ABSTRACT TITLE SEARCH SERVICES FOR MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, BUFFALO

CITY OF BUFFALO
NEW YORK
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE
65 NIAGARA SQUARE, ROOM 920 CITY HALL
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202-3302
PHONE (716) 851-5278 FAX (716) 851-5590
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR
ABSTRACT TITLE SEARCH SERVICES
FOR
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, BUFFALO
Date Issued: June 11th, 2026
Question Submission Deadline: June 18th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Answers Posted to City of Buffalo Website: June 25th, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: June 30th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
CONTACT PERSON:
Yvonne Bailey
CITY OF BUFFALO, OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE
65 NIAGARA SQUARE, ROOM 920 CITY HALL
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202-3302
EMAIL ADDRESS: ybailey@buffalony.gov
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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
The City of Buffalo through its Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning, Division of Real Estate
(hereinafter "the City") has issued this Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking proposals to perform
an Abstract Title Search (such title report to be in a form which can be utilized for purposes of
writing a commitment for title insurance) for various City-owned parcels.
The City of Buffalo is currently preparing redevelopment strategies for vacant, city-owned
properties in various neighborhoods. As part of this initial redevelopment strategy, the City is
proposing to construct forty (40) single family houses on multiple parcels located in and around
the Masten Park neighborhood. Most sites will be assembled from multiple parcels, with some
sites splitting parcels between one another. Attachment A includes a map of the 40 proposed
parcels overlaying the previous parcels. Attachment B details the proposed parcel dimensions for
each of the forty (40) parcels. The City of Buffalo, Division of Real Estate is requesting bid
proposals to perform an Abstract of Title Search for each of the forty (40) proposed lots listed in
Attachment B and summarized below:
Neighborhood Area 1
- 333 Woodlawn Ave (contains portion of 339 Woodlawn Ave)
- 339 Woodlawn Ave (contains all of 341 Woodlawn Ave)
- 371 Woodlawn Ave (contains portion of 373 Woodlawn Ave)
- 375 Woodlawn Ave (contains portion of 373 Woodlawn Ave)
- 16 Storz Ave (contains portion of 20 Storz Ave)
- 20 Storz Ave (contains portion of 24 Storz Ave)
- 24 Storz Ave (contains all of 26 Storz Ave)
- 83 Dupont St (contains portion of 85 Dupont St)
- 89 Dupont St (contains portion of 85 Dupont St)
Neighborhood Area 2
- 144 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 146 Winslow Ave)
- 148 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 146 & 152 Winslow Ave)
- 154 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 152 Winslow Ave)
- 145 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 147 Winslow Ave)
- 151 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 147 Winslow Ave)
- 155 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 151 & 157 Winslow Ave)
- 159 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 157 Winslow Ave)
- 161 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 159 Winslow Ave)
- 195 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 197 Winslow Ave)
- 201 Winslow Ave (contains portion of 197 Winslow Ave)
- 230 Landon St
- 464 Riley St
- 474 Riley St
- 514 Riley St (contains portion of 518 Riley St)
- 520 Riley St (contains portion of 518 Riley St)
Neighborhood Area 3
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- 363 East Utica St (contains portion of 367 East Utica St)
- 367 East Utica St (contains all of 369 East Utica St)
- 86 Landon St (contains portion of 90 Landon St)
- 92 Landon St (contains portion of 90 Landon St)
- 96 Landon St (contains portion of 92 Landon St)
- 100 Landon St (contains all of 98 Landon St & portion of 102 Landon St)
- 104 Landon St (contains portion of 102 Landon St)
- 105 Landon St (contains portion of 107 Landon St)
- 109 Landon St (contains portion of 107 Landon St)
- 113 Landon St (contains portion of 109 Landon St)
- 117 Landon St (contains portion of 113 Landon St)
- 35 Kingsley St (contains portion of 39 Kingsley St)
- 41 Kingsley St (new address, contains portion of 39 Kingsley St and all of 43 Kingsley St)
- 67 Kingsley St (contains portion of 69 Kingsley St)
- 71 Kingsley St (new address, contains portions of 69 & 73 Kingsley St)
- 77 Kingsley St (contains portion of 73 Kingsley St)
SECTION 2- SCOPE OF WORK
The Scope of Work to be included in this project includes:
1. Bid proposals to perform an Abstract Title Search (such title report to be in a form which
can be utilized for purposes of writing a commitment for title insurance) for the 40 proposed
City-owned lots listed in Attachment B (highlighted in green).
