Cooperating Technical Partners

The Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program exists to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The CTP Program supports efforts to Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience, one of six main goals of the DHS 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. Additionally, the program supports the National Mitigation Investment Strategy, a supporting document to Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-8) on National Preparedness. The goals of the CTP Program are to primarily support the mission and objectives of the NFIP’s Flood Hazard Mapping Program through FEMA’s flood hazard identification and risk assessment programs, including the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) initiative. The vision for Risk MAP is to deliver quality data that increases public awareness of flood hazard risk and leads to action that reduces flood risk to life and property. The CTP supports Risk MAP to develop flood hazard data and maps for communities that have never had identified risks as well as building on effective flood hazard data and flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS); increase public awareness of risk and potential mitigation options to reduce risk and better inform mitigation planning. Additional information about Risk MAP (including goals, strategies, progress and success stories), can be found on FEMA’s website at at Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) | FEMA.gov.

Only qualified CTPs are eligible for federal assistance awards through this program. Eligible recipients generally include entities who already perform certain functions in flood risk analysis, flood hazard identification, flood risk communication and mitigation processes in States and local communities to reduce flood losses and protect life and property from the risk of future flood damage. Specifically, eligible CTPs include three main groups: (1) NFIP-participating communities, as defined in 44 CFR 59 (typically this includes State, Tribal and local governments), who are in good standing with the NFIP (i.e., not on probation or suspended); (2) State, local and regional governmental agencies, such as water management districts, river authorities, municipal utility districts, State Universities, etc., whose activities support floodplain management and flood mitigation actions within the NFIP communities they serve; and (3) non-profit organizations whose primary mission is to support the ability of NFIP communities to more effectively understand and manage their flood risk. In accordance with Section 1361 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § 4102), these entities and organizations must have existing facilities and services to carry out studies and investigations with respect to land management and use, flood control, flood zoning and flood damage prevention in flood-prone areas, floodways, building codes and permits, and associated laws, regulations and ordinances. For additional information, see the Eligibility Criteria in the Funding Opportunity Announcement.

State, local, specialized group, small business, general public.

Eligible applicants must apply through http://www.grants.gov . For complete information on all required forms, attachments, submission instructions / requirements, deadlines, and other procedural information, please refer to program guidance.

Qualified FEMA programmatic staff (regional and/or Headquarters), with sufficient program knowledge and expertise in floodplain mapping, flood risk assessment, flood risk communication and floodplain management, review and select CTP projects for funding. Applications are reviewed to ensure compliance with the eligibility criteria and selected primarily on FEMA’s priorities and the availability of FEMA funds (i.e., funding is not guaranteed to new or existing applicants). FEMA considers the following elements when prioritizing funding for and selecting CTPs for awards: program priorities, past performance, technical capability and capacity, and partner contribution. Applications are also reviewed by qualified FEMA grants management staff to ensure compliance with grants management principles, such as administrative requirements and cost principles. Applicants/applications that do not meet eligibility or submission requirements are removed from consideration. Any issues or concerns noted in the application might be addressed with the successful applicant prior to the award being issued.

Successful applications are typically selected and awarded between 60 and 90 days from submission.