NRCS Kansas Preliminary Title Search, Commitment, & Closing Services BPA   2

Background
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas, seeks to establish a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for title and closing services related to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Programs. The goal of this contract is to facilitate the acquisition of easement rights from landowners for the purpose of restoring and protecting wetlands and associated upland and riparian rights, as authorized under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). This BPA is set aside entirely for small businesses.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for providing a range of services including: conducting preliminary title searches, preparing title commitments, providing closing services, holding funds in escrow, obtaining necessary signatures on Warranty Easement Deeds (WED), recording documents in local land records offices, and providing final title insurance policies. Specific tasks include:

1. Provide title commitment or updates including all instruments that created rights or encumbrances on property.
2. Work with NRCS and landowners to clear exceptions on titles.
3. Develop title commitments/binders after receiving legal descriptions from NRCS.
4. Hold funds in escrow and comply with IRS tax reporting requirements.
5. Obtain necessary signatures on various agreements and waivers.
6. Record documents at local offices.
7. Provide final title insurance using ALTA policies.
8. Ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding easement acquisitions.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this BPA will span five years, with specific tasks being performed in one-year increments starting from January 15, 2025.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed in Kansas.