What should be done with government property at the end of a contract?

At the end of a contract, government property must be inventoried and returned to the government. This process ensures that all government-owned items are accounted for and properly preserved. The responsibility to handle this property correctly falls on the contractor, as they are entrusted with government assets during the performance of the contract.

Returning the property allows the government to maintain control over its resources, ensuring they can be reused or properly disposed of as necessary. It also helps to prevent potential misuse or loss of government property. Each contract typically outlines the protocols for property disposition, which often emphasize accountability and proper inventory procedures.

The other options, such as discarding, selling, or moving property without consent, would violate government regulations and policies designed to safeguard public resources. These actions could lead to financial loss for the government and potential legal consequences for the contractor.