Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 2 | DHS 20 MT 023 02 01

FAQs: FY 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 2

What is the FY 2020 CAP-SSSE - Region 2 grant opportunity?

FY 2020 CAP-SSSE - Region 2 is a FEMA (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) discretionary funding opportunity that supports state-level efforts to strengthen how communities participate in and comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The focus is on helping states provide support services to local NFIP communities to improve floodplain management and reduce flood losses.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The core purpose is to fund work at the state level that helps NFIP-participating communities carry out effective floodplain management, comply with NFIP requirements, and reduce long-term flood damage. The program is structured to build and sustain floodplain management capability at both the state and local levels by using the state as the primary technical partner for communities.

Who is the intended beneficiary of the work funded under this program?

The funding is directed to state-level applicants, but the intended operational impact is on local communities that participate in the NFIP. States use the grant to support, assess, and improve community floodplain management activities and NFIP compliance practices.

What types of activities does CAP-SSSE funding support?

Based on the listing, CAP-SSSE supports state-provided technical assistance and evaluation of NFIP communities. Typical activities include helping communities understand and apply minimum floodplain management criteria, improving administration of floodplain ordinances, supporting permitting and inspection practices, identifying gaps in compliance or performance, and helping local officials make practical changes aligned with NFIP standards.

Does the program include oversight or evaluation of community performance?

Yes. A major emphasis described in the opportunity is oversight and continuous improvement. States assess how well communities are implementing NFIP floodplain management activities, share findings, and help communities address gaps that could increase flood risk.

How does CAP-SSSE relate to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

The program is specifically designed to strengthen NFIP implementation by funding state-level support for NFIP communities. It aims to make community floodplain management more consistent and effective, and to support compliance with NFIP requirements that are intended to reduce flood losses.

What is the role of the state under CAP-SSSE?

The state serves as the main technical partner for communities, providing assistance and conducting evaluations of community floodplain management performance. The program reinforces the state role in supporting local administration of floodplain management requirements and in helping communities align practices with NFIP standards.

What federal regulation is specifically tied to this opportunity?

The opportunity ties state responsibilities to the formal role of the State Coordinating Agency described in 44 CFR 60.25, which outlines designation, duties, and responsibilities expected of the state in supporting NFIP implementation.

What is meant by the State Coordinating Agency role referenced in 44 CFR 60.25?

In the context provided, the State Coordinating Agency role refers to the states formal responsibilities for supporting NFIP implementation. CAP-SSSE is intended to confirm and reinforce the states commitment to meeting minimum floodplain management criteria and to demonstrate state capability and accountability in carrying out this support function.

What makes this a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant?

The listing describes the award as a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates FEMA expects substantial involvement or collaboration during the period of performance rather than a hands-off pass-through award structure.

Is this opportunity considered discretionary funding?

Yes. The posting identifies the opportunity as discretionary funding.

Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

The eligible applicants listed are state governments and special district governments.

What is the CFDA number associated with this grant?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 97.023.

How many awards were anticipated for FY 2020 Region 2?

For FY 2020 Region 2, FEMA anticipated making about four awards.

Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling) published for this opportunity?

The notice lists an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates a specific maximum was not established in the public synopsis or that award sizing is determined by other program factors rather than a fixed cap in the listing.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is DHS 20 MT 023 02 01.

What were the key dates in the posting?

The posting shows a creation date of May 1, 2020, and an original closing date of June 15, 2020.

What region does this opportunity apply to?

This listing is specifically for Region 2, as stated in the opportunity title.

What are the activity categories associated with this opportunity?

The activity categories attached to the listing are broad and include community development, disaster prevention and relief, environment, natural resources, and related technical and planning functions.

How does CAP-SSSE help reduce flood risk and flood losses?

It does so by improving the capability of states to support communities in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities effectively. By strengthening ordinance administration, permitting and inspection practices, and compliance oversight, the program is intended to reduce gaps that can increase flood risk and contribute to long-term flood damage.

Does CAP-SSSE focus on building capacity at the state level, local level, or both?

Both. The program is described as building and sustaining floodplain management capability at the state and local level by using the state as the primary technical partner for communities.

What is the overall summary of what CAP-SSSE is designed to accomplish?

Overall, CAP-SSSE is a capacity-building and compliance-support program that channels federal resources through states so NFIP communities can more effectively manage flood risk, meet NFIP requirements, and reduce long-term flood damage.