IFB - Multi-provider On-Call, and As-Needed Title and Escrow Services in Yub & Sutter Counties

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for multi-provider on-call and as-needed Title and Escrow Services in Yuba and Sutter Counties, with up to two contractors to be selected for award. The procurement seeks qualified title and escrow companies regulated by the California Department of Insurance to provide preliminary title reports, litigation guarantees, title insurance policies, and comprehensive escrow services for properties required to support future State highway facilities. Required services include title record searches, document preparation and recording, reconveyance services, and sales data tabulation, with preliminary title reports due within 30 days of request and title insurance policies due within 30 days of escrow close. Bidders must possess a valid and current Title and Escrow license from the California Department of Insurance and submit the license with their bid. Work will be performed during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding State holidays, under an Agreement commencing June 1, 2026 (estimated) and expiring May 31, 2031, with new order placement limited through May 31, 2029. The solicitation timeline includes a deadline of May 4, 2026 for written questions, a final bid submission deadline of May 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, bid opening at 2:30 p.m. the same day, and an estimated award date of May 21, 2026. Pricing is structured as unit rates across multiple line items including per-parcel preliminary title reports, hourly title record searches, document copies, and tiered rates for residential and commercial title insurance policies based on transaction amounts ranging from $0 to $5,000,000.

The IFB includes a 5 percent preference for Small Business (SB) or Micro Business (MB) certified contractors with principal places of business in California, and a 5 percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive for verified DVBE participation, reflecting Caltrans' commitment to meeting the State's 25 percent SB participation goal. Subcontracting is not permitted under this Agreement, and all bid costs must include employer payments, insurance premiums, taxes, and other associated expenses with no additional allowances. Contractors must maintain General liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and statutory workers' compensation coverage. Work will be assigned first to the lowest-ranked bidder, with subsequent bidders called in ascending order if the primary contractor cannot accept additional work. A 3rd Party Reconveyance and Subordination Fee allowance of 10 percent of the subtotal is included, with a maximum reimbursement of $1,000 per deed of trust unless prior written approval is obtained. No incumbent vendors or budget ranges were identified in the solicitation materials.