2. A subsequent reading of the survey which the City shall provide at a later date (survey has
been bid out also).
i. Any optional components or features must be separately referenced and
include any and all costs attributed to such features. Reimbursable expenses
should also be listed such as deliverables, consultant travel, and any printing
cost.
SECTION 3 - PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals must include the following information in a brief and concise format. Proposals must be clear,
legible, and complete. The City of Buffalo reserves the right to request additional information during the
review of qualifications and to reject any and all submissions.
3. 1 Cover Letter
Each Offeror or their authorized representative shall prepare and sign a cover letter. Submission
of the letter shall constitute a representation by the Offeror that it is willing and able to perform
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the services described in this RFP and their proposal.
3.2 Company Profile
Each Offeror is required to prepare and submit a brief description of the Offeror's firm,
company, or corporation, which must include:
1. Name, mailing address, email address, telephone number and fax number of the
primary contact person for firm;
2. Brief description of the firm experience, qualifications, M/WBE and any community
involvement.
3. Each Offeror must provide references from at least two (2) past/current customers or
other governmental entities where Offeror has provided similar services. At a
minimum, the following information must be included for each client's reference:
a. Client name, address, contact person name, telephone, and email;
b. Description of contract, provided that they are similar to the services
outlined in this Request for Proposals;
The City may solicit relevant information concerning Offeror's record of past performance from
previous clients, or any other available sources.
3.3 Experience and Qualifications
Each Offeror must provide a summary of their professional qualifications and describe the
following information:
a. Pertinent areas of expertise and past experience.
b. Base location(s) (local facility, as applicable),
3.4 Project Timeline
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A description of the timeframe needed to complete the Abstract Title Search for each of the forty (40)
proposed parcels. The City of Buffalo is interested in attaining Abstract Title Searches as soon as possible
to meet an expedited project timeline and would therefore accept title searches upon completion in an
ongoing manner. Please include a project schedule that incorporates the expected start and completion
timeframes for each lot.
3.5 Cost Proposal
The proposal should include a proposed fee for all services delineated by task as outlined in the
consultant's proposed scope of work. Each proposal shall include a delineation of all costs
attributed to each site's specific requirements. The cost proposal should include the hourly rate
of each staff member who will work on a task and their number of hours by task. Any optional
components or features recommended by the Consultant must be separately referenced and
include any and all costs attributed to such features. Reimbursable expenses should also be listed
such as equipment costs, deliverables, consultant travel, and any printing cost.
3.6 Non-Collusion Bidding Certification and Statement of Compliance and Conflict of
Interest, Buffalo Living Wage Commission Application Form
Offerors must complete and sign the Statement of Compliance and Conflict of Interest Form, the Non-
Collusion Bidding Certification, and the Buffalo Living Wage Commission Application Form included
in this RFP. Please be sure to include these in the proposal submission.
SECTION 4- INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS
4.1 General Invitation
The City invites all interested parties to submit proposals for the services described herein. For
purposes of this RFP, the City's designee shall be Yvonne Bailey, Director of Real Estate from the
Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning, Division of Real Estate for the City of Buffalo.
The Division of Real
Estate will receive all
proposals via email by no
later than June 30th,
2026, at 4:00 PM EST to:
Yvonne Bailey(
ybailey@buffalony.gov).
NO CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE
STATED DATE AND TIME.
It is solely the Offeror's responsibility to ensure the proposal is timely delivered.
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Proposals are solicited in accordance with the terms, conditions and instructions as set forth in this
RFP. Proposals must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the RFP. No
amendments or changes to proposals will be accepted after the closing date and time. No proposals
shall be accepted after the stated deadline. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
Any material misrepresentation made by an Offeror may void their proposal and eliminate their
proposal from further consideration. Any proposal that is based upon violation of federal, state or
local law, or deemed to be non-responsive will be eliminated from consideration.
The City shall not be responsible for any expenses or charges incurred by an Offeror in preparing
or submitting a proposal, or in their providing any additional information considered necessary by
the City in the evaluation of their proposal.
