Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 6 | DHS 18 MT 023 06 02

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CAP-SSSE grant opportunity for Region 6?

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 6 is a FEMA grant opportunity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is designed to strengthen how states support and oversee local participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), especially through technical assistance and community evaluations tied to floodplain management responsibilities.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by FEMA under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE?

The program focuses on improving state and local floodplain management capacity, reducing future flood losses, and helping communities stay aligned with NFIP standards so residents can maintain access to federally backed flood insurance.

How does the program strengthen NFIP participation at the local level?

CAP-SSSE supports state-led, hands-on technical assistance to NFIP communities and funds evaluations of how well those communities are carrying out required floodplain management activities. The intent is to improve day-to-day floodplain administration and compliance with NFIP requirements.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants are state governments. The opportunity is structured to support statewide coordinating functions rather than directly funding individual local governments such as cities or counties.

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

Based on the provided information, the eligible applicants are state governments. The program is intended to support state coordination and oversight functions, not direct applications from individual cities or counties.

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

A central feature of CAP-SSSE is the State Coordinating Agency, defined in federal regulation at 44 CFR 60.25. FEMA relies on states, through this coordinating role, to act as the technical bridge between federal NFIP requirements and local government implementation, using state expertise and familiarity with local conditions to guide communities toward stronger compliance and better flood risk outcomes.

Where is the State Coordinating Agency role defined?

The State Coordinating Agency role is defined in federal regulation at 44 CFR 60.25.

What kinds of activities does CAP-SSSE support?

The program supports activities such as hands-on technical assistance to NFIP communities and evaluations of community performance related to required floodplain management activities. Overall, the program aims to build floodplain management expertise, improve consistency and quality in local floodplain administration, and strengthen NFIP implementation.

How does FEMA expect to work with recipients under this award?

This opportunity is issued as a cooperative agreement, which generally signals that FEMA expects substantial involvement or collaboration during the period of performance, rather than a completely hands-off pass-through of funds.

Is this a discretionary or formula award?

It is listed as a discretionary award.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 97.023.

What policy areas does this opportunity relate to?

It spans multiple public policy areas, including community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental and natural resource management, and related training, research, and technical support functions.

What is the official funding opportunity title?

The title is "Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 6."

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is DHS 18 MT 023 06 02.

When was this opportunity created?

It was created on May 30, 2018.

What was the original application closing date?

The original closing date was July 30, 2018.

How many awards did FEMA anticipate making?

FEMA anticipated making about five awards under this notice.

Is there a maximum (ceiling) award amount listed?

The posted award ceiling is listed as 0. This typically indicates that a specific maximum award amount was not provided in the summary field and would need to be confirmed in the full notice or related guidance.

What outcomes is CAP-SSSE intended to achieve?

CAP-SSSE is aimed at ensuring NFIP flood loss reduction goals are met by investing in state-led support. Intended outcomes include improved floodplain management expertise at the state and community level, stronger and more consistent local floodplain administration, reduced future flood losses, and better alignment with NFIP standards to help preserve access to federally backed flood insurance.

Why does FEMA use states as the technical bridge for NFIP implementation?

Through the State Coordinating Agency structure, FEMA relies on states to translate federal program requirements into effective local implementation. States can leverage their expertise and familiarity with local conditions to guide communities toward better compliance and improved flood risk outcomes.