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The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul has published a revised version of this clause. The RFO version supersedes the eCFR text below for contracts using the RFO model; see the RFO deviation for applicability.
52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction.
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., form, 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) below.
(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.
[48 FR 42478, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 55 FR 38518, Sept. 18, 1990; 56 FR 41744, Aug. 22, 1991; 60 FR 34761, July 3, 1995; 61 FR 67426, Dec. 20, 1996]
36.521
The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.236-21, Specifications and Drawings for Construction, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction contract or a fixed-price dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements contract is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer may insert the clause in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction or a fixed-price contract for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to be at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. When the Government needs record drawings, the contracting officer shall-
(a) Use the clause with its AlternateI, if reproducible shop drawings are needed; or
(b) Use the clause with its AlternateII, if reproducible shop drawings are not needed.
Prescription data sourced from eCFR as of 2026-06-10 03:16 UTC.
Cross-references within the prescription are not resolved automatically.
Regulatory Stack
The layers of regulation that govern this clause, from the FAR prescription through agency-specific supplements and any active deviations.
RFORFO VersionOverhauled clause text
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul publishes a revised version of this clause. See the RFO Version tab for the controlling authority under the RFO model.
The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.236-21, Specifications and Drawings for Construction, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction contract or a fixed-price dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements contract is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer may insert the clause in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction or a fixed-price contract for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to be at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. When the Government needs record drawings, the contracting officer shall-
(a) Use the clause with its AlternateI, if reproducible shop drawings are needed; or
(b) Use the clause with its AlternateII, if reproducible shop drawings are not needed.
Version history is sourced from the codified eCFR. Changes published only as class deviations or by the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul do not appear here until they are incorporated into the eCFR. For RFO-driven changes see the RFO Version tab and any active deviations cited above.
No version history available from eCFR.
RFO Version
Comparison of the codified eCFR text against the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul revision. Highlights show additions (green) and deletions (red, struck through).
Clause Text
Substantive changes. The RFO version differs materially from the eCFR text.
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
Unchanged
52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction.
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
1 added, 1 removed
As prescribed in 36.521, insert the following clause:
As prescribed in 36.101-7(k), insert the following clause:
2 added, 2 removed
Specifications and Drawings for Construction (FEB 1997)
Specifications and Drawings for Construction (Deviation Date)
1 added, 118 removed
(a)
(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.
(a)
(a) The Contractor shall keep at the site a copy of the drawings and specifications and shall at all times give the Contracting Officer access thereto.
25 added, 60 removed
(b)
(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.
(b)
(b) 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.
11 added, 51 removed
(c)
(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.
(c)
(1) In case of difference between drawings and specifications, the specifications shall govern.
27 added, 97 removed
(d)
(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., form, 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.
(d)
(2) 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.
11 added, 130 removed
(e)
(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) below.
(e)
(3) Any adjustment by the Contractor without such a determination shall be at its own risk and expense.
18 added, 66 removed
(f)
(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.
(f)
(c) The Contracting Officer will furnish from time to time such detailed drawings and other information as considered necessary, unless otherwise provided.
1 added, 55 removed
(g)
(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.
(g)
(d)
38 added
(1)
(1)
(1) Words, such as, “directed”, “required”, “ordered”, “designated”, “prescribed”, or words of like import when used, in the specifications or on the drawings are intended to mean the “direction”, “requirement”, “order”, “designation”, or “prescription”, of the Contracting Officer.
29 added
(2)
(2)
(2) Words, such as, “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.
53 added
(e)
(e)
(e) 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”.
103 added
(f)
(f)
(f) 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., form, 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.
1 added
(g)
(g)
(g)
38 added
(1)
(1)
(1) 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.
19 added
(2)
(2)
(2) Shop drawings submitted to the Contracting Officer without evidence of the Contractor's approval may be returned for resubmission.
26 added
(h)
(h)
(h) 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.
13 added
(1)
(1)
(1) Any work done before such approval shall be at the Contractor's risk.
48 added
(2)
(2)
(2) 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 paragraph (i) of this clause.
1 added
(i)
(i)
(i)
27 added
(1)
(1)
(1) 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.
44 added
(2)
(2)
(2) If the Contracting Officer approves any such variation, the Contracting Officer will 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.
55 added
(j)
(j)
(j) 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)
(End of clause)
1 added, 1 removed
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:
Alternate I (Apr 1984). When record shop drawings are required and reproducible shop drawings are needed, add the following sentences to paragraph (j) 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.
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.
1 added, 1 removed
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:
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 (j) of the basic clause:
1 added, 1 removed
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.
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.
33 removed
[48 FR 42478, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 55 FR 38518, Sept. 18, 1990; 56 FR 41744, Aug. 22, 1991; 60 FR 34761, July 3, 1995; 61 FR 67426, Dec. 20, 1996]
Prescription
Substantive changes. The RFO prescription differs materially from the eCFR prescription.
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
Unchanged
52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction.: Prescription
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
3 added, 55 removed
(1)
The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.236-21, Specifications and Drawings for Construction, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction contract or a fixed-price dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements contract is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer may insert the clause in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction or a fixed-price contract for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to be at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. When the Government needs record drawings, the contracting officer shall-
(1)
(1) The contracting officer must insert the clause at 52.236-21, Specifications and Drawings for Construction, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction contract or a fixed-price dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements contract is contemplated, and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
14 removed
(a)
(a) Use the clause with its AlternateI, if reproducible shop drawings are needed; or
(a)
14 removed
(b)
(b) Use the clause with its AlternateII, if reproducible shop drawings are not needed.