4663-Letcher-Invitation for Bid- Title Services - R-11

Letcher County, Kentucky is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for title search and closing services in support of the 2022 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Home Buyout Program. The county seeks a qualified legal firm or title company to complete a title search (title opinion) and closing services for one property participating in the program. Deliverables include comprehensive title searches, title opinions, and closing assistance for the specified buyout property. Prospective bidders must submit copies of necessary licensing and certifications with their bids, demonstrating their qualifications to perform legal and title services. The procurement process requires submission of bids through the DFS Procurement Portal at dfs.bonfirehub.com/portal no later than April 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET, with bid opening scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET at the Letcher County Judge Executive's Office. Contract award is scheduled to occur at the Fiscal Court meeting on April 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. The county specifies that title insurance premiums, recording fees, and transfer taxes are pass-through costs only and will not be considered part of the bid evaluation, with title insurance priced at $4.75 per $1,000 of coverage up to $100,000 (minimum fee of $238.00 for up to $50,000), plus $3.75 per $1,000 for coverage between $100,001 and $500,000, plus applicable taxes if located within city limits.

The procurement encourages participation from women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses, and Letcher County must implement affirmative steps to maximize participation by small businesses, minority-owned enterprises, and women's business enterprises in accordance with 2 CFR 200.321. Responding firms must meet mandatory compliance requirements including submission of a Certification Regarding Lobbying, Drug-Free Workplace Affidavit, and Non-Collusion Declaration. All bidders must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage with minimum limits of $2,000,000 aggregate and $1,000,000 per occurrence for Commercial General Liability, $1,000,000 combined single limit for Comprehensive Automobile and Water Vehicle Liability, Physical Damage Insurance for equipment and vehicles, and Worker's Compensation insurance with employer's liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. No specific award value or budget range is provided in the solicitation materials; rather, awards will be made per property with no guarantee of work quantity, as structures may fall out of the program, be awarded to other contractors to meet state deadlines, or be purchased through alternate programs. The county reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, negotiate with respondents, and may utilize multiple firms if necessary to meet scheduling requirements.