Title Abstract Search and Settlement/Closing Services in Illinois

The United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) is seeking title abstract search and settlement/closing services for conservation easement acquisitions in Illinois. The solicitation requires a contractor to provide comprehensive title-related services, including title searches, commitments, post-survey updates, final title policies, and closing services for various conservation programs such as ACEP-WRE, WRP, EWPP-FPE, RCPP, and HFRP. Contractors must be licensed in Illinois, maintain active SAM registration, and possess substantial experience in title insurance and real estate transactions. The evaluation will use a tradeoff method that prioritizes technical capability and past performance over price, with contractors required to submit two-part quotes including a technical narrative and price proposal. Key dates include a January 3, 2025 deadline for questions and a January 23, 2025 quote submission deadline at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

The contract opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses under NAICS code 541191 with a $19.5 million size standard. The period of performance spans five years from February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2030, structured with five one-year ordering periods. The government will award a single firm-fixed-price blanket purchase agreement for title abstract and settlement services, with the primary place of performance located in Abingdon, Illinois. Contractors must be prepared to handle federal funds, maintain liability insurance, establish FDIC-insured escrow accounts, and complete transactions within 30 calendar days of receiving funds. The solicitation requires contractors to provide detailed documentation, including ALTA U.S. Policy Form title insurance policies, and to work closely with NRCS throughout the conservation easement acquisition process.