RFP for In Rem 56 Title Searches

Background
The City of Buffalo, through its Department of Law, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking proposals from title search companies to provide title search services related to the City’s In Rem Tax Foreclosure No. 56 List of Delinquent Properties. This list was filed pursuant to Article 11 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law in the Erie County Clerk’s Office on August 15, 2025. The goal of this contract is to secure qualified title search companies with demonstrative experience in providing such services for government entities.

Work Details
The selected title search companies will be required to prepare reports for parcels identified in the List of Delinquent Taxes. The proposal must include:

1. A signed, certified, typed report for each parcel in a specified format.
2. A search period starting from the date of the deed into the last record owner and ending no earlier than twenty days prior to delivery.
3. Reporting interests including names and addresses of owners, mortgagees, judgment creditors, tax collectors, and other entities with an interest in the property.
4. No cross-references to other reports; each report must stand alone.
5. Specific requirements for bankruptcy reporting and judgment searches.
6. Identification of properties with In Rem numbers and serial numbers.
7. Itemized statements for fees related to each parcel searched.
8. Legal descriptions attached as necessary.

Period of Performance
The contract period will begin upon award and is expected to last one year with options for two additional one-year renewals. All title searches must be completed and inputted into the City’s online portal by November 3, 2025.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed within Erie County, New York.

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must demonstrate prior experience with similar accounts and municipalities. They are also required to submit a completed Living Wage Commission Application and Form 2A indicating their commitment towards utilizing minority-owned businesses (25% goal) and women-owned businesses (5% goal). Additionally, Offerors must provide evidence of various insurance coverages including Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability, Professional Liability, and Cyber Liability.