Colorado Center of Excellence

The Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting (CoE) is the research and development section of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), a division of the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS). Our mission is to drive technological advancements to improve emergency response practices and influence innovation across public safety for the communities they serve.

We are a dedicated team of technologists, former emergency responders, and creative professionals who are passionate about moving the needle. Our mission is to "drive innovation in public safety" by developing, testing, and delivering cutting-edge tools—such as drones, GIS systems, and real-time location services—that enhance operations, coordination, and the safety of emergency responders.

A core initiative for the CoE is the Colorado Team Awareness Kit, commonly known as COTAK. COTAK is a free state-wide service, developed by the CoE, that delivers real-time location information and other mission-critical data into the hands of emergency responders via their mobile device. It is the operating system for the pocket of an emergency responder. To learn more, visit cotak.gov.

By leveraging geographic information systems (GIS), COTAK enables emergency responders to locate themselves, their team members, and other enrolled agency personnel in real time, enhancing situational awareness, team coordination, and safety. Very simply, COTAK is comparable to "Find My Friends" for emergency responders.

The COTAK service is available at no cost to all Colorado public safety agencies.

All public safety agencies in Colorado are eligible to enroll in COTAK at no cost.

The CoE investigates a variety of tools and technologies, including real-time location services, spatial technologies, robotics, and aviation technologies, among others. Although we are part of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, our efforts extend well beyond wildfire management to encompass all areas of public safety.

Yes. The CoE manages the Colorado Department of Public Safety's (CDPS) drone certification program, training public safety personnel to safely and professionally operate drones in various missions. To date, CoE has completed over 250 flight certifications and certified over 150 CDPS pilots.

Certified training ensures responders operate drones safely, within regulations, and effectively during high-stakes operations. It standardizes qualifications across agencies, improving outcomes and mission operations.

• Agencies can request access to COTAK through the official enrollment process at cotak.gov.
• Public safety personnel can learn more about the drone certification program by contacting the CoE directly through our contact page.
• We also welcome collaboration for technology pilot projects, research, and innovation partnerships.

The CoE partners with local, state, and federal agencies—as well as academic and private-sector innovators—to test new technologies, share best practices, and develop scalable solutions that strengthen public safety across Colorado and beyond.