We have cash to burn...or do we?

[EricH]

At this point, the only thing I'd recommend buying is aluminum stock and tools. See, we don't know what the game is yet, so I'd rather not buy parts for a complete robot only to find that I've got to store them for a year or three.

Tools:
Cordless drill (2+)
Drill index
power saw (chop, jig)
2x sets of hex keys (both English and Metric)
Assorted screwdrivers
Safety glasses
Other assorted tools
(unless, of course, you have said tools from BEST use)

Aluminum stock: some 1x1x1/8" wall should do for starters.

Once FIRST Choice opens up a bit tomorrow, see what's available. If CIM motors are available, get a couple; if past years are anything to go by (they aren't in some--read, most--cases), you'll want them.