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

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a multi-provider, on-call, and as-needed Title and Escrow Services contract covering Tehama County, Trinity County, Tehama City, and Rancho Tehama Reserve CDP. The primary objective is to obtain title and escrow services for properties needed for future state highway facilities, with the contract running from November 3, 2025, to November 2, 2030. Bidders must be title and escrow companies regulated by the California Department of Insurance, capable of providing preliminary title reports, title searches, and escrow services for various parcel types, including partial acquisitions and properties owned by utilities, railroads, or other state and federal agencies. The bid responses are due on October 14, 2025, with a bid opening at 2:30 p.m., and the contract is estimated to be awarded on October 21, 2025. Evaluation will focus on the lowest responsible bidders, with up to two vendors to be selected, and work will be assigned first to the lowest-ranked bidder. The bid proposal includes detailed rate schedules for services such as preliminary title reports, title record searches, residential and commercial title insurance policies, litigation guarantees, and escrow services across different transaction value ranges.

The procurement encourages participation from small businesses, with Caltrans committed to a 25% Small Business (SB) participation goal. While a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement is not mandatory, DVBE participation is encouraged, and a DVBE incentive applies to the bidding process. Pricing is structured on a per-parcel and per-transaction basis, with provisions for additional research and document fees, and the state will reimburse third-party reconveyance and subordination fees up to a specified limit. Bidders must demonstrate the capability to handle various types of property transactions, including those involving utilities, railroads, and government agencies. The contract appears to be competitively bid, with multiple providers able to compete for on-call services. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the services and the multi-year contract duration suggest a significant potential value. Accessibility accommodations are available, with interested parties able to request accessible versions of solicitation documents by emailing ADAdocs@dot.ca.gov or calling (833) 713-2922.