Cooperative Training Outreach Program

The Cooperative Training Outreach Program (CO-OP) was launched in October 2005 to expand first responder preparedness training across the country by permitting the states to identify and approve institutions within their states, territories, or tribal entities that can adopt and deliver DHS standardized training courses.

CO-OP will enable state and local instructors to teach first responder training courses at community colleges, public safety academies, state and private universities, and other facilities. It also will enable State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) to better manage and track terrorism preparedness training within their states, territories, or tribal entities based on their individual requirements and homeland security strategies.

CO-OP will be implemented in three phases throughout Fiscal Year 2006:

• Phase I - SAAs will identify and approve state institutions that can deliver DHS's fully developed curricula for first responder training courses. The SAAs will designate a Master Trainer for each identified academy or state institution who will be responsible for the instructor's credentials and for monitoring and maintaining the quality of training delivered at the institutions.
  
  
• Phase II - G&T will provide the SAAs and State Training Points of Contact with an electronic toolkit that will list the first responder training courses, the full course curriculum, and the training support materials needed to deliver DHS certified training through SAA-approved institutions such as community colleges, public safety academies, and state universities.
  
  
• Phase III -- CO-OP will become institutionalized as state sponsored, certified instructors begin delivering an increased number of first responder training courses.

CO-OP Information Bulletin

CO-OP FAQ