Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 1 | DHS 20 MT 023 01 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the FY 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 1?

It is a FEMA funding 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) in Region 1.

2) What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The program is designed to provide resources to state-level programs so they can (1) deliver hands-on technical assistance to NFIP communities and (2) review how well those communities are carrying out required floodplain management activities. The goal is improved compliance, reduced flood risk over time, and alignment of local floodplain regulations and practices with NFIP standards.

3) Who is the federal awarding agency for this opportunity?

FEMA, under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

4) What geographic area does this solicitation cover?

This specific solicitation is for Region 1.

5) What type of award is CAP-SSSE offered as?

It is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement.

6) What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally means FEMA expects to be substantially involved with the awardee during the period of performance. That involvement can include coordination, guidance, and oversight tied to the program goals.

7) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this program?

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS 20 MT 023 01 01.

8) What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

CFDA 97.023.

9) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are state governments and special district governments. The opportunity is oriented toward state-coordinated support structures rather than direct community-level applicants.

10) Can local communities apply directly for this funding?

Based on the eligibility listed, the eligible applicants are state governments and special district governments, indicating the program is not set up for direct community-level applications.

11) About how many awards did FEMA anticipate making for Region 1?

FEMA anticipated making around six awards for Region 1 under this solicitation.

12) What kinds of activities does CAP-SSSE fund?

The funded work centers on two core activities: (1) technical assistance and (2) community performance evaluation. States use the program to support participating NFIP communities and to assess how well those communities implement required floodplain management activities.

13) What does "technical assistance" include under CAP-SSSE?

Technical assistance activities include helping local governments understand and apply NFIP floodplain management requirements, improve floodplain ordinances, strengthen permitting and enforcement, and build local capacity to manage development in flood-prone areas.

14) What is "community performance evaluation" in this program?

Community performance evaluation refers to the state assessing how participating communities implement NFIP requirements in day-to-day operations. This supports accountability and helps identify gaps that may require corrective action, training, or follow-up support.

15) Why does CAP-SSSE emphasize state-level involvement?

A key feature of the program is the role of the State Coordinating Agency, including its designation, duties, and responsibilities described in 44 CFR 60.25. CAP-SSSE supports states in meeting those responsibilities by expanding staff capacity, improving expertise, and formalizing processes for working with communities.

16) What regulation is specifically referenced for the State Coordinating Agency role?

The opportunity references 44 CFR 60.25 for the designation, duties, and responsibilities of the State Coordinating Agency.

17) How does CAP-SSSE support NFIP goals?

The program is intended to help FEMA and states meet NFIP flood loss reduction goals by improving local implementation, reinforcing consistent standards, and leveraging states' knowledge of local conditions and community needs.

18) What outcomes is CAP-SSSE trying to achieve?

The stated outcomes include improved compliance with NFIP floodplain management requirements, reduced flood risk over time, stronger local floodplain regulations and practices aligned with NFIP standards, and ultimately reduced flood damages and improved public safety while maintaining the integrity of the NFIP in Region 1.

19) When was this funding opportunity created?

The listing indicates the opportunity was created on May 1, 2020.

20) What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date shown is June 15, 2020.

21) What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0. This typically indicates that a specific maximum award amount was not stated in the summary field and would usually be defined in the full notice or related FEMA guidance.

22) Does CAP-SSSE primarily fund direct mitigation construction projects?

The information provided describes CAP-SSSE as a capacity-building and oversight support mechanism focused on technical assistance and evaluating community floodplain management performance, rather than direct construction or project implementation.

23) How does the program improve local floodplain ordinances and enforcement?

States use CAP-SSSE resources to help communities better understand NFIP requirements, strengthen ordinances, and improve permitting and enforcement practices, which collectively supports consistent implementation of floodplain management standards.

24) What kinds of follow-up actions can result from community performance evaluations?

Based on identified gaps, the state may recommend or provide corrective action support, training, or follow-up technical assistance to improve compliance and performance.

25) What is the overall role of the state in CAP-SSSE?

The state functions as the coordinating and support entity, providing hands-on assistance to participating NFIP communities and reviewing community implementation of required floodplain management activities, consistent with the State Coordinating Agency responsibilities described in 44 CFR 60.25.