Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 2 | DHS 18 MT 023 02 02

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 2 grant?

This is a FEMA grant opportunity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security focused on strengthening how state governments support local floodplain management under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The emphasis is on improving state capacity so communities can implement flood risk reduction measures more consistently and effectively.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by FEMA within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The program is designed to improve day-to-day implementation of flood risk reduction at the local level by funding state-led support and oversight. It aims to strengthen local floodplain management capability while giving FEMA and the state clearer insight into compliance and performance across participating jurisdictions.

What are the two core functions supported by this program?

The program focuses on: (1) helping communities participate effectively in the NFIP through hands-on technical assistance, and (2) reviewing how well communities are carrying out required floodplain management activities.

How does this program reduce flood losses over time?

By investing in state capacity that can be leveraged across many communities, CAP-SSSE is intended to improve consistency in NFIP implementation and strengthen local administrative and technical capability. Over time, this supports better application of floodplain management standards and helps reduce long-term flood damages.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are limited to state governments.

Why are only state governments eligible applicants?

The program is structured around the state serving as the primary coordinating body for floodplain management support and oversight across communities. The notice references state roles tied to federal regulation for State Coordinating Agencies.

What type of award is this?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a discretionary cooperative agreement?

It generally indicates FEMA expects close coordination with the award recipient rather than a hands-off reimbursement model.

What regulations are referenced for state roles and responsibilities?

The notice references 44 CFR 60.25, which outlines expectations for State Coordinating Agencies.

What does 44 CFR 60.25 signify in the context of this grant?

It is cited to emphasize that states are expected to demonstrate commitment to NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria and the capability to carry out the program responsibly as a State Coordinating Agency.

What kinds of activities does the funding support?

The funding supports state-led activities that help communities implement NFIP floodplain management requirements, including hands-on technical assistance, training and guidance, problem-solving support, and performance evaluation/review of required floodplain management activities.

How does the program deliver assistance to communities?

Instead of FEMA directly providing all technical assistance to each community, the program relies on state expertise and existing relationships with communities to deliver guidance, training, and evaluation more efficiently.

What outcomes is FEMA aiming for with CAP-SSSE?

The program is intended to support the NFIP's broader flood loss reduction goals by building stronger state and local floodplain management capability, improving consistency in NFIP implementation, and strengthening compliance and performance across participating jurisdictions.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is DHS 18 MT 023 02 02.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA number is 97.023.

When was this opportunity posted?

The posting (creation) date is May 30, 2018.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date is July 30, 2018.

How many awards does FEMA expect to make?

The expected number of awards is four.

Is there an award ceiling (maximum award amount) listed?

The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the summary fields, which typically indicates a specific maximum was not stated there and would need to be confirmed in the full notice or related FEMA guidance for the region and fiscal year.

What activity categories are associated with this opportunity?

The notice lists broad activity categories reflecting the cross-cutting nature of floodplain management, including community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental management, natural resources, education and training, and related technical and planning disciplines.

How does this program support NFIP communities specifically?

It supports NFIP communities by funding state-led assistance and evaluation efforts that help keep communities on track with required floodplain management activities and strengthen local administrative and technical capacity to implement flood risk reduction measures.

What does this program help FEMA and states understand about participating jurisdictions?

It helps provide a clearer picture of community compliance and performance in carrying out required floodplain management activities across participating jurisdictions.