IFB - Multi-provider On-Call, and As-Needed Title and Escrow Services in Del Norte County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking multi-provider on-call and as-needed Title and Escrow Services for Del Norte County, specifically to support property acquisitions for future state highway facilities. This Invitation for Bid (IFB) requires bidders to be title and escrow companies regulated by the California Department of Insurance, capable of providing comprehensive services including preliminary title reports, title searches, escrow services, and title insurance policies. The solicitation outlines specific service requirements, including 30 preliminary title reports per parcel, 10 title record searches per hour, 5 statement of record ownership charges per parcel, and 15 continuation guarantees per parcel. Potential bidders must submit their proposals by December 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with a bid opening scheduled for 2:30 p.m. the same day. Written questions are due by December 2, 2025, and the proposed award date is December 16, 2025, with the contract expected to commence on January 2, 2026, and expire on January 1, 2031.

The procurement includes favorable provisions for Small Businesses (SB), Micro Businesses (MB), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with a 5% preference for SB/MB (maximum $50,000) and a potential 5% DVBE incentive for 100% DVBE participation, subject to a combined $100,000 cap. The solicitation emphasizes a 25% Small Business participation goal per Executive Order S-02-06 and requires bidders to provide proof of valid title and escrow licensing, insurance coverage, and specific certifications including California Civil Rights Laws Certification and Darfur Contracting Act Certification. Up to two lowest responsive and responsible bidders will be awarded this multi-provider contract, with pricing structured on a unit rate basis for individual services and transaction-based pricing for title insurance policies and escrow services. The total contract amount is listed as "TBD" and will be limited to actual services rendered as authorized by the Caltrans Contract Manager. Funding is subject to appropriation and Budget Act provisions, with Caltrans reserving the right to terminate the contract for convenience or default.