FY 2014 Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element Region 1 | Apply Online

FY 2014 CAP SSSE (FEMA Region 1) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the FY 2014 Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP SSSE) for FEMA Region 1?

It is a discretionary FEMA cooperative agreement that funds state-level floodplain management programs. The funding is intended to help states support local communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

2) What is the core purpose of this grant opportunity?

The core purpose is twofold: (1) provide hands-on technical assistance so cities and towns can correctly administer and enforce NFIP floodplain management requirements, and (2) evaluate how well communities are carrying out those responsibilities in day-to-day permitting, inspections, and enforcement.

3) What did FEMA emphasize for FY 2014?

For FY 2014, FEMA emphasized leaning more heavily into compliance and enforcement work, reflecting that credible oversight and follow-through are essential to reducing flood losses. Map adoption, training, and disaster support remain part of the broader mission.

4) What activities are required under the program?

A major required component is conducting Community Assistance Visits (CAVs) and Community Assistance Contacts (CACs). States are also expected to provide meaningful follow-up technical assistance after these engagements, record each CAV/CAC in FEMA's Community Information System (CIS), and address ordinance assistance related to Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) updates (including meeting FEMA's required map adoption performance measure).

5) What are Community Assistance Visits (CAVs)?

CAVs are formal engagements where the state reviews and evaluates a community's floodplain management program implementation, including how the community administers permits, conducts inspections, and enforces NFIP floodplain management requirements.

6) What are Community Assistance Contacts (CACs)?

CACs are contacts with communities that can be used as routine communications or targeted engagements to identify and address compliance concerns early. FEMA encourages strong use of CACs, especially to help spot potential problems before they become larger compliance issues.

7) How do states decide which communities receive CAVs and CACs?

States must use FEMA's risk-based prioritization approach, including the CAV Tier 1 Prioritization Tool, to focus limited staff time on communities with higher risk and/or higher potential compliance concerns.

8) Do FEMA regions and states coordinate expectations for CAV and CAC volumes?

Yes. FEMA regions and states coordinate on expected volumes of CAVs and CACs.

9) What happens after a CAV or CAC is completed?

The work is expected to continue beyond the visit or contact. States are expected to provide meaningful follow-up technical assistance to correct deficiencies, remedy violations as much as possible, and elevate unresolved compliance issues to the FEMA Regional Office.

10) Is documentation required for CAVs and CACs?

Yes. Every CAV and CAC must be recorded in FEMA's Community Information System (CIS) so FEMA can track activity and outcomes across the program.

11) What is the ordinance assistance focus under this opportunity?

Ordinance assistance is a high-priority area, especially related to Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) updates. FEMA stresses that communities must have compliant floodplain management ordinances adopted and in effect by the date a new or updated FIRM becomes effective.

12) What does FEMA require regarding map adoption performance?

FEMA requires a map adoption performance measure in state cooperative agreements and sets a minimum benchmark: states must include a mandatory map adoption rate of 93 percent or higher for participating communities, measured by whether an adopted ordinance referencing the updated map is in place by the FIRM effective date.

13) What does "compliant ordinance by the FIRM effective date" mean in this context?

It means the community must have an adopted floodplain management ordinance that references the updated map in place by the date the new or updated Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective, and the ordinance must reflect current NFIP minimum requirements (and any updates tied to new hazard data).

14) Are there optional activities that are encouraged but not required?

Yes. The opportunity describes several optional but strongly encouraged activities, including strategic planning and completing a CAP Gap Analysis using FEMA's CAP GAP tool.

15) What is the strategic planning option mentioned in the opportunity?

Strategic planning is an optional task supported by guidance developed jointly by FEMA and the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). It is intended to help states assess current capacity, anticipate future workload, find efficiencies, and identify ways to expand or improve services.

16) What is a CAP Gap Analysis and what tool is used?

States may choose to complete a CAP Gap Analysis using FEMA's CAP GAP tool. This can help document staffing and capability needs and support future budget justifications. FEMA also notes that gap analysis outputs can feed directly into strategic planning.

17) Does the grant support work on state model floodplain management ordinances?

Yes. The grant supports maintaining and improving the state-level regulatory environment that communities rely on. FEMA notes that many states use a state model floodplain management ordinance that includes NFIP minimum standards in 44 CFR 60.3 plus any state-specific requirements, and FEMA encourages updates to include higher regulatory standards where appropriate.

18) How do building codes relate to NFIP floodplain ordinances under this program?

FEMA highlights the importance of understanding how model building codes (such as International Code Council "I-Codes" or NFPA codes) interact with local floodplain ordinances, because these codes often contain NFIP-consistent provisions unless modified. States are encouraged to coordinate closely with their state code commission or building code authority to ensure communities receive accurate guidance on interpretation and enforcement in relation to NFIP requirements.

19) Are FEMA resources available for training on flood provisions in building codes?

Yes. FEMA headquarters resources, including the Building Science Branch, may provide training on flood provisions in the International Codes. FEMA also notes that a model companion ordinance designed to coordinate with I-Code-based building codes will be provided to regional offices.

