Government Contracting Database

Under well-established rules, where a specific time period is not set forth a reviewing authority has a reasonable time within which to act. What constitutes a reasonable time depends upon a number of different factors. These factors include, among others, the bulk of the submittal, its criticality in relation to the project and lead time for the items involved. Of course, there is a parallel obligation on the part of the contractor to provide submittals which might be governed by the factors just enumerated in a timely manner so that the reviewing authority has an adequate time to review the submittals. When the Government is performing its review within the period allotted to it there is no “delay.” It is only after the allotted time expires that a delay commences. In the more normal usage, the review time is designated as delay time but only unreasonable delay is compensable.

It should also be noted that the approval of the submittals by the Contracting Officer shall not be construed as a complete check but will indicate only that the general method of construction and detailing is satisfactory. Approval of such submittals will not relieve the contractor of the responsibility for any error which may exist as the contractor shall be responsible for the dimensions and design of adequate connections, details, and satisfactory construction of all work in conformance with the contract plans and specifications.

Updated: July 24, 2018