Army D2P2 Technical Volume: A Complete Guide

Defense Grant Writers · January 13, 2026

The Army's Direct to Phase II (D2P2) program allows companies with mature technologies to skip Phase I and compete directly for Phase II awards of up to $1.25 million. The technical volume is the core of your D2P2 submission and requires a fundamentally different approach than a standard Phase I proposal.

What Makes D2P2 Different

A standard Phase I proposal describes what you plan to investigate. A D2P2 technical volume must demonstrate that you have already completed Phase I-equivalent work - feasibility has been established, and you are ready to prototype. This means your proposal must present prior results, not just a research plan.

The technical volume must address two questions simultaneously: first, that the technology is feasible (supported by data you already have), and second, that Phase II work will advance it to a prototype suitable for Army testing and evaluation.

Structuring the Technical Volume

The Army D2P2 technical volume follows a specific template. Part One addresses feasibility documentation - your introduction should frame the operational problem from the warfighter's perspective, not from a purely academic viewpoint. Army reviewers want to see that you understand how soldiers will use your technology in contested environments.

Experiment and exercise alignment is critical. The Army conducts specific modernization experiments (SMEx, Project Convergence, Talisman Sabre, Energy Resiliency Readiness Exercises) and your proposal should explicitly connect your technology to these programs. Demonstrating that you understand the Army's exercise calendar and can align your testing with existing evaluation opportunities significantly strengthens your proposal.

The modernization priorities section must connect your technology to the Army's stated needs. Frame your capability in terms of operational outcomes - what does the warfighter gain? Reduced logistical burden, increased operational range, greater energy independence? Avoid purely technical descriptions that do not translate to military utility.

The Proposed RDT&E Section

Your proposed research, development, test, and evaluation plan should describe specific tasks, milestones, and deliverables for the Phase II period. Include concrete metrics for success - what performance thresholds will your prototype meet? How will you measure them? What Army-relevant test scenarios will you use?

Budget justification should align directly with your work plan. Every major cost element should trace back to a specific task or milestone. Army reviewers are experienced at identifying budgets that do not match the proposed scope of work.