SPECIFICATIONS

Broker Services for Harris County Office of County Engineer

SCOPE

Harris County is seeking qualified firms and/or individuals to provide professional real property brokerage services on a case-by-case, as-needed basis as described herein. The term shall begin or about July 1, 2026 and ending twelve (12) months thereafter or until all services ordered prior to the expiration date have been satisfactorily delivered and accepted or performed satisfactorily for the using department.

It is the responsibility of each vendor to examine the entire RFP package, seek clarification in writing, and review their offer for accuracy before submitting. Questions relating to this RFP must be submitted in writing through Bonfire. The deadline for submission of questions relating to this RFP is listed on the Event schedule within Bonfire of this project. All questions submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing. A copy of all questions and answers will be released as a Public Notice within Bonfire to all firms. The County will not be bound be any information conveyed verbally.

RENEWAL OPTIONS

Harris County may consider four (4) one-year renewal options, renewable one (1) year at a time, based upon the same terms, conditions and pricing as the original year. Renewal is subject to approval by Harris County Commissioners Court. Once renewal options are exhausted, the contract must be rebid. Harris County reserves the right to rebid at any time in its best interest and is not automatically bound to renew.

M/WBEs Harris County strives to engage with prime contractors and subcontractors that represent the diverse businesses of the County. We will ensure that historically underutilized minority- and woman-owned businesses (M/WBEs) receive a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the County's procurement process. The County expects vendors to make a good faith effort and the vendor agrees to reasonably assist the County to meet or exceed goals for awarding contract associated with a project the County procures, operates, maintains, or constructs to M/WBEs.

BACKGROUND

Harris County, Texas is the 3rd most populous county in the nation, ranking behind Los Angeles County, California and Cook County, Illinois. The county seat is Houston, Texas, the fourth (4th) largest city in nation. There are thirty-four (34) municipalities located within the 1,788 square mile geographical boundary of Harris County. Harris County has a culturally diverse community with a population 5,045,026 million according to the 2025 U.S. Census estimate. The county is governed by a five-member Commissioners Court, which is comprised of four County Commissioners (Commissioner Precincts 1 - 4) and the County Judge.

As a regulatory agency, it is the goal of Office of the County Engineer (OCE) to assist the development community in envisioning, creating and building vibrant and sustainable developments for all residents of the unincorporated areas of Harris County.

SPECIFICATIONS

The successful vendor shall provide comprehensive real estate brokerage and consulting services to support the County’s projects and operational objectives. Services may include advising and assisting the County with the evaluation, planning, coordination, marketing, leasing, acquisition, disposition, relocation, and management of residential, commercial, industrial, and other real property assets, as assigned by the County.

At a minimum, the vendor shall supply all qualified personnel, supervision, materials, equipment, facilities, travel, overhead, and related incidentals required to effectively execute County real estate initiatives.

Services shall include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Acquisition Services For each tract or property assignment issued by the County, the Broker shall perform the following services as requested:

1.1. Assignment Administration

1.1.1. Review, execute, and return all assignment letters and related documentation issued by the County.

1.1.2. Coordinate activities with the County’s designated representative or Executive Director.

1.2. Property Assessment & Due Diligence

1.2.1. Conduct site reconnaissance and property assessment visits as directed by the County.

1.2.2. Inspect properties and identify all parties in possession.

1.2.3. Provide written reports detailing site conditions, occupancy, encumbrances, and other relevant findings.

1.2.4. Establish and maintain files, records, and procedures customary to professional real estate brokerage services.

1.3. Negotiation & Acquisition Support

1.3.1. Present official good-faith purchase offers on behalf of the County.

1.3.2. Conduct negotiations with property owners and authorized representatives.

1.3.3. Maintain detailed negotiation records and status updates.

1.3.4. Continue negotiations through closing or until all applicable good-faith negotiation requirements have been satisfied.

