IFB On-Call, and As-Needed Multi-Provider Title and Escrow Services in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is requesting bids for on-call and as-needed multi-provider title and escrow services across Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties under an IFB, with bids due June 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A 5% small business preference applies to certified small businesses or micro businesses. Two contractors will be selected as award recipients.

Bidders must hold valid Title and Escrow licenses from the California Department of Insurance. The scope encompasses preliminary title reports, title record searches, statement of record ownership charges, updates to preliminary title reports, litigation guarantees, document copying and preparation, electronic recording fees, disbursement service fees, and comprehensive title insurance policies and escrow services for property acquisitions related to state highway facilities. Services cover residential and commercial transactions across multiple price ranges from zero to five million dollars. Pricing is structured on a per-unit or per-transaction basis; bidders must submit unit prices for each service line item and tiered pricing for title insurance policies, litigation guarantees, and escrow services based on transaction amounts. Reimbursable third-party reconveyance and subordination fees are capped at ten percent of the subtotal with a maximum of one thousand dollars per deed of trust.

The contract term is five years commencing July 15, 2026 and expiring July 14, 2031, with a provision allowing up to one additional year to complete pending escrow orders. Total agreement costs are not to exceed an amount to be determined at award; Caltrans pays only for services actually rendered as authorized by the contract manager. The anticipated award date is July 9, 2026. Written questions are due June 15, 2026. The agreement is federally assisted and subject to Title VI civil rights requirements and DBE program participation requirements without specified goals. Bidders must provide proof of insurance within ten working days of award notification and submit certifications including California Civil Rights Laws, Darfur Contracting Act, Iran Contracting Act, and federal lobbying activities disclosures.