Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 5 | DHS 20 MT 023 05 01

FY 2020 CAP-SSSE (Region 5) Grant Opportunity FAQs

What is the FY 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 5 opportunity?

It is a FEMA grant opportunity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security focused on strengthening how states support local floodplain management under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program funds state-led activities that provide technical assistance to NFIP communities and help evaluate how well those communities are carrying out floodplain management requirements.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The program is intended to improve compliance with NFIP standards, reduce future flood losses, and build durable state and local expertise so communities can manage flood risk more effectively over time.

How does CAP-SSSE support NFIP communities?

Participating states use the funding to deliver hands-on technical assistance to NFIP communities and to review and evaluate community floodplain management performance against NFIP requirements.

Is CAP-SSSE meant to fund one-off projects, or ongoing state support systems?

Based on the description provided, CAP-SSSE is aimed less at isolated projects and more at reinforcing an ongoing state-level system that helps communities interpret, implement, and maintain floodplain management practices aligned with NFIP requirements.

What federal regulation is closely tied to this program?

The program is closely tied to the role of State Coordinating Agencies as described in 44 CFR 60.25, which outlines expectations for a state serving in a coordinating capacity for the NFIP.

What does 44 CFR 60.25 generally require or emphasize for participating states?

The provided information indicates that 44 CFR 60.25 addresses expectations such as demonstrating commitment to minimum floodplain management criteria and showing the capability and responsibility to carry out support and oversight functions for NFIP communities.

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?

In general, a cooperative agreement typically involves substantial federal involvement in how the work is carried out, compared to a simple pass-through grant. The description suggests FEMA expects to be more involved in the execution of the funded work under this mechanism.

Which federal agency administers this program?

FEMA administers the program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 97.023.

What types of public-purpose areas does this opportunity relate to?

The description links the opportunity to several public-purpose categories, including community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental and natural resource management, and related technical and planning functions.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state governments and special district governments, consistent with the program's emphasis on entities that can coordinate and deliver support across multiple local jurisdictions.

What geographic area does this posting cover?

This posting is specifically for Region 5.

How many awards were anticipated for Region 5?

The opportunity anticipated making around six awards within Region 5.

When was this grant posting created?

The posting was created on May 1, 2020.

What was the original closing date for this opportunity?

The original closing date listed was June 15, 2020.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0.

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

Not necessarily. The provided description notes that an award ceiling of 0 often indicates the maximum per award is not stated in the summary field or may be determined through FEMA guidance, allocation formulas, or negotiation.

What kinds of activities does CAP-SSSE funding support (based on the description provided)?

The description emphasizes state-led activities that (1) provide technical assistance to NFIP communities and (2) review and evaluate community implementation of floodplain management requirements, with the broader goal of improving NFIP compliance and reducing long-term flood losses.

What is the long-term value of CAP-SSSE, beyond immediate technical assistance?

CAP-SSSE is described as a capacity-building and accountability tool. It leverages state knowledge of local conditions to help communities meet NFIP standards and build expertise that supports long-term flood risk management and flood loss reduction.