1.4. Title and Closing Services

1.4.1. Coordinate and perform title curative activities necessary to facilitate property acquisition.

1.4.2. Assist with preparation and coordination of closing documentation.

1.4.3. Administer closing activities and coordinate disbursement of payments as authorized by the County.

1.5. Litigation Support

1.5.1. Provide professional testimony and supporting documentation for legal or administrative proceedings as required.

2. Relocation Services For each relocation assignment issued by the County, the Broker shall perform services including, but not limited to:

2.1. Assignment Administration

2.1.1. Review, execute, and return all assignment letters and related documents issued by the County.

2.1.2. Coordinate relocation activities with County representatives.

2.2. Occupancy & Site Evaluation

2.2.1. Conduct site reconnaissance and occupancy assessments.

2.2.2. Identify all occupants, tenants, businesses, and parties in possession.

2.2.3. Provide written reports documenting findings and relocation considerations.

2.3. Relocation Assistance

2.3.1. Provide relocation advisory services to displaced individuals, families, and businesses.

2.3.2. Assist with identifying replacement housing, business sites, or temporary accommodations where applicable.

2.3.3. Coordinate relocation payments and benefits in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

2.4. Compliance & Documentation

2.4.1. Establish and maintain records, files, and documentation associated with relocation activities.

2.4.2. Ensure all relocation activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and County requirements.

3. Specialized Real Estate Assignments The successful Offeror may be requested to perform specialized real estate brokerage and consulting services as directed by the County, including but not limited to:

3.1. Real estate market analysis and feasibility studies

3.2. Property evaluation and portfolio analysis

3.3. Leasing strategy development and lease negotiations

3.4. Marketing and disposition of County-owned property

3.5. Property management consulting

3.6. Coordination of real estate development activities

3.7. Strategic planning related to County real estate assets

3.8. Broker opinion of value (BOV) services

3.9. Real estate transaction advisory services

3.10. Support for capital improvement or infrastructure projects

3.11. Additional services may include evaluation, planning, coordination, marketing, leasing, acquisition, disposition, and management of residential, commercial, industrial, and other real property matters assigned by the County.

4. Minimum Qualifications The vendor shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

4.1. Must possess all licenses and certifications required by the State of Texas to perform real estate brokerage services. Must present Texas Real Estate Brokerage License.

4.2. Must have demonstrated experience providing real property brokerage and consulting services for governmental entities, municipalities, public agencies, or large institutional clients.

4.3. Must demonstrate experience with property acquisitions, negotiations, relocations, leasing, and real estate consulting services.

4.4. Must possess sufficient staffing, resources, and organizational capacity to perform services on an as-needed basis.

4.5. Must maintain professional liability insurance and any additional insurance required by the County.

5. Deliverables The successful vendor shall provide deliverables including, but not limited to:

5.1. Written property assessment reports.

5.2. Negotiation status reports.

5.3. Relocation assistance documentation.

5.4. Title and closing documentation.

5.5. Market analyses and valuation studies.

5.6. Testimony and litigation support documentation.

5.7. Monthly activity and progress reports as requested.

6. Performance Requirements The successful vendor shall:

6.1. Perform all services in a timely, professional, and ethical manner.

6.2. Maintain confidentiality of County information and records.

6.3. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards.

6.4. Coordinate effectively with County staff, legal counsel, appraisers, surveyors, title companies, and other stakeholders.

6.5. Maintain accurate records and documentation for all assignments.

7. Applicable Statutory & Regulatory Requirements Services performed under this contract shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

7.1. Texas Real Estate License Act

7.2. Texas Property Code

7.3. Texas Local Government Code

7.4. Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA), where applicable

7.5. Title 2 CFR Part 200, when federally funded projects apply

7.6. Applicable fair housing and nondiscrimination laws

7.7. Harris County procurement and contracting requirements

8. County Rights Harris County reserves the right to:

8.1. Reject any or all proposals

8.2. Waive informalities or minor irregularities

8.3. Request additional information or clarification

8.4. Negotiate with one or more Offerors

8.5. Award contracts in whole or in part as determined to be in the best interest of the County

9. Optional/Value-Added Services Vendor may propose optional or value-added products and/or services related to the scope of goods and/or services described in the specifications and/or listed on the Pricing/Delivery Information sheet(s) of this RFP by identifying other items and/or brands not identified by Harris County in this RFP. At a minimum, discuss product/service capabilities and reasons why it would be valuable for this project.