26-20-002 IFB Title and Escrow Services

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is soliciting bids under IFB 26-20-002 for title and escrow transactional services to facilitate the assignment and transfer of local government-held loan portfolios. The scope of work involves providing services for up to 375 existing loans affecting approximately 250 individual properties, specifically within the City of Lindsay, Tulare County. Key deliverables include the preparation of 250 preliminary reports in PDF format, 325 mortgage note assignments, 325 deed of trust assignments, 50 covenant assignments, 50 endorsements, 225 ALTA policies, and 150 reconveyances. The contract is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026, or upon DGS approval, with an initial term ending November 30, 2027, and options for two additional 12-month extensions, not to exceed a total of three years. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Evaluation includes a pass/fail gate for mandatory qualifications, which require the bidder to be a licensed title company or agency authorized by the California Department of Insurance and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Preferences are available for certified Small Businesses, DVBEs, and those meeting TACPA requirements. The awarded contractor must maintain a Combined Single Limit insurance policy of at least $100,000 per occurrence and adhere to strict confidentiality and background check requirements. Services are to be performed remotely, except for tasks requiring in-person action such as mobile notary services and physical document recording. Invoicing is conducted on a per-task basis, not more frequently than monthly, and is subject to the availability of funds under the state Budget Act.