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FEMA’s Risk MAP (Mapping, Assessment, and Planning) Strategy

FEMA has entered the final year of congressionally appropriated funding of the Flood Map Modernization Program. Upon completion, Map Modernization will provide reliable digital flood hazard data and maps for 92 percent of the Nation's population and easy access and sharing of that information.

In order to leverage the successes of Map Modernization and further enhance the usability and value of flood hazard mapping, FEMA has developed the Risk MAP Strategy. Risk MAP combines flood hazard mapping, risk assessment tools and Mitigation Planning into one seamless program. The intent of this integrated program is to encourage beneficial partnerships and innovative uses of flood hazard and risk assessment data in order to maximize flood loss reduction.

Risk MAP FY09 Flood Mapping Production Plan

As part of its activities related to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), FEMA has begun the transition from Map Mod to Risk MAP in fiscal year (FY) 2009. The vision for Risk MAP is to work collaboratively with State, local, and tribal entities to deliver quality data that increases public awareness and lead to action that reduces risk to life and property. FEMA has identified a key goal for Risk MAP:

Map Mod transformed the majority of the flood hazard mapping inventory to 21st century digital technology and restored confidence in the reliability of floodplain boundaries, while making updates to the underlying engineering data. The dynamic nature of floodplains requires updated analysis of flood hazards periodically to maintain a reliable inventory.

Map Mod established a foundation for easier information depiction and distribution of mapped flood hazards. To complete the evolution of the process, it is imperative to maintain the integrity and credibility of the engineering data for reliable risk identification, and ensure the information can be leveraged to improve mitigation activities beyond the minimum Federal requirements for participation in the NFIP.

With FY 2009 Congressional appropriations for Flood Hazard Mapping, FEMA is initiating flood map update projects to address gaps in required engineering and mapping for high flood risk areas impacted by coastal flooding, levees, and other flood hazards (e.g., lakes, rivers, and ponds). The Risk MAP FY09 Flood Mapping Production Plan provides the strategy for selection of FY09 Risk MAP flood map update projects and the planned schedule for their completion. It identifies those counties for which flood map update projects are being initiated in FY 2009 and the type of flood hazards being addressed by the engineering and mapping project (coastal, levee, other riverine flood hazards). Projects were selected in FY 2009 to leverage established Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) relationships. Those counties including CTP maintenance activities are identified in the Risk MAP FY09 Flood Mapping Production Plan.

Interested parties with questions pertaining to the updated strategy and planned schedule for flood mapping projects are encouraged to contact their appropriate local and State officials, who are working with one of FEMA’s 10 Regional Offices.

Read the Risk MAP FY09 Flood Mapping Production Plan

Learn more with the Risk MAP FY09 Flood Mapping Production Plan Factsheet

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Risk MAP Multi Year Plan

FEMA is initiating Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) and has developed a multi year plan spanning FY10-FY14. The vision for Risk MAP is to deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to life and property. The plan was approved on March 16, 2009.

This plan provides details on how Risk MAP is building on the successes of Map Mod and includes the goals and objectives for the five year effort. Questions regarding the plan should be directed to FEMA-RiskMaps@dhs.gov.

The Risk MAP One-Page Flyer, depicting the Risk MAP Vision, Goals and Team; and the Multi-Year Plan are available in the FEMA Library.

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Draft Risk MAP Strategy

Building upon the Draft Concept Paper "FEMA's Flood Map Modernization - Preparing for FY09 and Beyond: Integrated Flood Data Update, Risk Assessment, and Mitigation Planning" released in June 2007, FEMA has put together a Draft Risk MAP Strategy "FEMA's Risk MAP Strategy - Integrating Mapping, Risk Assessment, and Mitigation Planning", dated February 20, 2008. This Risk MAP Strategy provides a bridge between previously described concepts and future implementation.

The Strategy supports FEMA's mission and lays out the roadmap to the future by describing cross-cutting themes and goals for Risk MAP. The Risk MAP vision is:

Comments are welcome on "FEMA's Risk MAP Strategy - Integrating Mapping, Risk Assessment, and Mitigation Planning" draft strategy. Comments may be provided to the following e-mail address:

FEMA-FloodMapFY09Concepts@dhs.gov

As with the Draft Concept Paper, specific replies to comments received will not be provided. However, feedback provided on these concepts will be fully considered as FEMA's Risk MAP Strategy moves forward.

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Draft Statement of Objectives

In November of 2007, FEMA issued a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) in FedBizOpps that described a proposed acquisition approach to support the Risk MAP Strategy. This approach described three envisioned contracts:

  1. Program Management and Support
  2. Customer Services
  3. Production and Technical Services

The SSN also described the tasks that each contract would be responsible for in the current vision.

FEMA has collected and reviewed the responses received from the SSN. Additionally, FEMA has continued to develop the vision for the Risk MAP Strategy since the publication of the Draft Concept Paper. Based upon the responses received from the Sources Sought Notice and the ongoing development of Risk MAP, FEMA has prepared "Draft Statement of Objectives" (SOO) for each contract currently envisioned:

  1. Program Management
  2. Customer and Data Services
  3. Production and Technical Services

FEMA has published a notice in FedBizOpps requesting comment on the Draft SOOs. 

Comments are welcome on the Draft SOOs and may be provided to the following e-mail address: FEMA-RiskMaps@dhs.gov. Specific replies to comments received will not be provided; however, comments will be fully considered as FEMA plans for Risk MAP and future acquisitions.

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Draft Concept Paper

The Draft Concept Paper "FEMA's Flood Map Modernization – Preparing for FY09 and Beyond: Integrated Flood Data Update, Risk Assessment, and Mitigation Planning" is being provided so that flood mapping stakeholders who utilize and are impacted by FEMA flood hazard data and maps can better understand FEMA's concept. The Concept Paper is FEMA's initial vision of the Risk MAP Strategy.

The participation of flood hazard mapping partners and stakeholders in planning and executing flood hazard data and map updates enables the success of Map Modernization.  The continued involvement of stakeholders is critical to FEMA’s efforts to sustain and expand the benefits to public safety and flood loss reduction achieved in Map Modernization.

FEMA is developing a vision for flood hazard mapping efforts that will start in FY09.  Concepts considered will enable FEMA to improve, maintain, and expand the flood hazard identification accomplished in Map Modernization and leverage more benefits and community action from updated NFIP maps. These concepts include:

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Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Jul-2009 16:56:22 EDT

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