Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 4 | DHS 18 MT 023 04 02

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 4?

It is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), administered by FEMA, focused on strengthening how states support and oversee local floodplain management under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program is designed to improve day-to-day NFIP compliance, build technical capacity, and identify issues early to help reduce flood losses.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The core purpose is to fund state-level work that helps participating communities understand, implement, and maintain NFIP floodplain management requirements. It also provides a structured way for FEMA and states to review how well communities are carrying out those responsibilities, with the broader goal of reducing flood-related losses and preventing repeated flood damage and higher insurance claims.

Who is the federal agency offering and administering the opportunity?

The opportunity is from DHS and is administered by FEMA.

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement. That means FEMA expects active involvement and coordination with awardees, rather than issuing funding with minimal federal engagement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Funding is directed to state governments only. The program relies on a formal State Coordinating Agency role to support and oversee community-level NFIP floodplain management.

What is the State Coordinating Agency role based on?

The responsibilities and expectations for state coordinating functions are tied to federal regulation at 44 CFR 60.25, which addresses the designation, duties, and responsibilities of state agencies supporting the NFIP.

What kinds of state responsibilities does CAP-SSSE support?

CAP-SSSE supports state duties such as providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to communities, as well as evaluating community performance related to NFIP floodplain management. States are also expected to demonstrate commitment to minimum floodplain management criteria and the capability to implement and sustain these functions.

What activities can be supported under CAP-SSSE?

The supported activities fall into two connected areas: (1) technical assistance and (2) community performance evaluation. The program is intended to improve local implementation of NFIP requirements by strengthening understanding, consistency, and enforcement at the community level.

What does "technical assistance" mean in this program?

Technical assistance includes helping communities interpret floodplain management standards, apply NFIP rules correctly, and strengthen local floodplain management programs. This can include work related to local ordinances, permitting, inspections, and enforcement practices for development in flood hazard areas.

What does "community performance evaluation" mean in this program?

Community performance evaluation refers to state reviews and assessments of how well communities implement NFIP floodplain management activities. The aim is to ensure local programs are functioning as intended and to identify weaknesses that could increase flood risk, financial losses, or create NFIP participation issues.

Why is community performance evaluation important for NFIP participation?

NFIP participation depends on communities adopting and enforcing adequate floodplain management measures. If local implementation is weak, flood risk and financial losses can rise, and a community's standing in the NFIP can be jeopardized.

What does "Region 4" mean in the title?

Region 4 refers to FEMA's regional structure and indicates the geographic area targeted by this specific notice.

How many awards are anticipated?

The opportunity anticipates 8 awards.

Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0. This typically means a specific per-award maximum is not stated in the summary fields and would normally be clarified in the full notice, program guidance, or FEMA-state agreements.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The grant is associated with CFDA number 97.023.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DHS 18 MT 023 04 02.

When was this opportunity posted?

The posting/creation date is May 30, 2018.

What was the original application deadline?

The original application closing date was July 30, 2018.

What overall outcomes is CAP-SSSE trying to achieve?

CAP-SSSE is intended to reduce flood losses by improving NFIP compliance and strengthening floodplain management programs. It invests in state expertise and staffing so states can better guide local governments, improve consistency and quality in NFIP implementation, and help catch problems early before they lead to repeated flood damage, higher insurance claims, or NFIP participation problems.

What kinds of funding activity categories are connected to this opportunity?

The listing includes broad categories such as community development, disaster prevention and relief, environment, natural resources, and education. These categories reflect the cross-cutting nature of floodplain management and risk reduction work.