If the contractor receives an approved submittal, is he relieved of responsibility for deviations from the contract documents?

• A. Yes, in all cases
• B. Yes, if the deviation is minor
• C. No
• D. Only if a change order is issued

Answer: (C)

Approved submittals confirm that proposed products, systems, or workmanship align with the design intent, but they do not remove the contractor’s obligation to comply with the contract documents. The contractor remains responsible for ensuring that the work, including its means and methods, meets all contract requirements. If a deviation is needed or discovered, it must be addressed through the contract modification process (such as a change order) to update the contract documents, rather than being exempted simply because a submittal was approved. So, no—the contractor is not relieved of responsibility for deviations just because a submittal was approved.