Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 2 | DHS 21 MT 023 02 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the FY 2021 CAP-SSSE - Region 2 funding opportunity?

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 2 is a FEMA funding opportunity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is designed to strengthen how states support local floodplain management under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), with the long-term goal of reducing flood losses by improving compliance and day-to-day floodplain management administration.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The core purpose is to fund state-level work that helps communities understand and carry out NFIP requirements, while also providing a structured way for FEMA and the state to review how well participating communities are implementing floodplain management standards. The program focuses on improving local compliance, strengthening floodplain management capacity, and reducing flood losses over time.

How does CAP-SSSE reduce flood losses over time?

CAP-SSSE aims to reduce flood losses by improving the administration of floodplain rules, increasing local compliance with NFIP standards, and building stronger floodplain management capacity at both the state and community level. The program combines technical assistance with performance evaluation so recurring compliance issues can be identified and addressed before they contribute to higher flood damages and insurance claims.

Who manages or coordinates CAP-SSSE activities at the state level?

A central feature of the program is the State Coordinating Agency, as described in 44 CFR 60.25. This state entity coordinates NFIP-related floodplain management activities and is expected to demonstrate commitment to NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria, along with the capability and responsibility to implement and support program functions.

What is the role of the State Coordinating Agency under 44 CFR 60.25?

Under 44 CFR 60.25, the State Coordinating Agency is the designated state entity responsible for coordinating NFIP floodplain management activities. The regulation outlines the designation, duties, and responsibilities of this agency, and the program framework expects the state to show commitment to NFIP minimum criteria and the capability to support NFIP implementation across participating communities.

What types of activities does CAP-SSSE fund?

CAP-SSSE generally supports two connected tracks of work: (1) technical assistance to NFIP-participating communities and (2) evaluation of community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. Funding supports the state function by enabling technical assistance, coordination, and oversight activities that can be difficult to sustain with state funds alone.

What does "technical assistance to communities" mean in this program?

In CAP-SSSE, technical assistance can include helping local officials interpret NFIP floodplain management requirements, improve permitting and inspection practices, strengthen local ordinances, and better understand flood hazard mapping and related data used in decision-making.

What does "evaluation of community performance" involve?

Evaluation typically involves structured reviews of local floodplain management program administration, identifying gaps or weaknesses, and providing follow-up support to address deficiencies. The goal is constructive improvement in compliance and prevention of recurring issues that can contribute to higher flood damages and insurance claims.

Why does the program combine assistance and evaluation?

By combining assistance with evaluation, CAP-SSSE is structured to improve compliance in a constructive way. The evaluation process helps identify specific weaknesses, and the technical assistance component supports communities in correcting issues and strengthening their floodplain management programs.

What is the connection between CAP-SSSE and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

CAP-SSSE is specifically designed to support implementation of NFIP floodplain management requirements. It funds state-led efforts that help communities understand and carry out NFIP standards and provides a structured approach to reviewing how communities are implementing NFIP floodplain management activities.

What kind of award is CAP-SSSE - Region 2?

This opportunity is categorized as a discretionary award.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically indicates substantial federal involvement during performance.

What does a cooperative agreement imply for project performance?

Based on the opportunity description, a cooperative agreement typically signals substantial federal involvement during performance, meaning FEMA may be more engaged during the period of performance than under funding instruments with less federal involvement.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 97.023.

What policy areas does this opportunity relate to?

The opportunity spans multiple public policy activity areas, including community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental and natural resources management, and related research and technical fields.

Who is eligible to apply for CAP-SSSE - Region 2?

Eligible applicants include state governments and special district governments. The program is focused on statewide coordination and support functions rather than direct awards to individual municipalities.

Is this program intended to directly fund individual municipalities?

No. The opportunity description indicates the program focus is on statewide coordination and support functions, rather than direct awards to individual municipalities.

What is the official funding opportunity title?

The official title is "Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 2."

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is DHS 21 MT 023 02 01.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 14, 2021.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date listed for the opportunity was June 28, 2021.

How many awards did FEMA anticipate making?

FEMA anticipated making approximately three awards.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The listed award ceiling is shown as 0. In context, this typically indicates that a specific maximum was not stated in the summary field or was to be determined based on available appropriations and regional allocations rather than a fixed cap.

What kinds of state capabilities or commitments does CAP-SSSE emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes the state role described under 44 CFR 60.25, including a demonstrated commitment to NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria and evidence that the state has the capability and responsibility to implement and support the program through coordination, technical assistance, and oversight.

Why does FEMA use states for this program instead of funding local governments directly?

The program is structured to leverage the state's knowledge of local conditions and its working relationships with communities. This helps advance NFIP flood loss reduction goals through consistent technical assistance and performance evaluation across participating jurisdictions.

What is the practical outcome CAP-SSSE is trying to achieve at the community level?

The practical outcome is improved day-to-day administration of floodplain management rules, stronger permitting and inspection practices, stronger local ordinances aligned with NFIP requirements, better use of flood hazard mapping and related data, and improved compliance with NFIP floodplain management standards.

How does this program support consistency in floodplain management practices?

CAP-SSSE supports consistency by funding state-led coordination, technical assistance, and structured reviews of community program performance. This helps reinforce more uniform understanding and implementation of NFIP standards across participating jurisdictions.