RFRs

RFRs are acronyms used in several professional contexts to denote formal prompts for input, feedback, or approval. The two most common senses are: Request for Review, a formal invitation to experts or stakeholders to evaluate a document, proposal, or design; and Ready for Review, a status indicating that work has been completed and is awaiting assessment by reviewers or approvers.

In publishing and academic administration, a Request for Review is issued to potential peer reviewers or editors who will assess the manuscript’s quality, fit, and ethical considerations within a defined timeframe. In software engineering and product development, Ready for Review notes that a code change, design document, or specification has been prepared and is open for scrutiny by reviewers, often within a code repository or project management tool.

Process and timelines typically involve the submitter attaching a description, scope, required criteria, and deadlines; reviewers providing feedback or approval; the author revising and resubmitting; and a final decision being recorded. The exact steps and terminology can vary by organization and domain.

Best practices for RFRs include clearly specifying scope and criteria, setting realistic due dates, assigning reviewers with relevant expertise, and maintaining traceability of feedback and decisions. When confidentiality or proprietary considerations apply, access controls and non-disclosure guidelines should be observed. Because RFRs can denote different concepts across fields, it is important to interpret them within the organizational context to avoid confusion.