Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - R4 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - R4

What is the CAP-SSSE - R4 grant opportunity?

The Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) - R4 is a federal discretionary funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its focus is to strengthen how communities participate in and carry out requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by supporting state-level efforts that help local communities implement sound floodplain management responsibilities.

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The primary purpose is to fund state governments so they can provide hands-on technical assistance to local communities and assess how well those communities are implementing NFIP-related floodplain management responsibilities. The intent is improved understanding, stronger compliance, and more effective local floodplain management programs that reduce flood risk and support continued eligibility for federal flood insurance.

Which federal agency administers this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The program is NFIP-related and is typically associated with FEMA activities, since FEMA is a component agency within DHS and commonly manages NFIP-related programs.

How does this program relate to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

CAP-SSSE - R4 is designed to strengthen NFIP implementation at the community level by supporting state governments that help communities understand and apply NFIP floodplain management standards. The work emphasized includes technical guidance, training, compliance improvement, and evaluations of local program performance tied to NFIP participation.

What types of activities does this grant support?

Based on the program description, supported activities include state-provided technical assistance to communities, training and guidance on floodplain management standards, efforts to improve compliance with NFIP requirements, and performance reviews or assessments of how communities carry out floodplain management responsibilities connected to NFIP participation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments. The program is structured as a state-led support and oversight mechanism for local communities participating in the NFIP.

Are local communities eligible to apply directly?

No. The eligibility information provided indicates that only state governments are eligible applicants. Local communities are positioned as recipients of technical assistance and assessment support delivered through the state.

What kind of funding mechanism is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement generally indicates a more active federal role in oversight, coordination, or collaboration compared to a standard grant.

Is this a discretionary or formula program?

It is categorized as a discretionary program, meaning awards are made through a competitive or selective process under the program rules, rather than automatically by formula.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Disaster Prevention and Relief. This aligns the program with actions intended to reduce disaster impacts before they occur by strengthening floodplain management practices.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with this program is 97.023. This number is commonly used for tracking FEMA-related assistance programs (noting FEMA operates under DHS for NFIP-related work).

How many awards were anticipated?

The notice anticipated up to 52 awards, suggesting the program expected broad distribution across many states and jurisdictions.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on February 3, 2016.

What was the application deadline?

The application closing date was April 15, 2016. The information provided indicates the original and current closing dates matched, meaning no extension was reflected in the summary.

Was there an award ceiling (maximum award amount)?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0. This typically indicates that a specific maximum award amount was not provided in the public summary and would likely be defined in the full funding announcement or determined through allocations and related program guidance.

What does it mean that the award ceiling is listed as 0?

In grant listings, an award ceiling of 0 often signals that the maximum amount is not stated in the brief public summary. In practice, the limit may be detailed elsewhere (for example, in the full notice) or set through internal allocation and program guidance rather than a single published cap.

What outcomes is the program trying to achieve?

The program aims to improve NFIP implementation "on the ground" by helping communities strengthen local floodplain management practices, remain in good standing with NFIP requirements, and reduce flood losses over time through better standards, compliance, and program performance.

How does this funding help reduce flood risk?

By supporting training, technical guidance, compliance improvement, and performance reviews related to floodplain management, the program is intended to improve how communities manage flood hazards. Stronger floodplain management can reduce future flood impacts and support continued access to federal flood insurance through the NFIP.

What role do states play under CAP-SSSE - R4?

States serve as technical advisors and evaluators for participating communities. The funding supports states as they deliver hands-on assistance, help interpret and apply floodplain management standards, and assess community implementation of NFIP-related responsibilities.

Why is the program described as involving "hands-on" technical assistance?

The opportunity is framed around practical support: states help communities understand and apply floodplain management requirements, improve compliance, and maintain strong programs. The emphasis is on direct assistance and active assessment rather than only issuing general guidance.