Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 10 | DHS 21 MT 023 10 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FY 2021 CAP-SSSE (Region 10)

What is the FY 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) for Region 10?

It is a FEMA grant opportunity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that supports states in strengthening how National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements are carried out at the community level. The program funds state-level work that helps communities understand, apply, and maintain floodplain management standards tied to NFIP participation, and it provides a structured way to review how well participating communities are performing those responsibilities.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The main purpose is to reduce flood losses over time by improving compliance with NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria and building long-term state and local capability in floodplain management. The program emphasizes both technical assistance to communities and evaluation of community performance.

Who is the federal agency offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by FEMA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

What region does this specific CAP-SSSE opportunity cover?

This notice is for Region 10.

What type of award is CAP-SSSE under this notice?

It is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement. This generally means FEMA expects substantial involvement in how the work is carried out, rather than simply providing funds with minimal engagement.

What does FEMA's "substantial involvement" typically imply for a cooperative agreement?

Based on the description provided, it implies FEMA is likely to be actively involved in how the funded work is performed, rather than treating the funding as a simple pass-through. The notice characterizes it as more collaborative and structured than a basic grant where the recipient operates independently.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The official funding opportunity number is DHS 21 MT 023 10 01.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA number 97.023.

How many awards did FEMA anticipate making?

FEMA anticipated making about four awards under this notice.

Is there a maximum (ceiling) award amount listed?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0. This typically indicates that a fixed maximum award amount is not specified in the public summary and may instead be determined by FEMA based on factors such as regional allocations, the applicant's scope of work, or available appropriations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments and special district governments. The program is structured to support state coordinating functions rather than funding individual municipalities directly.

Are local governments or individual municipalities eligible applicants?

The information provided indicates eligibility is limited to state governments and special district governments, and it explicitly frames the program as supporting state coordinating functions rather than directly funding individual municipalities.

What regulatory framework is referenced as a key anchor for the program?

A key anchor is the regulatory role of the State Coordinating Agency described in 44 CFR 60.25, which outlines the designation, duties, and responsibilities of the state entity that coordinates NFIP-related floodplain management support.

What is the State Coordinating Agency role in relation to this program?

As described, the State Coordinating Agency role (referenced under 44 CFR 60.25) is central to coordinating NFIP-related floodplain management support. Applicants are expected to demonstrate commitment to NFIP minimum standards and the capability to carry out activities that help communities meet those standards consistently.

What kinds of activities can be funded under CAP-SSSE?

The funded activities center on two connected functions: (1) providing technical assistance to NFIP communities and (2) evaluating community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities.

What does "technical assistance to NFIP communities" include?

Examples provided include guidance on interpreting flood maps and floodplain requirements, helping communities administer local floodplain ordinances, supporting permitting decisions for development in flood hazard areas, and improving general understanding of NFIP rules and best practices.

What does "evaluation of community performance" involve?

It often involves monitoring how communities implement NFIP floodplain management activities, assisting with corrective actions when gaps are identified, and documenting community compliance and capacity.

What outcomes is FEMA aiming for through this program?

The stated outcomes include a stronger and more consistent floodplain management system across the region, improved compliance with minimum floodplain management criteria, enhanced community understanding and application of NFIP standards, and reduced human and financial impacts from flooding over time.

How does the program support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

It supports NFIP by funding state-level work that helps local governments understand and maintain floodplain management standards tied to NFIP participation, and by creating a structured way for the state and FEMA to review and document how well participating communities are carrying out NFIP-related responsibilities.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 14, 2021.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was June 28, 2021.

What funding activity categories does the program align with?

The program aligns with a wide range of categories, including community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental management, natural resources, regional development, and related technical and educational support areas.

In plain terms, how should CAP-SSSE for Region 10 be understood?

It is described as a capacity-building and oversight support grant. It helps states serve as the technical backbone for their NFIP communities, improves the quality and consistency of local floodplain management, and advances the NFIP goal of reducing flood-related impacts.