Section Basics 

The relationship between the Technical Objectives and the Work Plan is central to the Project Narrative and this section should demonstrate that the applicant can not only carry out the proposed research and/or project, but that your innovation will provide a viable solution to the specific problem or opportunity identified by DOE.  Use this section to state the specific technical objectives for the Phase I research and development and then link these objectives to the Work Plan by describing in explicit detail the methods planned to achieve each objective, as well as indicating the qualifications of the team that will carry out the work, where it will be done, and how it will be carried out.   

Because of the level of detail required and importance to the Project Narrative, applicants should be prepared to dedicate approximately 4-6 pages to this section and include 3-4 objectives to be completed in Phase I.  

Section Goals 

  1. State and describe 3-4 Technical Objectives to be carried out in Phase I research and development that will be used to address the problem/opportunity using the scientific method.
  2. Link the Technical Objectives to the Work Plan by addressing, in explicit detail how each of those Technical Objectives will be carried out.
  3. Indicate what work will be done, the qualifications of the team (including PI, key personnel, and any subcontractors or consultants) responsible for the work, and where it will be done.  Note that biographical sketches will be included for key personnel and other relevant contributors, but this section should highlight the qualifications of the team for this particular project.
  4. Include a discussion of the facilities and/or equipment necessary to carry out the project and your access to those required facilities and/or equipment.
  5. Demonstrate how the management direction and control of the project will be assured.
  6. Discuss the methods planned to achieve each objective or task explicitly and in detail. 
  7. Discuss what product, process, or service the research could lead to if funded beyond Phase I.
  8. Present a work plan that is measurable and includes markers to indicate completion and whether the results provide evidence of feasibility.


Pro tips:

  • Do not begin the Work Plan until your technical objectives are clear.  Remember that your project is limited by budget constraints and that this section is only concerned with objectives that are to be achieved in Phase I.  
  • Use subheadings to distinguish between Technical Objectives and the Work Plan.  
    Be sure that the Work Plan you present is measurable with definitive markers to indicate completion and whether the proposed innovation is a viable solution to the problem.
  • State what must be done to prove the feasibility and how success will be determined. Presenting your approach in this manner will demonstrate that you have developed a clear path for carrying out the work and that you will be able to provide evidence of feasibility.  
  • Avoid vague statements that may cause reviewers to question your ability to carry out the proposed research.   
  • Be sure that the Work Plan you present is measurable with definitive markers to indicate completion and whether the proposed innovation is a viable solution to the problem.

Phase 0 Resources:

Phase 0 podcast: How to Prepare the Objectives and the Work Plan

Click Here →  https://doetutorials.dawnbreaker.com/tutorials/tutorial-16/ 

Phase 0 Tutorial pdf: How to Prepare the Objectives and the Work Plan  https://doetutorials.dawnbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DOE_Tutorial_16_050922-508-compliant.pdf