IFB Multi-provider Title and Escrow in Lake and Mendocino Counties

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for on-call and as-needed multi-provider Title and Escrow Services serving Lake and Mendocino Counties, including five specific jurisdictional areas: Lake Riverside CDP, Twin Lakes CDP, Hidden Valley Lake CDP, Yosemite Lakes CDP, and Silver Lakes CDP. The services encompass preliminary title reports, title record searches, litigation guarantees, policies of title insurance, escrow services, and related document preparation and recording for right-of-way property acquisitions supporting future state highway facilities. Qualified bidders must be title and escrow companies regulated by the California Department of Insurance, possess a valid California Department of Insurance title and escrow license, maintain specified insurance coverage (general liability, automobile, and workers' compensation with minimum limits of $1,000,000), and comply with state business licensing requirements. The evaluation will be based on detailed unit-rate bid proposals covering preliminary title reports, title searches, litigation guarantees, title insurance policies at various transaction values for both residential and commercial properties, escrow services, and related fees, with Caltrans awarding the Agreement to up to two of the lowest responsive and responsible bidders meeting all specifications. Critical deadlines include April 6, 2026 for written questions, April 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. for bid submission with opening at 2:30 p.m. via teleconference, an estimated award date of April 28, 2026, and an Agreement commencement of June 1, 2026 or upon Department of General Services approval, whichever is later, with the contract expiring May 31, 2031 representing a five-year initial term and new orders permitted only through May 31, 2029.

The procurement includes a five percent Small Business or Microbusiness preference for certified firms with principal place of business in California, capped at $50,000, and a five percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive is available for verified 100% DVBE participation. Subcontracting is not permitted under this Agreement. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The bid proposal includes estimated quantities for various title and escrow services; however, these estimates are explicitly stated as estimates only with no guarantee of actual quantity needed, meaning award values will depend on actual service demands and the unit rates proposed by successful bidders throughout the five-year contract period. All required documents must accompany bids, including proof of licensing, Civil Rights certifications, and Darfur Act certification, and Caltrans reserves the right to reject all bids, terminate the Agreement with 30 days' notice, or terminate immediately for default or good cause.