Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract (CSI-based)
In CSI-aligned contract administration procedures and the AIA A201 General Conditions, under a single prime contract:
All subcontractors, suppliers, and lower-tier entities submit their shop drawings, product data, and samples to the Contractor.
The Contractor reviews them for coordination, compliance with the contract documents, and completeness.
After the Contractor’s review and approval, the shop drawings are forwarded to the Architect/Engineer (A/E) for review and action.
This maintains the single point of responsibility between the Owner and the Contractor and ensures the Contractor coordinates all submittals before they reach the A/E. Therefore, under a single prime contract, shop drawings should reach the A/E from the Contractor, making Option A correct.
Why the other options are incorrect:
B. Material supplier and D. Subcontractor – They prepare many of the shop drawings but are required to submit them through the prime Contractor, not directly to the A/E. Direct submission would bypass the Contractor’s coordination and contractual responsibility.
C. Owner – The Owner is not part of the technical submittal review chain; they rely on the A/E and Contractor to manage shop drawings.
Relevant CSI references:
CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide – sections on submittal procedures and lines of communication.
CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide – Division 01 provisions for submittals and routing.
AIA A201 General Conditions (referenced in CSI CDT materials) – Articles on submittals and contractor responsibilities.