4.2 Schedule
Listed below is the anticipated schedule for all actions related to this RFP. In the event that there
is any change or deviation from this schedule, such change will be posted on the City's website at
www.buffalony.gov.
EVENT DATE
Issuance of RFP June 11th, 2026
Written Questions from Offerors due June 18th, 2026 at 4 PM
Responses to Questions posted on City website June 25th, 2026 Proposals
Due June 30th, 2026 at 4 PM
Target Award Date: TBD
4.3 RFP Questions
Offerors must review all RFP documents and ensure the City's requirements are met before
submitting a proposal. Each Offeror is responsible for conducting its own investigations and any
examinations necessary to ascertain conditions and requirements affecting the requirements of this
RFP. Failure to perform such investigations and examinations shall not relieve the Offeror from
its obligation to comply, in every detail, with all of the provisions and requirements contained in
the RFP.
All RFP questions must be submitted in writing by email to ybailey@buffalony.gov no later than
June 18th, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Questions must be directed only to the City's designated contact..
No other communication methods are permitted.
Responses to all questions will be posted on the City's website (www.buffalony.gov/BIDS) and
may also be emailed to all known Offerors. Offerors are responsible for ensuring the City has
accurate contact information and the City is not responsible for undelivered communications.
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The City may, in its sole discretion, also elect to provide both the question(s) and the written
answer(s) to all known Offerors via e-mail. Offerors are solely responsible for ensuring that the
City has accurate contact information, including e-mail address for the receipt of such
correspondence. The City does not assume any responsibility for undelivered e-mails or for the
receipt of any communication sent to any Offeror.
4.4 Addendums and Modifications
The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend this RFP at any time prior to the deadline
for submission of the proposals. In the event that it becomes necessary to revise or expand upon
any part of this RFP, all addendums, amendments, and interpretations to this RFP will be made in
writing and posted on the City's website at www.buffalony.gov/BIDS. The City may also
endeavor to notify all Offerors to whom the RFP has been issued.
All addendums become part of this RFP. Offerors must base proposals only on information
provided in official RFP documents or addendums; any other sources or communications should
be disregarded.
4.5 Proposal Format
Offerors must follow all RFP submittal requirements; failure to do so may result in rejection.
Submission of a proposal signifies acceptance of all RFP requirements.
Proposals must be clear, legible, and complete.
Each proposal must be signed by the Offeror or an authorized representative with authority to bind
the Offeror, and must include a statement that all terms and prices are firm for ninety (90) days
after submission and contract award.
Any non-compliance with RFP terms must be clearly stated on the Offeror's letterhead and
submitted with the proposal. Failure to note non-compliance may result in disqualification.
SECTION 5 - EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The City intends to award a contract to the Offeror whose proposal offers the best overall value.
However, the City is under no obligation to award any contract, in whole or in part, and it reserves
the right in its sole discretion to cancel this RFP process with or without cause at any time before
or after closing and has no express or implied obligation to provide reasons for such cancellation.
The evaluation criteria that the City will utilize will be based upon, but not limited to, the Offerors
demonstrating their prior proven experience, costs, and any other factors deemed to be in the best
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interest of the City. All proposals will be evaluated upon, but not necessarily limited to, the
following criteria:
Weight Factors
1) 25% The Offeror's experience and qualifications as demonstrated in the
response to this RFP;
2) 25% Demonstrated ability to fulfill the requirements of the proposal as listed in
the Scope of Work (including timeliness);
3) 15% Overall cost;
4) 15% Success of past awards regarding aligned or similar projects;
5) 20% The review of proposals will also include an analysis of each Offeror's
minority and women workforce development, policies, and community
involvement. Each Offeror must provide demonstrative evidence of how it meets
these factors as more fully described in Section 9.4 Executive Order. The weight
given to each factor is as follows:
15% Minority workforce development, community involvement, and
policies
5% Women workforce development, community involvement and policies
TOTAL = 100%
All proposals must contain the required information, including but not limited to all expenses,
hourly staff rates, payment terms, and contract terms required by Offerors and conditions and
options.
Representatives of the Office of Strategic Planning Division of Real Estate, and such other City
personnel at the City's sole discretion shall oversee this project and evaluate Offerors' responses.
