal and state law will be ensured
• Description of transparent recordkeeping and post-sale documentation
• Proposed timeline and auction format (online, in person, etc.)
• Terms of insurance and liability
• Description of payment and settlement process
• Copy of Federal Firearms License (FFL)
• Copy of valid City or Cookeville and/or Putnam County, TN, business license

Please submit your proposal no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, to Major James Harris at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. . Feel free contact Major James Harris with any questions at 931-520-5267.

Each Proposal will be evaluated on meeting the above requirements and the submitted information, documentation, experience, exposure, and merits.