City of Rock Rapids - Legal Services for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Home Buyouts - 2026
City of Rock RapidsCity · Rock Rapids, IA- Due
- Oct 23, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Oct 7, 2026
- Primary contact
- Micah Freese
- (712) 472-2553
The 30-second brief
The City of Rock Rapids, Iowa, seeks proposals from qualified attorneys or law firms licensed in Iowa to provide legal services for residential real estate acquisition under the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The project involves voluntary property acquisitions for 14 residential properties following the 2024 flooding disaster, including purchase agreement preparation and review, closing document preparation, abstract examination, title work coordination, and real estate closing oversight. Specific properties include 223 S. East Street, 406 and 412 and 504 S. Tama Street, 107 and 108 and 202 S. 6th Avenue, 109 N. Carroll Street, 202 and 204 and 207 and 208 S. 3rd Avenue East, 214 N. Union Street, and 507 N. 2nd Avenue in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Proposals are due by October 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM, submitted to the City Operating Officer via mail, email, or in-person delivery. Evaluation criteria include qualifications, relevant experience, proposed fees, and ability to meet project timelines.
Preparation and review of purchase agreements; Legal guidance for FEMA HMGP requirements; Coordination with City, Property owners, And title companies; Preparation and review of closing documents; Oversight of real estate closings for 14 properties; Abstract examination, Update, And final continuation; Ensuring proper transfer of title and recording of deeds; Advising City on legal matters related to property acquisition; Coordination and review of title work including title certificates or guarantees for the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
Qualifications, relevant experience, proposed fees, ability to meet project timelines
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Summary
The City of Rock Rapids, Iowa, seeks proposals from qualified attorneys or law firms licensed in Iowa to provide legal services for residential real estate acquisition under the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
The project involves voluntary property acquisitions for 14 residential properties following the 2024 flooding disaster, including purchase agreement preparation and review, closing document preparation, abstract examination, title work coordination, and real estate closing oversight. Specific properties include 223 S. East Street, 406 and 412 and 504 S. Tama Street, 107 and 108 and 202 S. 6th Avenue, 109 N. Carroll Street, 202 and 204 and 207 and 208 S. 3rd Avenue East, 214 N. Union Street, and 507 N. 2nd Avenue in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Proposals are due by October 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM, submitted to the City Operating Officer via mail, email, or in-person delivery. Evaluation criteria include qualifications, relevant experience, proposed fees, and ability to meet project timelines.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
4- Qualifications
- Relevant experience
- Proposed fees
- Ability to meet project timelines
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
9- Preparation and review of purchase agreements
- Legal guidance for FEMA HMGP requirements
- Coordination with City, Property owners, And title companies
- Preparation and review of closing documents
- Oversight of real estate closings for 14 properties
- Abstract examination, Update, And final continuation
- Ensuring proper transfer of title and recording of deeds
- Advising City on legal matters related to property acquisition
- Coordination and review of title work including title certificates or guarantees for the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
7- Name, address, and contact information
- Summary of relevant experience
- Description of firm's approach
- Identification of assigned attorney(s)
- Proposed fee structure with per-property bid breakdown and total not-to-exceed price for 14 properties
- Confirmation of ability to comply with federal requirements
- At least two professional references
- Submit to
- City of Rock Rapids, Attn: Micah Freese, 411 First Avenue, PO Box 403, Rock Rapids, IA 51246, Email: [email protected]
- Scope location
- Rock Rapids, IA
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from City of Rock Rapids?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 23, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: City of Rock Rapids, Attn: Micah Freese, 411 First Avenue, PO Box 403, Rock Rapids, IA 51246, Email: [email protected]. For questions, contact Micah Freese.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including City of Rock Rapids in IA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Micah Freese at (712) 472-2553. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Preparation and review of purchase agreements; Legal guidance for FEMA HMGP requirements; Coordination with City, Property owners, And title companies; Preparation and review of closing documents; Oversight of real estate closings for 14 properties; Abstract examination, Update, And final continuati. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Qualifications, relevant experience, proposed fees, ability to meet project timelines" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of Rock Rapids?
All active and historical solicitations from City of Rock Rapids are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of Rock Rapids regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Name, address, and contact information; Summary of relevant experience; Description of firm's approach; Identification of assigned attorney(s); Proposed fee structure with per-property bid breakdown a. Review the full document from City of Rock Rapids for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Rock Rapids, IA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.