Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE)

 

The Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element (CAP- SSSE) program provides funding to states and territories to provide technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. CAP-SSSE aligns with and supports DHS Strategic Goal 5: Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience. CAP- SSSE strives to leverage state knowledge and expertise to provide support to communities through activities that most effectively reduce flood losses. The CAP-SSSE cooperative agreement funds eligible activities to enable state NFIP coordinating agencies to meet the provisions set forth in 44 C.F.R. 60.25 and the goals and performance expectations of the funding agency: FEMA and the NFIP.

Active 97.023 Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Floodplain management technical assistance provided to NFIP participating communities in these states and territories. Floodplain management technical assistance provided to NFIP participating communities in these states and territories.
Fiscal Year 2017 Floodplain management technical assistance will be provided to NFIP participating communities in these states and territories.
Fiscal Year 2018 Floodplain management technical assistance will be provided to NFIP participating communities in these states and territories.
Fiscal Year 2021 FY21 was the first grant year that states used the new, standardized Quarterly Report template which helps states track and monitor their progress against grant activities. State grantees used the newly developed State Activity Planning and Pricing (APP) Tool to provide a nationwide projection for the activities that would be accomplished by states in FY21. This included: 590 CAVs, 1,629 CACs, compliance follow-up work with another 535 communities, over 21,000 instances of GTA, regulation support for almost 1500 communities, 550 workshops, 140 special projects and more. Applied a phased approach to the new funding methodology, which included implementing discretionary funding (which is competitive investment funding for extra CAP activities, capability building, and/or special projects). 29 states applied for and received discretionary funding in FY21 for hiring new staff, strategic planning efforts, professional development, public signage like high watermark art installations and more. Implemented use of interactive dashboards for regions to track state progress towards performance measure targets throughout the year. States set their targets for: communities engaged, higher standards, compliance improvement, and map adoption. Today, 98% of state grantees meet or exceed 75% of their annual targets. Helped 1,273 communities receiving new flood maps adopt updated regulations. Released 12 issues of the State NFIP Coordinator Monthly Digest which communicates key milestones, deadlines, and announcements to State NFIP Coordinators. Conducted the 2022 off-cycle Tiered State Framework (TSF) Assessment which resulted in 6 states improving their overall score, 3 of which moved up a tier. The TSF defines a state’s NFIP program as below foundational, foundational, proficient, or advanced. TSF sets forth a process by which states are assessed at least every three years and aligned to a tier which guides their work activities and performance expectations. Released enhanced version of state APP Tool (and corresponding guidebook) for FY22 planning based on state feedback and conducted trainings to aid states in completing their SOWs for the upcoming grant year. Due to work in FY20 and FY21, CAP was successful in securing an additional $5M (a 50% increase) in overall CAP funding for future grant years.
Fiscal Year 2022 Increased communication, collaboration, community engagement, trust, and relationships among state stakeholders. Customers have a better understanding of floodplain management from technical assistance. Local officials and other stakeholders increase understanding of floodplain management from trainings and outreach. Federal programs improve coordination related to floodplain management. State partners build their program to increase capability and capacity to effectively manage their floodplains. Communities and individuals experience decreased losses and disruption in the event of a flood. Due to success of CAP-SSSE transformation activities over the last 6 years the grant will receive an additional $5M in overall funding for future grant years. Public Law -
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, Public Law 90-448, 42 U.S.C. 4001 et. seq. The Cooperative Agreement is only available to the state or territorial agency so designated by the Governor, as the state or territorial National Flood Insurance Program State Coordinating Agency, (44 C.F.R. 60.25). The CAP-SSSE is administered through the Mitigation Division, Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch (FM&I) of each FEMA Regional Office. FEMA's Regional Offices work with eligible states and territories to negotiate a mutually acceptable grant agreement. Funding is made available when the grant agreement is negotiated and agreed upon. Continued participation in the CAP-SSSE is dependent upon completing activities described in the grant agreement. The CAP-SSSE is designed to utilize the floodplain management capabilities of individual states and territories in a cost-effective cooperative agreement with FEMA. Grantees must complete a Tiered State Framework (TSF) assessment to receive the grant and be assessed every three years (starting in 2020). Grantees must achieve designated performance measures to continue to receive funding. The direct beneficiary of the CAP-SSSE is the individual state or territory receiving financial assistance. In addition, participating NFIP communities and local governments which receive flood plain management and flood loss reduction assistance provided by the state or territory are also (indirect) beneficiaries because of the services they receive. A State's participation in the CAP-SSSE is voluntary and is contingent upon need and skill level capability as determined by FEMA. In addition, applicant states are required to provide any relevant documentation contained in the grant agreement package provided by FEMA. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. The Cooperative Agreement is only available to the state or territorial agency so designated by the Governor, as the state or territorial National Flood Insurance Program State Coordinating Agency, (44 C.F.R. 60.25). The CAP-SSSE is administered through the Mitigation Division, Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch (FM&I) of each FEMA Regional Office. FEMA's Regional Offices work with eligible states and territories to negotiate a mutually acceptable grant agreement. Funding is made available when the grant agreement is negotiated and agreed upon. Continued participation in the CAP-SSSE is dependent upon completing activities described in the grant agreement. The CAP-SSSE is designed to utilize the floodplain management capabilities of individual states and territories in a cost-effective cooperative agreement with FEMA. Grantees must complete a Tiered State Framework (TSF) assessment to receive the grant and be assessed every three years (starting in 2020). Grantees must achieve designated performance measures to continue to receive funding. