Some parts of a building are designed by the contractor or its supplier, not by the architect or engineer of record. Those items come with extra submittal requirements, and when they are missed, permits and schedules slip. This guide explains deferred submittals and delegated design and how to submit them.
Delegated design vs. deferred submittals
| Delegated design | Deferred submittal | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The design of a component is assigned to the contractor in the contract documents. | Building department approval of a component is postponed until after the permit is issued. |
| Where it is defined | The specifications and general conditions (for example AIA A201, which covers professional services provided by the contractor). | The building code and the permit documents, which list the deferred items. |
| Who reviews it | The architect or engineer of record reviews it for conformance with the design intent. | The design professional of record reviews it, then the building official approves it. |
| What is submitted | Calculations and drawings sealed by a licensed engineer hired by the contractor or supplier. | The same sealed documents, submitted to the building department through the design professional. |
A single item can be both: delegated to the contractor in the specs and deferred on the permit.
Items often delegated or deferred
- Fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems
- Cold-formed metal framing and exterior wall framing
- Metal stairs, guards and railings
- Curtain wall, storefront and glazing anchorage
- Precast concrete and pre-engineered metal buildings
- Seismic bracing for MEP systems and equipment anchorage
- Trusses, canopies and miscellaneous structural supports
What a delegated design submittal includes
- Design criteria taken from the contract documents: loads, deflection limits, codes and performance requirements.
- Calculations sealed by a professional engineer licensed in the project’s state.
- Shop drawings showing members, connections and anchorage, also sealed when required.
- Product data for the components used in the design.
- Coordination information showing loads the delegated item puts on the main structure.
How to avoid delays
- Find every delegated and deferred item during bidding; they are easy to miss in the specs.
- Hire the delegated engineer early, before shop drawings are needed.
- Confirm whether the building department needs the submittal before installation can start.
- Show the reactions and loads on the structure so the engineer of record can check them.
- Track delegated items separately in your submittal log, since they take longer to review.
What SubmittalShop does and does not do
We prepare and organize the submittal package around delegated items and coordinate with the engineer you or your supplier engage. We do not provide engineering calculations or professional seals.