Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 3 | DHS 20 MT 023 03 01

FAQs: FY 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 3

What is the FY 2020 CAP-SSSE - Region 3 grant opportunity?

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 3 is a discretionary FEMA grant 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).

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The central purpose of CAP-SSSE is to fund state-level capacity so states can (1) provide hands-on technical assistance to participating NFIP communities and (2) evaluate how well those communities are carrying out required floodplain management activities.

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

CAP-SSSE is specifically intended to improve compliance with NFIP standards by supporting state efforts to guide and assess local floodplain management. The program uses the state as the key link between FEMA and local governments to promote consistent NFIP implementation across communities.

What outcomes is this program trying to achieve?

The program is meant to improve compliance with NFIP standards, reduce long-term flood losses, and build sustained floodplain management expertise at both the state and community levels.

What types of activities does CAP-SSSE support?

Supported activities are focused on state technical assistance and performance evaluation of NFIP communities. This can include helping communities understand NFIP requirements, improving ordinance administration, strengthening permitting and enforcement practices in flood hazard areas, and increasing the effectiveness and consistency of floodplain management.

Why is the state role emphasized in this opportunity?

CAP-SSSE reinforces the expectation that states provide oversight, guidance, and consistent implementation support across communities. The program is structured so that the state acts as the connecting link between FEMA and local governments, supporting hands-on assistance and evaluating community performance.

What is the award mechanism for this funding?

This funding is awarded through a cooperative agreement, which generally means FEMA expects an ongoing working relationship with the recipient rather than a simple pass-through of funds.

What federal regulation is the program anchored in?

The program is anchored in 44 CFR 60.25, which addresses the designation, duties, and responsibilities of State Coordinating Agencies in connection with the NFIP.

What does 44 CFR 60.25 imply about what states must demonstrate?

Based on the program description, 44 CFR 60.25 reflects an expectation that states commit to NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria and demonstrate capability and accountability to administer and support the program effectively.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are state governments and special district governments.

Is this a competitive or formula grant?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary FEMA grant, which indicates awards are made based on agency discretion rather than by formula.

Which federal department and agency sponsor this opportunity?

The opportunity is under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is offered through FEMA.

What region does this specific opportunity cover?

This listing is for CAP-SSSE - Region 3.

What is the opportunity identification number?

The opportunity is identified as DHS 20 MT 023 03 01.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 97.023.

When was the opportunity posted, and what was the application deadline?

The opportunity was posted on May 1, 2020, and the application deadline was June 15, 2020.

How many awards were anticipated for this Region 3 opportunity?

FEMA anticipated making around six awards for the Region 3 opportunity.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates the ceiling was not specified in the public synopsis.

If the award ceiling is not specified, how should applicants interpret funding levels?

Because the public synopsis does not specify a ceiling, applicants would generally need to rely on FEMA guidance, regional allocations, or the application materials to understand the expected funding range.

What broad funding activity categories does CAP-SSSE align with?

The activities supported align with multiple public purpose categories, including community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental and natural resource management, education and training, and related technical or research-informed work.

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

By funding state technical assistance and performance evaluation, CAP-SSSE is intended to help communities better meet NFIP requirements and carry out required floodplain management activities, supporting ongoing participation and compliance.

How does CAP-SSSE aim to reduce future flood damages?

The program supports stronger and more consistent floodplain management practices by communities, which is tied to the NFIP goal of reducing future flood damages and associated costs over time.

Is CAP-SSSE mainly focused on local governments or state governments?

The funding is aimed at building state-level capacity so states can support and evaluate local NFIP communities. In that sense, the primary recipient role is at the state level, with the program designed to benefit community implementation through state support.