Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element (CAP SSSE) Region 8 | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element (CAP SSSE) for FEMA Region 8 is a discretionary FEMA funding opportunity offered through a cooperative agreement to state governments. Its core purpose is to strengthen how communities participate in and carry out responsibilities under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In practical terms, the program helps states deliver hands-on technical assistance to local governments and also supports states in evaluating how well communities are implementing required floodplain management standards. The overall intent is to reduce long-term flood losses by improving local compliance with NFIP rules, strengthening enforcement, and making sure communities have the tools and guidance needed to administer floodplain regulations correctly.

For Fiscal Year 2014, FEMA made it clear that the top priority for CAP SSSE is compliance and enforcement. While other traditional CAP activities (like map adoption support, disaster-related help, and training) still matter, FEMA emphasizes that flood loss reduction depends on a credible system that identifies problems, corrects deficiencies, and addresses violations. FEMA Regional Offices in Region 8 are expected to work directly with each participating state to decide the appropriate level of effort across the various CAP SSSE activities, with a focus on meeting performance expectations and tracking outcomes.

A central required component of CAP SSSE work is conducting Community Assistance Visits (CAVs) and Community Assistance Contacts (CACs). States must carry out these visits and contacts using a risk-based prioritization method described in FEMA guidance, meaning limited staff time should be targeted toward communities with higher risk or greater potential compliance concerns. The number of CAVs and CACs is coordinated between the Region and each state. FEMA also encourages heavy use of CACs and other routine communications as a way to spot emerging compliance issues early and to identify where technical assistance is needed before problems grow. States are expected to follow up after CAVs and CACs by helping communities fix program weaknesses and address violations as far as possible. If a state cannot resolve a compliance issue, it is expected to elevate the problem to the FEMA Regional Office. Another key requirement is documentation: all CAVs and CACs must be entered into the Community Information System (CIS) so FEMA can monitor performance and maintain visibility into floodplain management oversight activity.

Ordinance assistance is another major emphasis, particularly because communities must have legally adequate floodplain management ordinances in place that meet NFIP minimum requirements and align with current Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). FEMA highlights that helping communities review, update, and adopt ordinances before new or revised FIRMs become effective is critical, especially when new hazard data changes the mapped flood risk. Under this grant, state cooperative agreements must include a map adoption performance measure, and states must commit to a mandatory map adoption rate of 93 percent or higher. The metric FEMA uses focuses on whether participating communities have adopted an ordinance referencing the updated map by the FIRM effective date, reinforcing the idea that maps only reduce risk when local regulations keep pace with them.

Several activities are optional but strongly encouraged when they add value. Strategic planning is presented as an optional task that helps states assess the current condition of their floodplain management programs, anticipate future workloads, identify efficiencies, and consider expanding services. FEMA notes that guidance for this planning effort was developed jointly with the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). States may also optionally conduct a CAP Gap Analysis using FEMA’s CAP GAP tool. The gap analysis data has been used historically to support budget justifications, and states that want to refine or update their analysis can submit it to the Region to inform future-year decisions. FEMA also frames the gap analysis as useful input for broader strategic planning.

The opportunity also addresses the broader regulatory environment that shapes community compliance. States commonly maintain a state model floodplain management ordinance that reflects NFIP minimum standards in 44 CFR 60.3, plus any state-specific requirements. Under CAP SSSE, states are encouraged not only to keep those model ordinances up to date, but also to provide higher-standard model language that communities can adopt if they want to go beyond minimum requirements. FEMA further encourages states to track legal and policy changes that affect floodplain management, including how state building codes are adopted and interpreted. Because many states rely on building codes derived from International Code Council “I-Codes” or National Fire Protection Association standards, FEMA stresses that states and FEMA need a clear understanding of how building code enforcement interacts with NFIP compliance. FEMA indicates that a model companion ordinance designed to coordinate with I-Code based systems will be provided to Regional Offices, and it encourages state NFIP coordinators to coordinate with state code commissions or agencies responsible for code interpretations. FEMA Headquarters support is also available for training on flood provisions in the International Codes.

