Title Abstract Search and Settlement/Closing Services in Utah
ID: 12FPC425Q0017Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFFARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION BUSINESS CENTERFPAC BUS CNTR-ACQ DIVWASHINGTON, DC, 20250, USA

NAICS

Title Abstract and Settlement Offices (541191)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: LEGAL (R418)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking qualified small businesses to provide title abstract search and settlement/closing services in Utah, specifically for the acquisition of conservation easements. The contractor will be responsible for conducting title searches, obtaining title commitments, managing escrow funds, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations throughout the closing process. These services are crucial for facilitating the USDA's conservation initiatives, which aim to protect agricultural and environmental resources. Interested contractors must submit their quotes by January 24, 2025, with the contract period set from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2030. For further inquiries, contact Crystal Baird at crystal.baird@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    Posted
    The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Utah is seeking contractors for title abstract search and settlement services to support the acquisition of conservation easements. The contractor will be responsible for providing title searches, commitments, escrow services, and closing documentation for various conservation programs, including the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Key tasks involve coordinating with NRCS and landowners, managing title exceptions, updating title commitments, and ensuring compliance with state laws and IRS regulations. Contractors must possess knowledge of local closing laws and be licensed in title insurance. The contract specifies general requirements, such as maintaining non-personal service standards, ensuring personnel qualifications, and adhering to confidentiality agreements regarding government information. Timely deliverables are emphasized, with specific deadlines for each task. Additionally, the contract addresses restrictions related to disclosure and management of organizational conflicts of interest. Overall, the document provides a comprehensive framework for contractors to facilitate the NRCS's efforts in establishing conservation easements effectively while complying with federal and state regulations.
    The Past Performance Information Questionnaire is a document used by the USDA FPAC Business Center to evaluate contractors' performance in federal contracts. It seeks feedback regarding a specific contractor's past work and is part of the solicitation process for determining their suitability for future projects. Respondents are asked to provide detailed ratings on various performance areas such as meeting contract deliverables, timeliness of submissions, and managing relationships with stakeholders, each rated from 0 (Unsatisfactory) to 4 (Outstanding). Additionally, respondents assess the contractor's flexibility in problem-solving and willingness to complete work. The document is structured to encourage the submission of both quantitative ratings and qualitative narratives for ratings lower than 2. The evaluation ultimately serves to inform decisions on future contract awards, offering insights into the contractor's reliability and quality of work within the framework of government requests for proposals (RFPs) and grants. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of performance history in the federal procurement process.
    The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks a contractor for title abstract search and closing services in Utah related to conservation easements. The contract includes providing title commitments, resolving title exceptions, updating legal descriptions, holding escrow funds, documenting property interests, and recording necessary documents. The contractor is expected to adhere to state laws and ensure compliance with title insurance requirements. Work must be completed at designated facilities according to a specific schedule and must prioritize confidentiality regarding sensitive government and landowner information. Additionally, the contractor must avoid conflicts of interest and maintain proper invoicing procedures. Through these services, NRCS aims to acquire conservation easements efficiently, supporting agricultural and environmental initiatives. Overall, the document outlines a structured framework for selecting a contractor to ensure accurate title services while focusing on compliance and confidentiality.
    The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking contractors for title search and closing services related to conservation easements in Utah. The task includes obtaining title commitments, resolving title exceptions, escrow fund handling, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The programs involved aim to acquire easements for wetland and floodplain restoration. Contractors must provide timely title search services, update legal descriptions, and manage documentation for closing transactions within specified timeframes. They must adhere to state laws, maintain required licensing, and have liability insurance. Deliverables include policy issuance, recording of deeds, and IRS reporting for the easement payment. Proper conflict of interest management and adherence to confidentiality regulations are also mandated. This RFP emphasizes efficient and lawful management of easement acquisitions, underscoring the NRCS's role in conservation efforts.
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) outlines specific requirements for closing agents involved in its easement programs, including the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Emergency Watershed Protection Program, and Healthy Forest Reserve Program. The document certifies that the closing agents must demonstrate competency, liability insurance, and comply with both federal and state guidelines during real estate transactions. Key responsibilities of closing agents include evaluating property titles, securing titles, managing federal funds, and providing detailed settlement statements. Additionally, agents are required to ensure no conflicts of interest exist and must deliver essential closing documentation within set timeframes. Compliance with these measures aims to protect federal interests in conservation initiatives, emphasizing transparency and diligence throughout the easement process. Overall, the file serves as a procedural guide for ensuring proper management of federal funds and compliance with conservation goals.
    The document outlines closing instructions for acquiring a Wetland Reserve Easement through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP-WRE), managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It details responsibilities and requirements for the designated closing agent, including compliance with state law and title clearance, securing liability insurance, and ensuring proper handling of federal funds. The closing agent must maintain a registered DUNS number and an active account in the System for Award Management (SAM), while also ensuring the easement's legal and financial aspects are well-managed. The closing process includes obtaining necessary documentation, examining title records, and completing tax reporting forms. After closing, the agent is responsible for delivering various documents to the NRCS and the landowner, confirming all financial transactions related to the easement. Overall, this guide serves to ensure a streamlined, legally compliant closing process for federal easement transactions, safeguarding federal investments in land conservation while promoting responsible land management practices.
    The request for quotation (RFQ) 12FPC425Q0017 seeks a qualified small business to provide title abstract and settlement/closing services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Utah, focusing on conservation easements acquisitions. The contract will run from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2030, with a firm fixed price blanket purchase agreement awarded based on a tradeoff evaluation method considering both price and additional criteria. Key services include title searches, obtaining title commitments, final title policies, and closing services. The RFQ emphasizes technical capability, past performance, and compliance with regulations. Offerors must submit detailed quotes, including various technical aspects and past project summaries, by January 17, 2025. The document outlines submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and regulatory compliance clauses. The primary goal is to ensure that interested firms are well-equipped to fulfill the government’s need for reliable and efficient title services while fostering small business participation in federal contracts.
    The document outlines solicitation number 12FPC425Q0017 for Title Abstract Search and Settlement/Closing Services in Utah, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It seeks quotations from small businesses for a firm fixed-price blanket purchase agreement, effective from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2030. Services include title searches, commitments, policy finalization, and closing services for USDA acquisitions of conservation easements. Offerors must submit a technical narrative and price quote, adhering to criteria such as technical capability and past performance. The evaluation emphasizes best pricing and technical offerings from the outset, with a focus on companies licensed in Utah. Key pricing components include preliminary title commitments, closing services, and recording fees. The document further specifies compliance with federal acquisition regulations and establishes submission deadlines for quotes and inquiries. It highlights the government’s intent to favor small businesses while ensuring fair and transparent compliance with industry standards during the procurement process.
    The document is an amendment to Solicitation No. 12FPC425Q0017, issued by the USDA FPAC Business Center, detailing modifications to a government contract. The primary purpose of this amendment is to revise the Performance Work Statement and Combined Synopsis Solicitation, enabling the use of the government purchase card as a payment method for individual call orders. Key updates include changes to Section (vi), specifying that prices for CLIN 0004 will be negotiated at each order level, and extending the quote submission deadline to January 24, 2025, at noon ET. Additionally, it mentions the incorporation of FAR 52.232-36, which allows payment by third parties using the government purchase card. The period of performance for the contract is set from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2030. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the amendment to avoid the rejection of offers. This amendment outlines necessary clarifications and administrative adjustments relevant for contractors involved in the solicitation process.
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    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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