The objective is to engage a Professional Abstractor to conduct title searches and ROW history research for various sites, primarily roads, within Essex County, as assigned periodically throughout the contract term. The scope includes: • Title Searches: Research public records (e.g., deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, tax records, vital statistics, and plat/map books) to confirm ownership, identify any persons or entities with property interests, and ensure clear title free of incompatible easements, encumbrances, or restrictions that may affect county jurisdiction or compliance with land use regulations. The main specific interests of Essex County Department of Public Works are; drainage easements, road maintenance easements, transfer of jurisdiction, and property takings. • Right-of-Way (ROW) History: Investigate and document the historical establishment, modifications, and current status of ROWs for specified roads, including dedications, conveyances, easements, or other legal instruments defining public or private rights. • Abstract Reports: Prepare detailed abstracts of title for each assigned site, summarizing ownership history, ROW details, and any encumbrances or restrictions. Reports must be clear, concise, and suitable for use in legal and planning contexts. • Timeliness: Complete each assigned abstract within four (8) weeks of letter of agreement (LOA), unless otherwise agreed upon with the County. The Contractor shall perform services on an as-needed basis for sites identified by the County, which may include known roads and other sites to be determined in the future. A list of initial sites, if available, will be provided upon the contract award.
