Contractor Focused on Advanced Art Teaching and the Establishment of Sustainable, Profitable Microbusinesses for Adults with Autism, Age 21 and Up. 1. Purpose The purpose of this Task Order is to engage a qualified professional or organization as a contractor to design and implement an art education AND business development program for adults with autism enrolled at My Life Learning Center (MLLC; www.mylifelearningcenter.org ) . Under this initiative, MLLC's award winning LASE (Life Advancement through Skills Enhancement) program will combine creative skill-building with practical entrepreneurial training, with the goal of creating pathways to self-employment and community integration. This is not an online position; this work will be performed in person at MLLC, Ellicott City, MD. 2. Scope of Work The selected contractor shall perform the following tasks: Task 1: Art Education and Skill Development Design and deliver a structured art curriculum tailored to adults with autism. Develop lesson plans that emphasize visual arts (painting, ceramics, digital art, etc.) while fostering fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Adapt instructional methods to accommodate varying levels of verbal and cognitive ability. Conduct classes in small groups or 1:1 settings as needed to ensure engagement and measurable progress. Task 2: Art-Based Business Model Development Assess the quality and market potential of the art created by participants. Develop a sustainable business model for the sale of participant-created artwork through online and community channels (e.g., Etsy, local galleries, exhibitions, fairs). Train participants and staff on pricing, presentation, and customer interaction. Implement ethical guidelines to ensure artists are fairly credited and compensated. Task 3: Creation of an Additional Business Venture Evaluate participants' skills, preferences, and work capacities to identify one or more viable business concepts in the field of STEM. Develop an actionable plan for at least one additional micro-business run by or employing adults with autism. This verifiable plan must be submitted by the end of the 24-month contract. Provide training and operational guidance for staff to sustain the business model. Task 4: Documentation and Reporting Maintain attendance, lesson progress, and individualized skill development records. Submit a monthly progress report summarizing activities, outcomes, and next steps. Present a final report at the end of the 24-month contract summarizing lessons learned, participant outcomes, and sustainability recommendations. 3.

Minimum Qualifications Education:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or higher in Fine Arts, Art Education, or a related discipline

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of experience teaching adults with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder Demonstrated success in integrating art instruction with vocational or business outcomes for a scalable business model Demonstrated success in creating small businesses in other disciplines

Skills:

Strong communication and adaptability skills and sensitivity to diverse learning styles. Proven ability to develop and execute creative business concepts. 5. Performance Period The period of performance shall be 24 months from the start date, with potential for renewal based on performance and funding availability. 5. Deliverables Detailed art curriculum and instructional schedule

• 90 days from start of contract in Year 1. Portfolio of student artwork (digital and physical formats
• Proof of Item 2 by end of Year 1. Business plan for selling artwork (including market analysis and sales channels)
• End of Year 1. Business plan for one additional venture based on participant capabilities. Within 18 months from start of contract Quarterly program reports
• Each quarter.

Format for the quarterly report will be supplied by company. 6. Compensation Compensation will be determined based on experience and verifiable proof of qualifications for each task payable monthly upon submission and approval of progress reports and deliverables.

Pay:

$20.00

• $35.

00 per hour

Work Location:

In person