Submittal
A submittal is a package of product data, samples or calculations that a contractor sends to the design team for review before ordering or installing a specified item.
A submittal is a package of product data, samples or calculations that a contractor sends to the design team for review before ordering or installing a specified item.
What submittal means
A submittal is how a contractor demonstrates that what it intends to supply meets the specification. It can be a datasheet, a sample, a test report, a calculation or a shop drawing.
The reviewer marks it approved, approved as noted, revise and resubmit, or rejected, using the labels the contract defines.
A plain example
For a steel stud wall system, the contractor submits manufacturer data on the stud section, finish and fasteners, together with the specification section it addresses. The design team checks it against the requirements and returns it with comments. Only then should the contractor release the order.
Why it matters
Submittals sit on the critical path for many items, because review time and resubmittals add weeks before a purchase order can be released. Planning a submittal register early helps expose long-lead items.
Common confusion
A submittal is not an RFI: the RFI asks a question, the submittal presents a proposal for approval. Review of a submittal does not usually relieve the contractor of its contractual responsibilities, so read the contract language on this.
Practical checklist
A simple submittal register keeps reviews from becoming a bottleneck.
- List every specified submittal with the section reference, the item and the required review date.
- Link each entry to the order date for the item, working backwards from the date needed on site.
- Check completeness before sending, since incomplete packages are the most common reason for return.
- Track resubmittals and note what changed each time.
- Release orders only on approved status, unless the owner accepts the risk in writing.
Related terms
Questions people ask
Who reviews a submittal?
The design team named in the contract, such as the architect and relevant engineers.
How long does review take?
The contract usually sets a review period. Real durations vary by project, so plan the register early.
Does approval transfer responsibility?
Generally not fully. Check the contract and confirm with the engineer of record.
Sources and further reading
Have a project outline or drawings?
Organize your scope, then contact Digital Oro through its official channel. Availability, engineering, pricing and delivery terms need project-specific confirmation.
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