To evaluate the expression \((2^{-2})^{-2}\), we can use the power of a power property of exponents, which states that \((a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}\).
First, rewrite the expression:
\[ (2^{-2})^{-2} = 2^{-2 \cdot -2} \]
Now, calculate the exponent:
\[ -2 \cdot -2 = 4 \]
Thus, we now have:
\[ (2^{-2})^{-2} = 2^4 \]
Next, calculate \(2^4\):
\[ 2^4 = 16 \]
Therefore, the value of the expression \((2^{-2})^{-2}\) is:
\[ \boxed{16} \]
The answer is D. 16.