Specifications include, but are not limited to: The DDS Autism Division (Division), through Autism Support Centers across the state, provides families of children and adults with ASD with information and referrals to help families navigate proper paths to services, supports, and interventions. The Division also plays a coordinating role in navigating the policy decisions necessary to provide a more consistent system of access and smoother transitions for families as they interact with various state agencies in the Commonwealth. Families expressed the need to assist their communities to understand individuals with ASD respond in times of crisis or emergencies. Families asked DDS to increase awareness, understanding, knowledge, and skills of first responders (police, fire and EMTs, paramedics and hospital emergency room personnel) when assisting individuals with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis. Families also expressed concerns that the first responders in their communities are not adequately equipped to deal with their family member’s behavior during a crisis. Based on the continued positive evaluation feedback from the original First Responder Training Program instituted in 2014, and the continued need for such training as reported by families, DDS is seeking a qualified Bidder to provide first responder ASD training.