1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $$-(2a)^2 + 1 + 3$$ for $$a = 2$$. 2. **Write the expression:** $$-(2a)^2 + 1 + 3$$. 3. **Substitute the value of $$a$$:** $$-(2 \times 2)^2 + 1 + 3$$. 4. **Calculate inside the parentheses:** $$-(4)^2 + 1 + 3$$. 5. **Square 4:** $$-16 + 1 + 3$$. 6. **Perform addition and subtraction:** $$-16 + 4 = -12$$. 7. **Final answer:** $$-12$$. The value of the expression when $$a = 2$$ is $$-12$$.