20) Are training and outreach eligible uses of funds?

Yes. Training, outreach, and stakeholder education are eligible uses of funds, with an emphasis on strengthening implementation and enforcement at the local level.

21) Who can be included in outreach and education efforts?

States are encouraged to run workshops and outreach for local officials and stakeholders such as insurance agents, lenders, adjusters, realtors, surveyors, and design professionals.

22) What topics can training and outreach cover?

These efforts can cover hazard identification, NFIP insurance training, and support for local and state planning initiatives, and should be coordinated with the FEMA region for timing and locations.

23) Can CAP SSSE funds pay for Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credential costs?

Yes. FEMA encourages professional development through ASFPM credentialing, including allowing CAP SSSE funds to cover costs for state floodplain management staff to obtain or renew Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credentials, including the exam and biennial renewal fees.

24) Are ASFPM membership fees reimbursable under this opportunity?

No. The opportunity explicitly excludes reimbursement for individual ASFPM membership fees.

25) Is travel support allowed?

Limited travel support may be allowed, with regional approval, for relevant meetings such as the ASFPM National Conference, FEMA regional CAP SSSE coordination meetings, and in-state Silver Jackets coordination meetings.

26) What kinds of technical assistance to communities are covered?

Eligible activities include general technical assistance on NFIP floodplain management questions, as well as assistance to communities in administering and enforcing floodplain management requirements.

27) Does the program support helping new communities join the NFIP?

Yes. The grant can support efforts to help enroll new communities into the NFIP by guiding them through minimum eligibility requirements.

28) Does the program support Community Rating System (CRS) assistance?

Yes. CRS support is included to help communities join CRS and pursue credited activities. This can include conducting entry CAVs and providing general CRS technical assistance.

29) Does the program include mapping coordination activities?

Yes. Mapping coordination assistance is included. States are expected to work with FEMA regions on mapping priorities and participate in community meetings tied to the Flood Map Modernization process and the Risk MAP initiative.

30) Can CAP SSSE funds be used to perform floodplain studies or produce flood maps?

No. FEMA clarifies that neither CAP SSSE nor Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) Program Management funds can be used to perform floodplain studies or produce flood maps. Both programs may support related activities like map adoption, outreach, and training as long as duplication is avoided.

31) How should CAP SSSE planning relate to CTP Program Management planning?

CAP SSSE plans must be developed separately from, but coordinated with, Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) Program Management plans, and duplication of effort should be avoided.

32) What kinds of cross-agency coordination does FEMA encourage?

The announcement promotes coordination across state programs and agencies that influence flood risk and floodplain development, including alignment with Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs (including HMGP, PDM, and FMA), dam safety programs, land use, building code, and water resources functions, and other state entities that work in floodplains (such as transportation agencies or port authorities).

33) Is disaster-related support included as an eligible activity?

Yes. Disaster-related support is encouraged, including post-disaster technical assistance on substantial damage requirements (including use of Substantial Damage Estimating Software), helping communities with NFIP compliance during recovery, promoting Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, and coordinating with mitigation programs.

34) Are disaster-related activities automatically included in the annual agreement?

Not necessarily. FEMA notes that these disaster activities are typically negotiated when disasters occur and require modification of the annual CAP SSSE agreement.

35) What compliance issues are specifically highlighted for FY 2014 CAVs?

FEMA highlights targeted attention during CAVs to two common violation types identified in NFIP evaluations: (1) mechanical, electrical, and utility equipment placed below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), and (2) flood openings that do not meet the requirements in 44 CFR 60.3(c)(5). FEMA notes these issues accounted for about half of the violations found in a quantitative assessment.

36) Can FEMA conduct CAVs of state floodplain management programs?

Yes. FEMA indicates that regional offices may conduct CAVs of state floodplain management programs when appropriate, and may request state assistance with coordination, data collection, and preparation.

37) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and CFDA number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DHS-14-MT-023-001-99, and the CFDA number is 97.023.

38) How many awards and how much total funding were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated around 52 awards nationwide, with an estimated total funding amount of $10.4 million.

39) Is there a cost share or match requirement?

Yes. The opportunity includes a cost sharing or matching requirement.

40) Are there published minimum or maximum award amounts?

The award ceiling and floor are listed as zero. This typically signals that specific award amounts are determined through allocation or negotiation rather than published minimums and maximums.

41) Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Only the state agency officially designated by statute or the governor as the NFIP State Coordinating Agency under 44 CFR 60.25 is eligible to apply.

42) When was the opportunity posted and when were applications due?

The posting date was May 8, 2014. The application deadline was July 1, 2014. The archive date was July 31, 2014.

43) Who is the FEMA Region 1 point of contact for this opportunity?

The Region 1 point of contact listed is Julie Grauer (FEMA Region 1 Mitigation Division CAP SSSE Coordinator). Phone: 617-832-4717. Email: Julie.Grauer@fema.dhs.gov.