Specifications include, but are not limited to: Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) is seeking Respondents to this Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a one-year Project SEARCH® Autism Enhancement (PSAE) pilot site, serving young adults in Northwest Arkansas who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Respondents should demonstrate the capacity to plan, develop, and implement a vocational training program utilizing the PSAE model. This pilot program is designed to assist young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in obtaining integrated and competitive employment. The target area for the pilot program is Northwest Arkansas, including the counties of Washington, Benton, Carroll, Boone, Newton, Johnson, Franklin, Crawford, and Madison. The young-adult participants will engage in multiple internships at a host business site in Northwest Arkansas proposed by the Respondent. These internships will enable participants to explore different career paths, with a goal of quality, competitive employment outcomes. The host business site should be equipped to offer participants three 10-week internships at 20-25 hours per week. Respondents will also select a certified special education teacher and skills trainer equipped to instruct and guide participants throughout the internship process.
