52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction
Source: FAR 52.236-21 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must maintain, submit, and coordinate construction drawings and specifications as directed, with all discrepancies and shop drawing approvals managed through the Contracting Officer.
Overview
FAR 52.236-21, "Specifications and Drawings for Construction," establishes the requirements for handling, interpreting, and submitting construction drawings and specifications on government construction contracts. It details the contractor’s obligations to maintain and provide access to drawings and specifications, resolve discrepancies, and submit shop drawings for approval. The clause clarifies the authority of the Contracting Officer in interpreting requirements and approving submittals, and outlines procedures for submitting, reviewing, and revising shop drawings. Alternate versions address requirements for record and reproducible shop drawings upon contract completion.
Key Rules
- Drawings and Specifications On-Site
- Contractors must keep a copy of all drawings and specifications at the work site and provide access to the Contracting Officer at all times.
- Resolving Discrepancies
- In case of conflicts between drawings and specifications, specifications take precedence. Discrepancies must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for written determination.
- Interpretation of Terms
- Terms like "directed," "approved," or "satisfactory" refer to the Contracting Officer’s authority unless otherwise stated.
- Shop Drawings
- Contractors must submit shop drawings for approval, coordinate and review them for compliance, and indicate their approval before submission. Work performed before approval is at the contractor’s risk.
- Variations and Modifications
- Any variations from contract requirements in shop drawings must be described in writing. Approved variations may require contract modification.
- Submission Requirements
- Four copies of shop drawings must be submitted unless otherwise specified. Upon completion, additional sets or reproducible drawings may be required per contract alternates.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Review and approve/disapprove shop drawings, resolve discrepancies, and issue contract modifications for approved variations.
- Contractors: Maintain site copies, submit and coordinate shop drawings, describe variations, and comply with approval processes.
- Agencies: Ensure oversight of drawing and specification compliance and maintain records as required.
Practical Implications
- This clause ensures clear communication and documentation of construction requirements, reducing the risk of errors and disputes. Contractors must be diligent in submitting accurate shop drawings and resolving discrepancies through the Contracting Officer. Failure to follow procedures can result in costly rework or noncompliance.
As prescribed in 36.521 , insert the following clause:
Specifications and Drawings for Construction (Feb 1997)
(a) The Contractor shall keep on the work site a copy of the drawings and specifications and shall at all times give the Contracting Officer access thereto. Anything mentioned in the specifications and not shown on the drawings, or shown on the drawings and not mentioned in the specifications, shall be of like effect as if shown or mentioned in both. In case of difference between drawings and specifications, the specifications shall govern. In case of discrepancy in the figures, in the drawings, or in the specifications, the matter shall be promptly submitted to the Contracting Officer, who shall promptly make a determination in writing. Any adjustment by the Contractor without such a determination shall be at its own risk and expense. The Contracting Officer shall furnish from time to time such detailed drawings and other information as considered necessary, unless otherwise provided.
(b) Wherever in the specifications or upon the drawings the words "directed," "required," "ordered," "designated," "prescribed," or words of like import are used, it shall be understood that the "direction," "requirement," "order," "designation," or "prescription," of the Contracting Officer is intended and similarly the words "approved," "acceptable," "satisfactory," or words of like import shall mean "approved by," or "acceptable to," or "satisfactory to" the Contracting Officer, unless otherwise expressly stated.
(c) Where "as shown," "as indicated," "as detailed," or words of similar import are used, it shall be understood that the reference is made to the drawings accompanying this contract unless stated otherwise. The word "provided" as used herein shall be understood to mean "provide complete in place," that is "furnished and installed."
(d) Shop drawings means drawings, submitted to the Government by the Contractor, subcontractor, or any lower tier subcontractor pursuant to a construction contract, showing in detail (1) the proposed fabrication and assembly of structural elements, and (2) the installation (i.e., fit, and attachment details) of materials or equipment. It includes drawings, diagrams, layouts, schematics, descriptive literature, illustrations, schedules, performance and test data, and similar materials furnished by the contractor to explain in detail specific portions of the work required by the contract. The Government may duplicate, use, and disclose in any manner and for any purpose shop drawings delivered under this contract.
(e) If this contract requires shop drawings, the Contractor shall coordinate all such drawings, and review them for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements and shall indicate its approval thereon as evidence of such coordination and review. Shop drawings submitted to the Contracting Officer without evidence of the Contractor’s approval may be returned for resubmission. The Contracting Officer will indicate an approval or disapproval of the shop drawings and if not approved as submitted shall indicate the Government’s reasons therefor. Any work done before such approval shall be at the Contractor’s risk. Approval by the Contracting Officer shall not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for any errors or omissions in such drawings, nor from responsibility for complying with the requirements of this contract, except with respect to variations described and approved in accordance with (f) of this clause.
(f) If shop drawings show variations from the contract requirements, the Contractor shall describe such variations in writing, separate from the drawings, at the time of submission. If the Contracting Officer approves any such variation, the Contracting Officer shall issue an appropriate contract modification, except that, if the variation is minor or does not involve a change in price or in time of performance, a modification need not be issued.
(g) The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer for approval four copies (unless otherwise indicated) of all shop drawings as called for under the various headings of these specifications. Three sets (unless otherwise indicated) of all shop drawings, will be retained by the Contracting Officer and one set will be returned to the Contractor.
(End of clause)
Alternate I (Apr 1984). When record shop drawings are required and reproducible shop drawings are needed, add the following sentences to paragraph (g) of the basic clause:
Upon completing the work under this contract, the Contractor shall furnish a complete set of all shop drawings as finally approved. These drawings shall show all changes and revisions made up to the time the equipment is completed and accepted.
Alternate II (Apr 1984). When record shop drawings are required and reproducible shop drawings are not needed, the following sentences shall be added to paragraph (g) of the basic clause:
Upon completing the work under this contract, the Contractor shall furnish _____ [Contracting Officer complete by inserting desired amount] sets of prints of all shop drawings as finally approved. These drawings shall show changes and revisions made up to the time the equipment is completed and accepted.