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Preapplication coordination is required. The Cooperative Agreement is only available to that state or territorial agency so designated by the Governor, as the state or territorial National Flood Insurance Program State Coordinating Agency. The CAP-SSSE is administered through the Mitigation Division of each FEMA Regional Office. FEMA's Regional Offices will contact eligible States to negotiate a mutually acceptable grant agreement. Funding is made available when the grant agreement is negotiated and agreed upon. Continued participation in the CAP-SSSE is dependent upon completing activities described in the grant agreement. The CAP-SSSE is designed to utilize the floodplain management capabilities of individual States in a cost effective cooperative agreement with FEMA. A State's participation in the CAP-SSSE is voluntary and is contingent upon need and skill level capability. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Application deadline and other information are contained in the application/program guidance. States must have a completed TSF Assessment and approved Activity Planning and Pricing (APP) tool to develop projected costs of activities. Applications are reviewed by FEMA Regional Office program and administrative staff. Any issues or concerns noted in the application will be negotiated with the successful applicant prior to the award being issued. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines 30-60 days, Refer to Program Guidance. Appeals can be made to the appropriate FEMA Regional Office. Participation in the CAP-SSSE can be renewed each year contingent upon meeting requirements. Refer to the program guidance for information on criteria for selecting proposals. CAP-SSSE funds are used for activities that support the NFIP. Such activities include the fostering of effective floodplain management programs in participating communities and assisting non-participating communities in enrolling in the NFIP.CAP-SSSE funds cannot be used for conducting floodplain studies developing floodplain maps or supporting web-based digital mapping platforms. Further, if a State does not have the necessary expertise and capability to conduct CAP-SSSE activities, the Region and State must develop a remedial plan. If the necessary expertise and capability does not develop in accordance with the remedial plan, the following year's CAP-SSSE funding may be reduced or withheld. For complete information on Uses and Restrictions, refer to program guidance. Applicants must be a qualified State that intends to provide technical assistance to NFIP communities. Refer to program guidance for complete information on applicant eligibility. Performance Reports: Refer to program guidance. In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503 These audits are due to the cognizant Federal agency, submitted through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, the earlier of 30 calendar days after receipt of the auditor's report or 9 months after the end of the audit period. Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-federal entity records pertinent to a federal award generally must be maintained for at least three years from the date the final Federal Financial Report (FFR) is submitted. See 2 C.F.R. ? 200.334. Further, if the recipient does not submit a final FFR and the award is administratively closed, FEMA uses the date of administrative closeout as the start of the general record retention period. The record retention period may be longer than three years or have a different start date in certain cases. These include: Records for real property and equipment acquired with federal funds must be retained for three years after final disposition of the property. See 2 C.F.R. ? 200.334(c). If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the three-year period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. See 2 C.F.R. ? 200.334(a). The record retention period will be extended if the recipient is notified in writing of the extension by FEMA, the cognizant or oversight agency for audit, or the cognizant agency for indirect costs. See 2 C.F.R. ? 200.334(b). Where FEMA requires recipients to report program income after the period of performance ends, the program income record retention period begins at the end of the recipient's fiscal year in which program income is earned. See 2 C.F.R. ? 200.334(e). For indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocation plans, or other rate computations records, the start of the record retention period depends on whether the indirect cost rate documents were submitted for negotiation. If the indirect cost rate documents were submitted for negotiation, the record retention period begins from the date those documents were submitted for negotiation. If indirect cost rate documents were not submitted for negotiation, the record retention period begins at the end of the recipient's fiscal year or other accounting period covered by that indirect cost rate. See 2 C.F.R. ? 200.334(f). Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is voluntary. 25%. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing. Matching Requirements: Percent: 25 Matching Requirements: Percent: 25 percent of the Federal amount. Both cash and in-kind resources may meet the 25 percent cost-match. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Awards are for 12 months with no cost extensions allowed. Refer to program guidance. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Awards are subject to the Cash Management Improvement Act for payment and/or reimbursement of expenditures. FEMA Regional office information is available on the Internet at http://www.fema.gov/about/structure. Information may also be obtained by contacting the State office responsible for coordinating CAP-SSSE activities. Julie Grauer - Community Assistance Program - State Support Services
400 C St., SW

Washington, DC 20472
Washington, DC 20472 US
Julie.Grauer@fema.dhs.gov
Phone: (202) 212-3460 https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/community-assistance-program 70-4236-0-4-453 (Cooperative Agreements) FY 22$15,000,000.00; FY 23 est $15,000,000.00; FY 24 est $18,971,000.00; FY 21$11,000,000.00; FY 20$10,400,000.00; FY 19$10,400,000.00; FY 18$10,400,000.00; - Range: $100,000 to $550,000 Average: $288,000 Refer to Program Guidance. Fiscal Year 2020 This grant funds activities conducted by the recipient and is a non-construction grant. There are 14 Eligible activities which are identified in Appendix A of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and tracked in the systems of record; Community Information Service (CIS) and Non-Disaster (ND) Grants.