5.1 Basis of Selection
The process for selecting a winning proposal for this RFP will be an open and fair solicitation
process. While total costs will be considered in the award of this RFP, it is not the only factor to
be considered. The professional services sought herein are not subject to New York State
competitive bidding requirements. Therefore, the lowest cost of any proposal may not necessarily
be accepted. The City is under no obligation to award any contract, in whole or in part, and it
reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel this RFP at any time before or after the deadline
for receipt of the proposals, without providing reasons for such cancellation. If only one proposal
is received, the City reserves the right to reject it.
5.2 City's Reservations of Rights
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Upon submission of a proposal in response to this RFP, each Offeror acknowledges and consents
to the following conditions relative to the submission and review and consideration of its proposal:
1. All costs incurred by the Offeror in connection with responding to this RFP and for
participating in this procurement process shall be borne solely by the Offeror.
2. The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject for any reason any and all
responses or components thereof and to eliminate any and all Offerors responding to
this RFP from further consideration for this procurement.
3. The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any Offeror that submits
incomplete responses to this RFP, or a proposal that is not responsive to the
requirements of this RFP.
4. The City reserves the right, without prior notice, to supplement, amend, or otherwise
modify this RFP, or otherwise request additional information.
5. All proposals in response to this RFP shall become the property of the City and will
not be returned.
6. All proposals in response to this RFP shall constitute public records subject to public
disclosure.
7. The City may request that Offerors personally attend or send representatives to the City
for interviews and a demonstration of Offeror's proffered services.
8. Any and all proposals in response to this RFP that are not received by the Office of
Strategic Planning, Division of Real Estate before or at June 30th, 2026 at 4:00 PM
will be rejected.
9. Neither the City, nor its officers, officials nor employees shall be liable for any claims
or damages resulting from the solicitation or preparation of the proposal in response to
this RFP.
10. The City of Buffalo's name, logo, crest, etc. shall not be used without prior, expressed,
written consent of the City of Buffalo.
The City reserves that it may, in its sole discretion, exercise the following rights and options with
regard to this RFP and the procurement process in order to obtain the most advantageous offer for the
City:
1. To waive irregularities and/or minor non-compliance by any Offeror with the
requirements of this RFP;
2. To request clarification and/or further information from one or more Offerors after
closing without becoming obligated to offer the same opportunity to all Offerors; and
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3. To enter into negotiations with one or more Offerors without being obligated to
negotiate with, or offer the same opportunity, to all Offerors;
4. To reject any or all proposals or parts of proposals, to accept part or all of proposals on
the basis of considerations other than lowest cost and to create a project of lesser or
greater expense and reimbursement than described in this RFP or the Offeror's proposal
based on the component prices submitted;
5. To determine that any proposal received in response to this RFP complies or fails to
comply with the terms set forth herein;
6. To determine whether any perceived or actual conflict of interests exists that would
affect or impair the award of any contract arising from this RFP to an Offeror(s);
7. To waive any technical non-conformance with the terms of this RFP;
8. To change or alter the schedule for any events called for in this RFP;
9. To conduct investigations of any or all of the Offerors, as the City deems necessary or
convenient, to clarify the information provided as part of the proposal and to request
additional information to support the information included in any proposal;
10. To suspend or terminate the procurement process described in this RFP at any time. If
terminated, the City may determine to commence a new procurement process without
any obligation to the Offerors;
Offerors are advised to submit a complete offer as their proposal. Any waiver, clarification or negotiation
will not be considered an opportunity for Offerors to correct errors contained in their proposals.
SECTION 6 - AWARD OF CONTRACT
The successful Offeror(s), if any, will be awarded a non-exclusive contract. Subsequently, the
agreement may be renewed, upon mutual agreement of the parties, for four (4), additional periods of
one (1) year each.
Any extension of the agreement must be in writing and the only condition that shall be permitted
to be altered or changed in any extension is the sum to be paid by the Offeror and the method of
computing the same.
The City reserves the right to contract any services awarded under this RFP to other firms at its
sole discretion whenever it deems necessary.
The contract with the successful Offeror (if any) shall include the terms of this RFP together with
those terms of the Offeror's proposal, which are not inconsistent with the RFP, and which have been
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