Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 7 | DHS 21 MT 023 07 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 7?

The FY 2021 CAP-SSSE - Region 7 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 broader goal of reducing flood losses by improving the quality and consistency of floodplain management across jurisdictions.

What is the main purpose of CAP-SSSE funding?

The main purpose is to reduce flood losses by improving how communities implement NFIP floodplain management requirements, while building long-term capability at both the state and local levels. The program supports state-level work that helps communities understand, apply, and remain compliant with NFIP requirements, and it provides a structured way for FEMA and states to review community performance.

Who administers this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is administered by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Which FEMA region does this opportunity apply to?

This specific funding opportunity is for FEMA Region 7.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state governments and special district governments.

What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement. That means FEMA expects an ongoing working relationship with award recipients rather than a purely hands-off reimbursement approach.

What does it mean that this is a "discretionary cooperative agreement"?

It means funding decisions are made at FEMA's discretion and the award structure anticipates active collaboration between FEMA and the recipient. The program is framed around coordinated work where FEMA and the state engage through a structured relationship to support communities and assess performance.

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

CAP-SSSE is intended to strengthen state support for local floodplain management under the NFIP. In practice, it helps communities implement NFIP floodplain management standards and remain compliant, and it supports evaluation of how communities are carrying out those responsibilities.

What kinds of activities can CAP-SSSE support?

CAP-SSSE focuses on state-level support and evaluation of community floodplain management implementation. Activities described include providing technical assistance to NFIP communities, advising on floodplain ordinance requirements, helping communities interpret flood maps and floodplain regulations, supporting permitting and enforcement best practices, and conducting or supporting formal reviews of local program performance.

What is the role of states in this program?

The emphasis is on states providing technical assistance to NFIP communities and evaluating community performance in implementing floodplain management activities. The program is designed to leverage state expertise and local relationships, since states are often best positioned to deliver hands-on guidance, training, troubleshooting, and coordination with communities.

How does 44 CFR 60.25 connect to this opportunity?

The responsibilities supported by CAP-SSSE align with the role of State Coordinating Agencies described in 44 CFR 60.25. This includes how states commit to minimum floodplain management criteria and demonstrate the capacity to implement and support the NFIP.

What outcomes is CAP-SSSE intended to improve?

The program is intended to improve community-level implementation of NFIP standards, promote more consistent compliance across participating communities, and reduce flood risk and flood-related damages over time by strengthening floodplain management expertise and capacity.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The funding is associated with CFDA number 97.023.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is DHS 21 MT 023 07 01.

How many awards are anticipated?

The opportunity indicates an anticipated four awards.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The posted award ceiling is listed as 0. This typically indicates that the maximum award amount is not provided in the summary data and may instead be determined through FEMA guidance, available appropriations, regional priorities, and/or a negotiated scope of work.

When was the notice created?

The notice was created on May 14, 2021.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was June 28, 2021.

What topic areas or activity categories does this program span?

The listed activity categories span community development, disaster prevention and relief, environment, natural resources, regional development, education and training, and related research and technical work. These categories reflect the cross-cutting nature of floodplain management and resilience planning.

Does the program focus more on local community work or state-level work?

The program funds state-level work that supports local communities. The practical emphasis is on states helping communities understand and implement NFIP floodplain management requirements and supporting evaluation of how communities perform those activities.

What is meant by "community performance" in this context?

Within the information provided, "community performance" refers to how well participating communities are carrying out NFIP floodplain management requirements, including implementing standards and related local activities such as ordinance administration, permitting, enforcement approaches, and other floodplain management practices.