Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 1 | DHS 21 MT 023 01 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) for Region 1?

It is a FEMA grant opportunity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that funds state-level support work tied to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program focuses on strengthening how communities carry out NFIP floodplain management requirements, with an emphasis on reducing flood losses and improving long-term local capability.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The core purpose is to fund states so they can help communities correctly implement NFIP-aligned floodplain management activities, provide ongoing technical assistance, and evaluate community performance against NFIP requirements. The overall intent is to reduce flood risk and future disaster losses by improving how floodplain management programs are administered over time.

Is CAP-SSSE meant to fund construction projects?

No. Based on the description provided, CAP-SSSE is not focused on a single construction project or a one-time activity. Instead, it is designed to support ongoing technical assistance, oversight, and performance evaluation for participating NFIP communities.

What types of activities does CAP-SSSE support?

The opportunity supports state-led activities such as hands-on technical assistance to NFIP communities, oversight, and evaluation of community floodplain management performance to ensure local programs meet required NFIP criteria and are administered effectively.

Who provides the technical assistance funded by CAP-SSSE?

States provide the technical assistance. The program is designed around the idea that states are often best positioned to work closely with communities, understand local conditions, and provide consistent guidance on NFIP floodplain management requirements.

What does "performance evaluation" mean in this program?

It refers to states reviewing and assessing how NFIP communities are implementing and administering their local floodplain management programs, with the goal of confirming they meet required criteria and are being managed effectively.

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

CAP-SSSE is directly tied to NFIP floodplain management requirements. It funds state-level support to help communities understand and correctly implement floodplain management activities that align with NFIP standards, and to help communities maintain good standing with the NFIP.

Why is the program structured at the state level?

The program recognizes that states can build and maintain floodplain management expertise and are positioned to provide consistent, hands-on assistance and oversight to communities, tailored to local conditions and needs.

What kind of federal award is CAP-SSSE?

The opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement. This typically indicates FEMA expects an active partnership with recipients during the period of performance, including coordination on deliverables, priorities, and oversight.

What does a "discretionary cooperative agreement" imply for recipients?

It implies FEMA expects active involvement and coordination with the recipient during the award period, including working together on deliverables, priorities, and oversight rather than simply issuing funds with minimal interaction.

Who is eligible to apply for this CAP-SSSE opportunity?

Eligible applicants are state governments and special district governments.

Which federal program listing applies to this opportunity?

The relevant federal program listing is CFDA (now called the Assistance Listing) 97.023.

How many awards did FEMA anticipate making for this opportunity?

FEMA anticipated making about six awards under this opportunity.

Is there a maximum (ceiling) award amount listed?

An award ceiling is listed as 0 in the source data. This is often an indicator that funding varies by allocation or is determined by FEMA without a fixed cap for this posting, rather than meaning no funding is available.

What region does this specific CAP-SSSE opportunity cover?

This posting is specifically for Region 1, as indicated in the funding opportunity title.

What is the official title of the funding opportunity?

The official title is "Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 1."

What is the opportunity number for this funding announcement?

The opportunity number is DHS 21 MT 023 01 01.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 14, 2021.

When did the application period close?

The opportunity originally closed on June 28, 2021.

What regulatory reference is tied to state roles in this program?

The designation, duties, and responsibilities of State Coordinating Agencies are referenced in 44 CFR 60.25. This reference describes what FEMA looks for in a state partner, including a demonstrated commitment to NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria and the capability and responsibility to carry out the program.

What is a State Coordinating Agency in the context of CAP-SSSE?

In this context, it refers to the state entity acting in a coordinating role for NFIP-related floodplain management support, as described in 44 CFR 60.25, including meeting FEMA expectations around commitment, capability, and responsibility for carrying out the program.

How does CAP-SSSE help communities "stay in good standing" with the NFIP?

The program supports state infrastructure and expertise to guide communities on NFIP floodplain management requirements, provide technical assistance, and review local program performance to help ensure communities meet required criteria and administer their programs effectively.

What broad activity areas does FEMA associate with this opportunity?

FEMA categorizes the activity area broadly across community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental and natural resources-related work, education and training, and related research and development fields, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of floodplain management support.

Does CAP-SSSE focus on short-term or long-term capability?

The program emphasizes improving long-term local capability by building and maintaining floodplain management expertise at both state and local levels and supporting ongoing assistance and evaluation rather than one-time efforts.