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

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is soliciting bids for multi-provider on-call and as-needed title and escrow services in Del Norte County to support property acquisitions for future State highway facilities, with bids due August 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Bidders must hold a valid and current Title and Escrow license from the California Department of Insurance — a mandatory qualification that filters all eligible competitors.

Up to two responsible bidders meeting the lowest bid requirements will be awarded contracts. Small Business and Micro Business certifications receive a five percent preference with a maximum preference amount of $50,000. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation is encouraged and qualifies for a five percent incentive applicable to bids with 100 percent verified DVBE participation, subject to a combined cap of $100,000. No subcontracting is permitted.

The scope includes preliminary title reports, title record searches, litigation guarantees, policies of title insurance (residential and commercial at various transaction amounts), escrow services (residential and commercial), and document preparation and recording services. Services must accommodate multiple parcels with varying ownership structures and partial acquisitions requiring partial reconveyance. Estimated quantities include 30 preliminary title reports, 10 title record search hours, 5 statement of record ownership charges, and 15 updates to preliminary title reports and litigation guarantees. Pricing is structured on a unit rate basis across service categories. Third-party reconveyance and subordination fees are reimbursable at actual cost based on receipts, not to exceed ten percent of the subtotal with a maximum of $1,000 per deed of trust unless prior written approval is obtained.

The agreement is anticipated to commence September 1, 2026 and expire August 31, 2031, with a three-year window for placement of new orders ending August 31, 2029. The estimated award date is September 1, 2026. Bidders must maintain $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate commercial general liability insurance. Written questions are due August 14, 2026. Bid opening follows at 2:30 p.m. on August 25. The State reserves the right to terminate with 30 days' written notice for any or no cause, or immediately for default or good cause.