IFB-On-Call, and As-Needed Multi-Provider Title and Escrow Services in Calaveras County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 10A2903 for on-call and as-needed multi-provider title and escrow services to support property acquisitions for future state highway facilities in Calaveras County. This cost-reimbursement agreement seeks qualified title and escrow companies regulated by the California Department of Insurance to provide preliminary title reports, escrow services, title insurance policies, litigation guarantees, reconveyance services, and related document preparation and recording across approximately 47 representative Assessor's Parcel Numbers. Bidders must be capable of handling multiple property types and delivering services based on unit rates covering preliminary title reports, title record searches, ownership statement charges, report updates, document copies, signing fees, preparation fees, recording fees, disbursement service fees, and tiered rates for residential and commercial title insurance policies and escrow services based on transaction amounts. The written question deadline is March 12, 2026, with bids due March 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., followed by bid opening at 2:30 p.m. The estimated award date is March 26, 2026, with the agreement commencing May 1, 2026, and expiring April 30, 2031, for a five-year term. Work will be assigned to the two lowest responsible bidders meeting all specifications, with new orders accepted through April 30, 2029, and a possible one-year amendment to complete pending escrow orders.

A five percent small business preference applies to certified small or micro-business contractors, with a dollar cap of $50,000, and a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive of up to five percent applies to bidders with 100 percent verified DVBE participation, with a $100,000 combined cap for all incentives and preferences. Contractors must maintain required insurance coverage including $1,000,000 per occurrence commercial general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and subcontracting is prohibited under this agreement. Third-party reconveyance and subordination fees will be reimbursed at actual cost up to 10 percent of the subtotal with a $1,000 per deed of trust maximum unless prior written approval is obtained. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The contract is structured as a cost-reimbursement agreement with payment contingent on budget availability and subject to Government Code Section 927 prompt payment provisions. Specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the solicitation materials provided.