Submittal log template

A submittal log that keeps procurement honest: every item tied to a spec section and a responsible sub, with dates in both directions and standard action codes — so long-lead items get flagged early instead of discovered late.

Free, no sign-up. Word format — free to use and adapt in your business.

Preview of the contents
Submittal log template
Template from Planium — planium.com
Project name
Project number
General contractor
Architect / engineer of record
Log maintained by
Date last updated

How to use the submittal log

Build the log at the start of the job from the spec sections, before the first submittal arrives — walk the specifications, list every required submittal, and assign each to a subcontractor or supplier. A log built reactively is always missing the item that becomes a problem.

Update the log every time a submittal moves: received from the sub, sent to the design team, returned with an action. Review it weekly against the procurement schedule, working backward from required-on-site dates through fabrication lead times.

Action codes

Use a consistent set of action codes so the status column means the same thing to everyone. Adjust to match your design team’s stamp if it differs.

CodeMeaningWhat it means for the sub
AApprovedProceed — fabricate / order per the submittal
AANApproved as notedProceed, incorporating the reviewer’s notes — no resubmittal required
R&RRevise and resubmitDo not proceed — correct and resubmit for review
REJRejectedDo not proceed — submittal does not meet the contract documents
FROFor record onlyNo review action — filed for the project record

Submittal log

Sub. #Spec sectionItem descriptionResponsible sub / supplierReceived from subSent to A/EReturnedActionNotes / resubmittal

+ 15 blank rows to fill in in the Word document

Long-lead items

Pull anything with a long fabrication or delivery time onto its own watch list and work the dates backward: required on site, minus lead time, minus review time, minus preparation time = the date the sub must submit. If that date is behind you, it belongs on the next meeting agenda.

ItemRequired on siteLead timeMust be approved byStatus

+ 6 blank rows to fill in in the Word document

Submittal discipline

  • Log created from the spec sections at project start — not built reactively
  • Every submittal has a number, a spec section and one responsible party
  • Review turnaround per the contract noted and tracked (commonly 10–14 days — check yours)
  • Resubmittals keep the original number with a revision suffix (e.g. 08-11-R1)
  • Long-lead items reviewed weekly against the procurement schedule
  • No material ordered or fabricated on an R&R or REJ action

Common questions

What is a submittal in construction?
A document the contractor submits to the design team for review before ordering or fabricating: shop drawings, product data, samples, mock-up records and the like. The review confirms the item conforms to the design intent before money is committed. The submittal log is the master list tracking every one of them from required to approved.
What is the difference between a submittal and an RFI?
A submittal shows what the contractor intends to provide, for the design team’s review. An RFI asks the design team a question about the contract documents. If the documents are unclear, send an RFI; if you are proposing a product or shop drawing for approval, that is a submittal.
Who maintains the submittal log?
The general contractor — usually a project engineer or project manager. Subs submit through the GC, and the GC reviews for completeness before forwarding to the architect/engineer. One party owns the log and its dates; that is the whole point of it.
What do the action codes on a submittal mean?
Typical stamps: Approved (proceed), Approved as Noted (proceed incorporating the notes, no resubmittal), Revise and Resubmit (do not proceed, fix and resubmit), and Rejected (does not conform). Exact wording varies by design firm — the template includes a code table you can align to your project’s stamp.
When should submittals be scheduled?
Backward from when the material is needed on site: required-on-site date, minus fabrication/delivery lead time, minus the contract’s review period, minus time to prepare the submittal. For long-lead items — switchgear, elevators, custom glazing — that math often lands within weeks of contract award, which is why the log needs to exist on day one.

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