Training, outreach, and workshops are treated as important supporting tools for better enforcement and administration. States are encouraged to train not only local floodplain officials, but also other stakeholders who influence development and floodplain outcomes, such as insurance agents, lenders, adjusters, realtors, land surveyors, and design professionals. These activities are meant to reinforce proper implementation of floodplain regulations, promote hazard identification, improve understanding of NFIP insurance, and align with local and state planning initiatives. CAP SSSE also supports professional development through ASFPM-related credentialing: FEMA encourages state floodplain management staff to earn and maintain Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credentials, and CAP SSSE funds may be used for the initial exam and biennial renewal fees (but not individual ASFPM membership fees). Depending on Regional discretion and negotiation in the annual agreement, limited funds may also support local officials attending or assisting with an ASFPM conference held within the state. CAP SSSE funds may reimburse certain travel costs for state personnel attending the ASFPM National Conference, FEMA Regional CAP coordination meetings, and in-state Silver Jackets coordination meetings, with other related meetings potentially reimbursable if pre-approved by the Regional CAP SSSE staff.

Beyond these structured activities, CAP SSSE is also intended to sustain day-to-day floodplain management support. States are expected to provide general technical assistance to communities and individuals on NFIP floodplain management issues, help new communities enroll in the NFIP by guiding them through minimum eligibility requirements, and support communities interested in improving their standing through the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS). CRS support can include general guidance, entry-related CAVs, and help with activities that earn CRS credit, which can translate into premium discounts for policyholders when communities take stronger risk-reduction actions.

Mapping coordination is included as a defined area of responsibility tied to FEMA’s Flood Map Modernization efforts and the Risk MAP initiative. States must coordinate with FEMA Regions to help set mapping priorities and participate in community meetings tied to mapping updates. FEMA also notes that states may use the Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) Program Management funding to help meet mapping-related responsibilities, but CAP SSSE plans must be developed separately from (while still coordinated with) CTP plans to avoid duplication and ensure complementary use of funds. A key restriction is emphasized: neither CAP SSSE nor CTP Program Management funds can be used to conduct floodplain studies or to develop flood maps themselves. However, overlapping support activities such as map adoption, training, and outreach may be allowable under both programs and therefore must be carefully coordinated.

The announcement also encourages strong coordination across state programs and agencies that affect floodplain outcomes. This includes aligning CAP SSSE work with Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs (such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, and Flood Mitigation Assistance), as well as coordination with dam safety, land use, building code, and water resources programs. FEMA also points to the value of working with state agencies that commonly operate in floodplains, such as departments of transportation or port authorities, and encourages coordination around state executive orders and regulations tied to NFIP requirements.

Post-disaster support is described as an encouraged activity that is often handled outside the standard annual CAP SSSE agreement unless a disaster occurs, in which case the agreement can be modified. Examples include helping communities implement substantial damage requirements, supporting use of FEMA’s Substantial Damage Estimating Software, assisting with NFIP enrollment needs that arise after events, providing general floodplain management technical support, promoting and explaining Increased Cost of Compliance coverage, and connecting communities with hazard mitigation assistance options. This reflects FEMA’s view that compliance and effective administration are especially critical after disasters, when rebuilding decisions can lock in risk for decades.

FEMA also provides specific direction on how communities should be selected for CAVs and CACs. A risk-based approach is required, and states should continue using the CAV Tier 1 Prioritization Tool to identify which communities most need a CAV. Tier 1 selection is required, though Tier 2 communities can be selected by exception if the state or Region provides justification and records it in the CAV comment field within CIS. In terms of enforcement focus, FEMA flags two recurring compliance issues that collectively represented about half of observed violations in NFIP building compliance sampling: mechanical/electrical/utility equipment located below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), and flood openings that do not meet the requirements at 44 CFR 60.3(c)(5). FEMA instructs that these issues should receive special attention during CAVs to improve real-world compliance outcomes.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number DHS-14-MT-023-008-99 under CFDA 97.023 (CAP SSSE). It was posted May 8, 2014, with an application closing date of July 1, 2014, and an archive date of July 31, 2014. Estimated total funding is listed as $10,400,000 with an expected 52 awards. The award ceiling and floor are both listed as $0, which typically signals that amounts are determined by formula, allocation, or negotiation rather than a single stated cap in the summary field. Eligible applicants are state governments, and the program includes a cost sharing or matching requirement. The awarding/administrating entity is FEMA Region 8, and the listed program contact is Barbara Fitzpatrick (Region 8 Mitigation Division CAP SSSE Coordinator) at 303-235-4715 and Barbara.Fitzpatrick@fema.dhs.gov.

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