Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1) Evidence that the Respondent has obtained, prior to July 1, 2021, any required licensure necessary to plan, develop, and implement its proposed program. This evidence may be in the f orm of an annual f inancial statement o r rep o rt f o r the Respondent, plus evidence (if applicable) showing that the vendor has obtained a license in the past. No contract will be awarded without sufficient evidence of licensure, should the proposed program require a license.2) A proposed business partner (host business site) with a minimum of 200 employees located in the Northwest Arkansas area (def ined as Washington, Benton, Carroll, Boone, Newton, Johnson, Franklin, Crawf ord, and Madison Counties). A copy of a signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Respondent and the proposed business partner must be provided. The MOU will stipulate that the host business partner will provide year-round classroom space, with a telephone, f ax, photocopy equipment, supplies, and email access. The proposed business partner will also designate a liaison f or purposes of job-sit e development, marketing, attendance at meetings, and evaluation of the program’s progress. The proposed business partner must participate without subsidy f ro m ARS. 3) A proposed education partner (certif ied special education teacher and skills trainer), who must be qualif ied to manage the day-to-day operations of the pilot program at the host business site. A copy of a signed MOU between the Respondent and the proposed education partner must be provided. The education partner should have expertise instructing students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
