Title examinations, title insurance, and title CER

The Commonwealth of Virginia, through the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), is requesting bids for title examination, title insurance, and title certification services supporting the acquisition of a Norfolk Southern rail line corridor extending approximately 48.5 miles from Front Royal to Broadway, with bids due July 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST via eVA and virtual public bid opening at 2:00 PM EST the same day. The solicitation carries a set-aside award priority for DSBSD-certified micro businesses or small businesses, including women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

The scope requires full title examinations extending back beyond 60 years, preparation of title insurance commitments and policies in ALTA standard format, furnishing legal descriptions and copies of source deeds (estimated over 300), and title certification by licensed staff counsel or title insurance agents. The rail corridor is specifically defined between milepost 51.0 near Front Royal in Warren County and milepost 99.5 near Broadway in Shenandoah County.

Bidders must submit an hourly rate price for the full title examination inclusive of all labor, travel, incidentals, materials, document copies, and fees. Title insurance premiums will be reimbursed at actual cost once the purchase price is determined, subject to prior written agency authorization. Mileage reimbursement is available at current Virginia Department of Transportation rates. The contract period runs from the date of award through four months, non-renewable, with award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

Contractors must maintain professional liability insurance acceptable to VDOT, demonstrate underwriting authority or thorough knowledge of title insurance underwriting standards, and carry workers' compensation, employer's liability of at least $100,000, commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and automobile liability of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit. Written questions are due July 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST. No pre-bid conference will be held. Bidders must submit a minimum of three professional references and complete required State Corporation Commission, subcontracting approval, and normal and emergency contact attachments.