Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - Region 5 | DHS 21 MT 023 05 01

FY 2021 CAP-SSSE (Region 5) FEMA Grant - FAQs

What is the FY 2021 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) for Region 5?

CAP-SSSE for Region 5 is a FEMA grant opportunity intended to strengthen how states support local floodplain management under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It focuses on funding state-led technical assistance to participating communities and helping states evaluate how well communities are carrying out NFIP floodplain management requirements in practice.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The core purpose is to fund state support functions that help reduce flood losses over time, improve compliance with NFIP standards, and build lasting floodplain management capacity at both the state and local levels.

Which federal agency is offering this funding?

The funding is offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement. That typically means FEMA expects ongoing coordination and substantial involvement in how the work is carried out, rather than a fully hands-off pass-through approach.

Is CAP-SSSE a discretionary program or a formula/entitlement program?

It is discretionary. Awards are made through an application and selection process, rather than being provided automatically by statute or formula.

What kinds of activities does CAP-SSSE support?

Based on the notice description, CAP-SSSE supports state-led technical and oversight activities tied to NFIP floodplain management, including guidance, training, problem-solving assistance, and performance evaluation of participating communities.

How does this funding relate to NFIP compliance?

The grant is intended to help communities correctly administer floodplain management measures required under the NFIP, such as permitting, enforcing building and development standards in flood hazard areas, and maintaining the administrative practices needed to stay in good standing with NFIP requirements.

Who is this program designed to support at the state level?

CAP-SSSE specifically supports the work of State Coordinating Agencies. Their designation and responsibilities are addressed in federal regulation at 44 CFR 60.25.

What does 44 CFR 60.25 have to do with CAP-SSSE?

The opportunity references 44 CFR 60.25 as the regulation that describes State Coordinating Agencies, including expectations that a state shows commitment to NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria and demonstrates capability and responsibility to implement the NFIP statewide.

What is the practical role of the state under this program?

In practical terms, the state serves as a technical and oversight partner to NFIP communities by translating federal requirements into usable guidance, providing training and troubleshooting support, and reviewing how well communities implement NFIP floodplain management requirements on the ground.

What outcomes is FEMA aiming for through CAP-SSSE?

The stated goals include reducing flood losses over time, improving compliance with NFIP standards, and building long-term floodplain management capacity at state and local levels so that flood loss reduction goals are met through consistent, on-the-ground practices.

What public-interest areas does this opportunity touch?

The funding activity touches multiple public-interest areas because floodplain management affects community development, disaster prevention and relief, environmental and natural resource protection, and related planning and technical fields.

Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

Eligible applicants include state governments and special district governments.

How many awards were expected for Region 5?

For Region 5, FEMA expected to make about six awards under this funding notice.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 14, 2021.

What was the application closing date?

The original application closing date listed was June 28, 2021.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The listing references CFDA number 97.023, which is used as a federal financial assistance tracking identifier for this FEMA assistance program.

The notice lists an award ceiling of 0. Does that mean there is no funding?

No. In this context, an award ceiling of 0 generally indicates the posting did not specify a maximum dollar amount per award in that field, rather than implying that no funding is available.

What types of community floodplain management practices are mentioned as examples?

The notice describes practices such as permitting, enforcing building and development standards in flood hazard areas, and maintaining the administrative practices required to remain in good standing with NFIP requirements.

How is this opportunity best understood in terms of what it funds?

It is best understood as targeted operational support for state NFIP leadership: helping states professionalize and expand their capacity to assist local jurisdictions, evaluate implementation quality, and promote consistent floodplain management practices to reduce future losses.