The Personal Property Branch offers storage services for IC owned property at the Gaithersburg Distribution Center ( GDC ). The GDC is located at 16050 Industrial Drive, Gaithersburg, MD. We store a variety of items including scientific equipment, furniture, and boxes of supplies.  Items can be stored for as little as thirty (30) days or for as long as 4 years.

How are items stored? How much does storage cost?

Items are stored on the floor or on a pallet .

Items are stored on the floor when they exceed 36 inches in height. The rental fee is $2 per square foot per month based on measured area.

Items stored on a pallet can be loaded in a 48"x 48" x 36" area for $20.00 per pallet per month. Items on a pallet cannot exceed 36" in height. If the items do exceed this height, an additional pallet will be used and you will be charged accordingly.

How long can items be stored and how are rental fees charged to my account?

Items can be stored for as few as thirty (30) days or for as long as 4 years. The minimum charge for storage is one month's rent. Storage rental fees are charged against the IC's Common Account Number on the last day of each month.

How can I find out if there is adequate storage space for my items?

Before initiating the storage process, you need to develop a list of the items that you want to store. Your list should include the type of item and the number of each of these items. This will help us determine how much storage space you need. After formulating this list, copy and paste this information or attach to an email. Send your email to Storage Management at WallaceG@OD.NIH.GOV.

You will receive a response to your request as soon as possible.

How do I initiate the storage process and prepare my items for transport to the storage facility?

When you receive an affirmative response, you will also receive a storage form to complete. To initiate the storage process, complete the following procedure.

1. Number each (piece of equipment, box, etc.) of the items that you want to store.

2. Complete the storage form to include each numbered item, its description and decal number (if applicable).

3. Copy the completed storage form so that you have one storage form for each item that you plan to store.

4. Attach a copy of the completed storage form to each of the items that you are going to store prior to transport from your lab or office to the storage facility. (NOTE: EVERY item from a lab must have a safety tag NIH Form-2683, "Certification that Equipment is Free from Hazards" showing that the item was cleared by the last user prior to shipping the items to the storage area. The safety tag has to be displayed prominently on the item. If the item is inside a box, then place a copy of the tag on the box with the original tag on the item in the box. Storage management will return at your expense any item that is potentially hazardous for storage that does not have a completed safety tag.)

Now that my items are ready for transport, what do I do next?

Contact the Division of Logistics Services (DLS) for transporting items to the GDC. They can be reached at 301-496-1546. You should send an email to at harrist@od.nih.gov in advance to schedule your delivery to the GDC. When you call in your transportation request, let the DLS know that you have items that you want to store at the GDC and that these need to be shrink wrapped on a pallet unless the items meet the storage requirements for being stored on the floor (generally equipment such as hoods, refrigerators, etc.). The DLS may come and assess your storage property prior to pick up. To contact DLS with your transportation requirements, call DLS 496-1546. (NOTE: If any applicable items have not been shrinkwrapped on a pallet prior to arrival at the GDC warehouse platform, they are subject to return to you at your expense.)

How do I retrieve all or any part of my storage?

In order to retrieve all or any part of your storage, prepare an email. The email should include a) the date of your original storage request, b) your name, IC, phone number, building and room number, c) your PCO's name, phone number, building and room number and d) the item numbers and descriptions of what you wish to retrieve. If you want to retrieve all of your storage, then you can note this instead of listing all of the items numbers and descriptions of every item. Once completed, email your retrieval request to WallaceG@OD.NIH.GOV.

You will receive a response as soon as possible. After you receive your response, you will need to contact the DLS at 301-496-1546 to arrange for pickup and delivery unless you drive to the GDC and pick the storage up yourself.

Who is liable in the event that anything happens with my storage?

The Storage Management team rigorously endeavors to ensure the security and protection from damage of all equipment and materials stored at the GDC. Because the GDC is a facility of the U.S. Government, all items sent to the GDC for storage are self-insured by the IC. Therefore, the liability for any loss or damage to these items remains with the IC.

Is there anything else that I should know?

If stored items must be removed due to changing conditions or needs within the NIH community, IC personnel will be given at least four weeks notice prior to discontinuance of service so that you enough time to make other storage arrangements.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

For any additional questions regarding Storage Management, you can email Mr. Greg Wallace at WallaceG@OD.NIH.Gov or contact him by phone on 301-496-4248.