Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 5 | DHS 18 MT 023 05 02

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY 2018 CAP-SSSE Region 5 funding opportunity?

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 5 is a FEMA discretionary cooperative agreement offered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Funding Opportunity Number is DHS 18 MT 023 05 02.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is offering the CAP-SSSE Region 5 opportunity as a discretionary cooperative agreement.

When was this opportunity created and what was the original deadline?

The opportunity was created on May 30, 2018. The original application deadline was July 30, 2018.

What CFDA number is associated with this program?

This opportunity is tied to CFDA 97.023.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The core purpose is to strengthen floodplain management implementation at the state and local level under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The broader program purpose is flood loss reduction by improving how communities manage development in flood-prone areas and apply NFIP floodplain management standards.

How does CAP-SSSE support flood loss reduction?

CAP-SSSE supports flood loss reduction by improving state and community expertise, building administrative and technical capacity, and helping communities apply sound floodplain standards. By strengthening implementation of NFIP floodplain management requirements and addressing gaps that can increase flood risk or create compliance issues, the program aims to reduce future flood damages over time.

Who is eligible to apply for this Region 5 opportunity?

Eligibility is limited to state governments.

What activities does CAP-SSSE fund states to carry out?

CAP-SSSE funds state governments to do two closely related things: (1) provide technical assistance to participating NFIP communities and (2) evaluate how well those communities are implementing NFIP floodplain management requirements.

What does "technical assistance" mean in the context of this program?

In this program, technical assistance refers to states helping local jurisdictions understand and apply NFIP rules, improve administrative and technical capacity, and address gaps that could increase flood risk or lead to compliance issues.

What does the evaluation component focus on?

The evaluation component focuses on monitoring community performance in meeting NFIP floodplain management activities. The intent is to support consistent standards and accountability across participating communities.

Is this funding meant for general flood-related work?

No. FEMA is investing specifically in state-level systems that can reliably guide, assist, and review local floodplain management programs that participate in NFIP, rather than funding general flood projects.

What role do State Coordinating Agencies play in CAP-SSSE?

The opportunity is anchored in the role of State Coordinating Agencies. Their designation, duties, and responsibilities are outlined in federal regulation at 44 CFR 60.25. These regulations emphasize state commitment to NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria and the capability and responsibility to implement state-level support and oversight for NFIP communities.

What is 44 CFR 60.25 and why is it relevant here?

44 CFR 60.25 is the federal regulation that outlines the designation, duties, and responsibilities of State Coordinating Agencies connected to NFIP implementation. It is relevant because this opportunity emphasizes that states must demonstrate commitment to NFIP minimum criteria and the capability to provide support and oversight to participating communities.

How many awards did FEMA expect to make under this Region 5 opportunity?

FEMA expected to make about six awards under this Region 5 opportunity.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0. This typically indicates that a specific maximum dollar amount was not stated in the summary record and would be defined in the full announcement, supporting guidance, or through FEMA regional allocation decisions.

Does an award ceiling of 0 mean no funding is available?

Not necessarily. In this listing, an award ceiling of 0 typically means a maximum amount was not specified in the summary record, not that funding is unavailable. The actual maximum would be addressed in the full announcement or related guidance, or determined through regional allocation decisions.

What types of communities are supported through CAP-SSSE activities?

The supported communities are participating NFIP communities, meaning local jurisdictions that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and have floodplain management responsibilities under NFIP requirements.

How does this program improve consistency across NFIP communities?

By funding states to provide technical assistance and to evaluate community implementation of NFIP floodplain management requirements, CAP-SSSE promotes consistent standards and accountability across communities within the state and region.

Why does FEMA fund states for this work instead of relying only on a federal approach?

The program leverages the states familiarity with local conditions and existing working relationships with communities, which can make technical assistance more targeted and practical. Over time, the approach is intended to build durable state and community capability and strengthen NFIP implementation.

What is the long-term goal of CAP-SSSE?

The long-term goal is to build durable state and community capability so that NFIP implementation is stronger, more consistent, and better aligned with program goals, ultimately supporting reduced flood losses.