IFB 02A2547 - Multi-provider On-Call, and As-Needed Title and Escrow Services in Tehama County

This contract is a multi-provider, on-call, and as-needed service agreement for title and escrow services in Tehama County, California, designed to support the California Department of Transportation’s acquisition of properties for future State highway facilities. Bidders must be licensed title and escrow companies regulated by the California Department of Insurance and are required to respond to service requests issued under the agreement, with no authority to subcontract. The contract operates as an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) arrangement under an Invitation for Bid (IFB 02A2547), with an estimated period of performance running from September 14, 2026, through September 13, 2031, and a new orders window ending September 13, 2029. Services must be performed exclusively within Tehama County and include preliminary title reports, litigation guarantees, title insurance policies, and related escrow functions, all aligned with state regulatory standards including the California Public Contract Code, Vehicle Code, and California Code of Regulations. Pricing is structured through line-item bids for residential and commercial transactions categorized by transaction value ranges, with bidders required to submit a single unit price per line as specified on the mandatory bid form—any deviation, including price ranges, results in non-responsiveness. The contract value is not established at this stage, as pricing is to be determined through competitive bidding. Evaluation is based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach, with a 5% price preference applicable to verified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises and Small or Microbusinesses that meet state certification criteria. Key compliance obligations include FIPS 140-2 encryption for data on mobile devices, mandatory anti-virus protections, breach reporting protocols, and insurance coverage with A.M. Best-rated carriers meeting state-mandated limits and additional insured endorsements. All contractors must certify compliance with nondiscrimination requirements under Title VI, state civil rights laws, and the Darfur Contracting Act if engaged in international activities. Invoices are submitted in triplicate to Caltrans District 03/North Region with no electronic invoicing systems used, and acceptance is solely at the discretion of the Caltrans Contract Manager. The agreement includes provisions to complete open escrow orders beyond the expiration date under a one-year amendment if necessary, and failure to meet all certification, licensing, or submission requirements may result in bid rejection.