submittal

A submittal is a document or set of documents prepared by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier and submitted to the architect, engineer, or owner's representative for review and approval prior to work or procurement. Submittals are intended to demonstrate compliance with the contract documents, coordinate interfaces, and verify product data, fabrication details, and installation methods before fabrication or delivery.

Typical submittals include shop drawings, product data sheets, color and material samples, and mockups. Shop drawings provide specific dimensions, fabrication details, and installation methods that may deviate from contract drawings, while product data sheets supply specifications and performance characteristics. Samples illustrate actual materials or finishes. Mockups show a representative portion of installation to verify workmanship and appearance.

Process: the contractor or subcontractor develops submittals in accordance with contract requirements and submits them to the architect/engineer for review. The reviewer checks for compliance, coordination with other trades, and constructability. Submittals may be approved, approved with conditions, or returned for revisions. Timeframes are defined in the contract; review cycles may range from a few days to several weeks, affecting project schedule. A submittal log or transmittal is typically used to track status and responses.

Responsibilities: the contractor is generally responsible for preparing submittals; the architect or engineer is responsible for confirming suitability, compatibility, and conformance with contract documents. Submittals are not change orders; requests for changes are handled separately, often via requests for information or change orders.

Relation to procurement: many submittals relate to ordering materials or fabrications, and delays can impact lead times and construction sequencing. The term is widely used in construction management and architecture and engineering projects.