Request for Qualification for Citywide Real Estate Title Services

The City of Tampa Real Estate Department is seeking to pre-qualify multiple title companies for citywide real estate title services through a Request for Qualification (RFQ) process. The solicitation, issued with the number 25-P-00172, aims to establish a pool of qualified title service providers for annual, as-needed projects within Hillsborough County. Qualified title companies must provide comprehensive services including title commitments, title policies, name searches, owners and encumbrances reports, and closing functions, with the ability to conduct both on-site and off-site closings. Minimum qualifications include being in business for at least 5 years, primarily focused on real estate title services, licensed in Florida, and maintaining an office within Hillsborough County. Respondents will be evaluated based on experience, qualifications, location, and ability to perform, with the City reserving the right to select multiple companies. Key dates for the solicitation include questions due by May 6, 2025, at 1:30 PM, and proposal submissions due by June 3, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The contract term will be three years, with the possibility of two additional one-year renewals.

The RFQ includes a strong emphasis on promoting diversity and equal business opportunities, with a comprehensive points-based system for Women/Minority-owned Business Enterprise (W/MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) participation. Proposers can earn up to 20 points based on their certification status, meaningful subcontractor participation, and diversity of W/MBE and SLBE involvement. The City requires detailed documentation, including a Letter of Intent (Form MBD-40) for each WMBE/SLBE subcontractor and a Sub-Contractors/Consultants/Suppliers Payment Form (MBD-30) to track payments and business demographics. The solicitation includes extensive insurance requirements and provisions for potential price escalation tied to the Consumer Price Index. While a specific budget amount of $90,000 is noted in the solicitation review checklist, the RFQ does not provide a definitive total contract value or specific pricing structure. Successful respondents must be prepared to provide services Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with potential after-hours availability, and understand that the City maintains the right to cancel an award if a title company's performance does not meet its needs in a timely manner.