Which statement best describes Memorandum for Record (MFR)?

• A. MFRs are unofficial and designed to be in-house only; they can be handwritten, and signatures do not have to follow five-line aftertext like an Official Memo.
• B. MFRs are official memos that must be typed and signed five lines after the text.
• C. MFRs replace the basic memo for all purposes.
• D. MFRs are external documents used to communicate with other agencies.

Answer: (D)

Memorandum for Record is a written document created to capture important information so there’s a reliable record of what happened, when, and who was involved. In practice, this kind of document often serves to communicate essential details to others beyond the originator’s office, including external parties or agencies, ensuring everyone has a clear and shared understanding of the events or actions taken. That ability to convey information to external entities while preserving a formal record is what makes the description of MFRs as external documents used to communicate with other agencies the most accurate fit in this context. The other statements describe characteristics that don’t align with how MFRs are typically used—strictly unofficial or in-house, requiring specific handwritten formats, or replacing standard memos—whereas an MFR is about maintaining a clear, shareable record that can be consulted or referenced by multiple stakeholders.