Questions and Responses 4.16.2024.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (BPA) FOR TITLE SEARCH AND

CLOSING SERVICES FOR NRCS’S EASEMENT PROGRAM LOUISIANA

12FPC124Q0014

Question 1 - Is there an incumbent for these services? If there is an incumbent what is the name of the incumbent?

Response – Choice Title, 1st Title, and Gilchrist

Question 2 - What are the current contract prices by line item?

Response – Current contract prices vary by BPA and are broken out by price for the different services.

Question 3 - Section C.4.3- The contractor and any subcontractors must obtain a valid Unique Entity ID (UEI) number and must maintain active registration in System for Award Management (SAM) for the duration of any contracts or agreements to provide closing services to the NRCS. If I will be using a Sub for this project, just to clarify the Sub must be registered in SAMS?

Response – Please see Amendment 0001 to the Solicitation. Subcontractors have been removed from Section C.4.3.

Question 4 - Are there any past performance numbers relative to the frequency of orders placed and were they multiple award contracts?

Response – The number of orders placed are not determined by past performance numbers. There are many factors that determine the number of orders placed each year, chief among them being the number of applications that qualify for selection and budget allocations.

Question 5 - Section C.5.4- Not every title commitment (search) obtained by NRCS will result in an order for the closing services outlined in section B. NRCS might not ultimately purchase an easement on the properties for which it obtains a title commitment (search). NRCS may elect not to make an offer to the landowner based on eligibility review. NRCS may withdraw an offer to landowners if NRCS lacks funding, landowners are unable to provide clear title or sufficient legal access, or for other reasons as determined by NRCS. The agreement to purchase the conservation easement may also expire or the landowners may elect to cancel the agreement with NRCS. In regard to this, the Contractor would still be paid for the line item/search dollar amount agreed upon for that specific search service?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section G Invoicing, and Section G.2 Payment.

Question 6 - What specific services are included in the scope of the Title Search and Closing Services BPA for NRCS's Easement Program in Louisiana?

Response – Please refer to Request for Quotes Section C.3 Scope, Section C.4 Standards and Responsibilities, Section C.5 Description of Services – Title Commitment (or Title Search and/or Update of Abstracts), and C.6 Description of Services – Closing Services.

Question 7 - What criteria are used to select title search and closing service providers for inclusion in the BPA?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section L.3.3 Evaluation Criteria and Section M Evaluation Criteria for Award.

Question 8 - Is there currently an incumbent and if so, can you please provide their name, contract number, and the contract value asset?

Response – Louisiana NRCS has three previous Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs):

1. Choice Title, Inc., Contract #12FP119A0001

2. Gilchrist Law Firm PA, Contract #12FPC119A0002

3. First Title Escrow Inc., Contract #12FPC119A0003

Contract value asset varies from year to year depending on the number of easements enrolled and budget allocations.

Question 9 - How long is the term of the BPA for Title Search and Closing Services for NRCS's Easement Program in Louisiana?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section B.1.1.4.

Question 10 - Can the BPA be extended beyond the initial term, and if so, what is the process for extension?

Response – No. It will only be awarded for five years.

Question 11 - What are the pricing structures for title search and closing services under the BPA?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section B.2.1.

Question 12 - Are there any performance metrics or requirements that service providers must meet under the

BPA?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section C.4 Standards and Responsibilities, Section C.5 Description of Services – Title Commitment (or Title Search and/or Update of Abstracts), and Section C.6 Description of Services – Closing Services.

Question 13 - What procedures are in place for ordering title search and closing services under the BPA?

Response – Orders for title search and closing services are made on an as-needed basis. See Request for Quotes Section C.2.2 Extent of Obligation and Section C.2.7 Ordering Instructions.

Question 14 - What procedures are in place for ordering title search and closing services under the BPA?

Response – Orders for title search and closing services are made on an as-needed basis. See Request for Quotes Section C.2.2 Extent of Obligation and Section C.2.7 Ordering Instructions.

Question 15 - How are disputes resolved between NRCS and service providers regarding the delivery of title search and closing services under the BPA?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section I.3.1(d) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Provisions – Disputes.

Question 16 - Are there any specific insurance or bonding requirements for service providers participating in the

BPA?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section C.4 Standards and Responsibilities and Section L.3.3.1 Technical.

Question 17 - What are the reporting and documentation requirements associated with the BPA for Title Search and Closing Services?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section C.6.5 and C.6.7 (Description of Services – Closing Services), and Section I.3.2 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Products and Commercial Services (DEC 2023).

Question 18 - How does NRCS ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies when utilizing the

BPA?

Response – USDA follows the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Question 19 - Are there any geographic restrictions on where title search and closing services can be provided under the BPA?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section C.4.2 Standards and Responsibilities and L.3.3.1 Technical.

Question 20 - What steps are taken to ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive information related to title searches and closings?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section C.10 Non-Disclosure, and Section I.1.5 AGAR 452.224-70 – Confidentiality of Information (Feb 1988).

Question 21 - How does NRCS evaluate the performance of service providers under the BPA?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section I.3. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Provisions.

Question 22 - What procedures are in place for terminating the BPA if necessary, and what are the associated obligations for both parties?

Response – Please see Request for Quotes Section I.3. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Provisions.

Question 23 - What cities, counties in Louisiana?

Response – NRCS Louisiana may request title and closing services for any area within the 64 parishes of Louisiana.