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Project Management

Submittal

In Plain English

Documents or product samples submitted to the architect to confirm materials meet the project specifications.

Definition

A submittal is any document, sample, product data, or shop drawing submitted by the contractor to the architect or engineer for review and approval before the associated material, equipment, or system is fabricated or installed. A submittal schedule is prepared at the start of construction identifying all required submittals, their responsible parties, and required approval dates to protect the procurement schedule.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Submittals confirm that the products a contractor intends to buy match what the specifications require, so they directly govern procurement timing and material cost commitments. Long-lead items like switchgear, chillers, or structural steel must be submitted and approved before fabrication can be released, making submittal turnaround a top schedule risk. Project teams build the submittal schedule early because a rejected or delayed submittal can stall buyout and inflate carrying costs.

Example

The mechanical contractor submitted the chiller equipment data for the engineer's review eight weeks before the scheduled equipment delivery to protect the procurement window.

Related Terms

Shop DrawingRFI (Request for Information)Document ControlConstruction Administration

Related Tools & Templates

Submittal LogSubmittal Register

Frequently Asked Questions

A shop drawing is one type of submittal — a detailed, fabrication-specific drawing prepared by a contractor or supplier. Submittals are the broader category and also include product data sheets, material samples, mock-ups, certifications, and calculations. In short, every shop drawing is a submittal, but not every submittal is a shop drawing.
The submittal schedule sequences when each item must be submitted and approved so fabrication and ordering stay on track. Because long-lead equipment cannot be released until approved, a slipped submittal date cascades into late deliveries and idle crews. Tying the schedule to procurement deadlines lets teams prioritize the submittals that protect the critical path.
The contractor first reviews and stamps submittals for compliance, then forwards them to the architect or engineer of record, who reviews for conformance with the design intent. The design professional typically marks them approved, approved as noted, revise and resubmit, or rejected. Approval confirms general conformance but does not relieve the contractor of meeting the contract requirements.

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