Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 6 | DHS 19 MT 023 06 01

FAQs: FY 2019 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 6

What is the FY 2019 CAP-SSSE Region 6 grant opportunity?

It is a FEMA grant opportunity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that funds state-level support services to strengthen local floodplain management under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The focus is on helping states provide technical assistance to NFIP communities and review how well those communities carry out required floodplain management activities.

What is the overall purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The program aims to improve consistency and expertise in floodplain management by working through state partners, with the end goal of reducing flood losses. It does this by improving community compliance with NFIP requirements and strengthening local capability to implement floodplain management standards.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The issuing agency is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Is CAP-SSSE a grant or a cooperative agreement?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement. That means FEMA expects ongoing collaboration and coordination with recipients, rather than providing a one-time payment with minimal involvement.

What does "discretionary cooperative agreement" mean in practice for applicants?

Based on the posting description, FEMA anticipates an active partnership with award recipients, including ongoing coordination related to how the funded work is carried out to support NFIP communities and evaluate community performance.

How does CAP-SSSE connect to NFIP regulations?

The work ties directly to the role of State Coordinating Agencies described in federal regulations at 44 CFR 60.25. Those regulations describe what states agree to do when they take on NFIP coordinating responsibilities, including supporting and overseeing minimum floodplain management standards and helping communities understand and meet NFIP requirements.

What are the two main functions funded under CAP-SSSE?

The program focuses on two core functions: (1) providing technical assistance to NFIP communities, and (2) evaluating community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities.

What types of technical assistance can states provide to NFIP communities with CAP-SSSE funding?

Technical assistance can include guidance on floodplain management best practices, interpreting FEMA flood maps, improving local ordinances, approaches to permit review, and general capacity building for local officials.

What does it mean to evaluate community performance under this program?

It generally involves monitoring, assessment, and providing feedback to determine whether local programs are meeting NFIP floodplain management standards and carrying out required activities.

Why does FEMA fund states instead of funding local jurisdictions directly under this element?

The opportunity is designed to fund state-coordinated NFIP support services. The approach is intended to build expertise closer to where implementation occurs and to improve consistency across communities through state-level assistance and oversight.

Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

Eligibility is limited to state governments and special district governments.

Are cities, counties, or other local governments eligible to apply directly?

Based on the eligibility statement provided, local jurisdictions are not listed as eligible applicants. The eligible applicant types specified are state governments and special district governments.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The catalog listing is CFDA 97.023.

What region does this specific posting cover?

This posting is for Region 6.

When was this opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on April 15, 2019, and the original application closing date was May 15, 2019.

How many awards did FEMA expect to make under this notice?

FEMA anticipated making about five awards under this notice.

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount for this opportunity?

The award ceiling is listed as 0. In postings like this, that typically indicates the maximum is not expressed as a single fixed cap in the synopsis and may depend on allocations, available appropriations, or other program-specific considerations rather than a stated ceiling.

What outcomes is FEMA trying to achieve through CAP-SSSE?

The intended outcomes include improved implementation of NFIP requirements, stronger local decision-making in flood-prone areas, more consistent floodplain management program quality, and reduced long-term flood risk and losses.

How does CAP-SSSE help reduce flood losses?

By funding states to train, assist, and evaluate NFIP communities, the program is designed to increase compliance with NFIP standards and improve the capability of communities to manage floodplain development, which supports flood loss reduction goals.

What kinds of local program areas may be strengthened through this funding?

Based on the program description, strengthened areas may include community understanding of FEMA flood maps, the quality of local floodplain ordinances, the effectiveness of permit review approaches, and overall local capacity to carry out floodplain management responsibilities under the NFIP.