RFC (Request for Comments) Template
For Democratic Leaders Balancing Speed and Inclusion
RFC Header
RFC Title: [Clear, descriptive title of the proposal]
RFC Number: [Sequential numbering system, e.g., RFC-2024-001]
Author(s): [Name(s) and role(s)]
Date: [Creation date]
Status: [Draft | Review | Approved | Implemented | Superseded]
Review Deadline: [Date by which feedback is needed]
Decision Date: [When final decision will be made]
Executive Summary
Problem Statement: [1-2 sentences describing the challenge or opportunity]
Proposed Solution: [1-2 sentences describing the recommended approach]
Impact: [Key benefits and expected outcomes]
Resource Requirements: [Time, people, budget needed]
Timeline: [Key milestones and completion date]
Background and Context
Current Situation:
- [Describe the current state and why change is needed]
- [Include relevant metrics, pain points, or opportunities]
Stakeholders Affected:
- [List who will be impacted by this change]
- [Note level of impact: High/Medium/Low for each group]
Previous Attempts:
- [Any prior solutions attempted and their outcomes]
Detailed Proposal
Technical Approach
Architecture/Design:
- [High-level technical design or approach]
- [Key technical decisions and rationale]
Implementation Plan:
- Phase 1: [Description and timeline]
- Phase 2: [Description and timeline]
- Phase 3: [Description and timeline]
Technical Requirements:
- [Infrastructure, tools, or technology needs]
- [Dependencies on other systems or teams]
Alternative Approaches Considered
Option A: [Brief description]
- Pros: [Key advantages]
- Cons: [Key disadvantages]
- Why rejected: [Reasoning]
Option B: [Brief description]
- Pros: [Key advantages]
- Cons: [Key disadvantages]
- Why rejected: [Reasoning]
Impact Analysis
Benefits
Performance Improvements:
- [Quantified improvements where possible]
User Experience Enhancements:
- [How this improves user/customer experience]
Operational Benefits:
- [Efficiency gains, cost savings, etc.]
Risks and Mitigation
Technical Risks:
- Risk: [Description]
- Probability: [High/Medium/Low]
- Impact: [High/Medium/Low]
- Mitigation: [How risk will be addressed]
Operational Risks:
- Risk: [Description]
- Probability: [High/Medium/Low]
- Impact: [High/Medium/Low]
- Mitigation: [How risk will be addressed]
Resource Requirements
Team and Skills Needed
- [Role/skill requirements and time commitment]
- [Training or hiring needs]
Budget and Infrastructure
- [Cost estimates for implementation]
- [Ongoing operational costs]
- [Infrastructure or tooling requirements]
Timeline and Milestones
- Week 1-2: [Activities and deliverables]
- Week 3-4: [Activities and deliverables]
- Month 2: [Activities and deliverables]
- Go-Live: [Target date and success criteria]
Success Metrics
Primary Success Criteria:
- [Key metrics that define success]
- [Target values and measurement methods]
Secondary Success Criteria:
- [Additional metrics to track]
- [Long-term success indicators]
Request for Feedback
Specific Questions for Reviewers
- [Specific technical question or concern to address]
- [Resource or timeline question]
- [Risk or alternative approach question]
Review Focus Areas
- Technical Feasibility: [Areas where technical input is most valuable]
- Resource Planning: [Budget, timeline, or team questions]
- Risk Assessment: [Potential risks or challenges to identify]
- Alternative Approaches: [Other solutions to consider]
How to Provide Feedback
- Format: [Email, document comments, meeting discussion]
- Deadline: [When feedback is needed]
- Contact: [How to reach the author with questions]
Appendices
Appendix A: [Technical diagrams, wireframes, or detailed specifications] Appendix B: [Supporting data, research, or benchmarks] Appendix C: [Detailed cost analysis or resource planning]
This template helps Democratic Leaders balance the need for speed with their commitment to inclusive decision-making, ensuring all voices are heard while maintaining project momentum.