Understanding the Steel Project Cycle
From initial concept to final installation, steel fabrication projects follow a structured workflow that ensures precision, coordination, and quality. This cycle—CD → QT → PO → OFA → RFI → FFU—forms the backbone of successful steel construction delivery.
The Six Critical Phases
Every steel project moves through distinct stages, each building on the previous one. Understanding this workflow helps teams anticipate requirements, avoid costly delays, and maintain quality throughout the construction process.
Contract Drawings (CD)
Architectural and structural plans that define the overall project scope, design intent, codes, and performance specifications.
Quote (QT)
Detailed cost estimation based on material quantities, fabrication complexity, labor effort, and project schedule assumptions.
Purchase Order (PO)
Formal authorization to proceed with detailing, fabrication, and material procurement based on agreed pricing.
Order For Approval (OFA)
Shop drawings are submitted for engineer and architect review. Fabrication cannot begin until approval is received.
Request For Information (RFI)
Formal clarification process used to resolve missing information, design conflicts, or constructability issues.
Fabrication Follow-Up (FFU)
Ongoing quality checks, production monitoring, and coordination of delivery to ensure steel reaches site on time and to specification.
Phase 1: Contract Drawings (CD)
The project begins with contract drawings—the foundation documents that communicate design intent. These include architectural plans, structural drawings, and specifications that outline material grades, connection types, and performance requirements.
At this stage, detailing teams analyze the drawings to understand project scope, identify potential coordination issues, and prepare for the quoting phase. Accurate interpretation of contract drawings is essential because any misunderstanding here can cascade into costly errors downstream.
Key activities include: reviewing architectural and structural plans, identifying steel components and connections, noting special requirements or custom fabrication needs, and coordinating with other trades to understand interface points.
Phase 2: Quote (QT) and Purchase Order (PO)
Developing the Quote
Once contract drawings are reviewed, the fabricator prepares a detailed quote. This involves quantifying steel tonnage, estimating labor hours for fabrication and erection, calculating material costs including freight and handling, and assessing project complexity factors like custom connections or specialized finishes.
Companies like Consac leverage advanced estimating tools and historical project data to provide accurate, competitive quotes. The goal is to balance cost-effectiveness with quality assurance, ensuring the project can be delivered on time and within budget.
Issuing the Purchase Order
When the quote is accepted, the client issues a purchase order—the green light to move forward. The PO formalizes the agreement, specifying quantities, pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms. This document triggers material procurement and initiates the detailing phase.
Phase 3: Order For Approval (OFA)
Shop Drawing Creation
Detailed fabrication drawings are produced using CAD or BIM software, showing every connection, dimension, and material specification with precision.
Internal Review
Quality assurance teams verify drawings for accuracy, checking dimensions, material callouts, weld symbols, and coordination with other systems.
Submission for Approval
Drawings are submitted to the engineer of record, architect, or general contractor for review and approval before fabrication can begin.
The OFA phase is critical because it's the last checkpoint before material is cut and welded. Thorough reviews at this stage prevent rework, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with structural codes and project specifications. Approval turnaround time can vary from days to weeks, so building this into the project schedule is essential.
Phase 4: Request For Information (RFI)
Why RFIs Matter
Even with detailed contract drawings, questions inevitably arise. RFIs are the formal mechanism for resolving conflicts, clarifying ambiguities, and addressing missing information. Common RFI scenarios include discrepancies between architectural and structural drawings, undefined connection details, conflicts with MEP systems, or changes in material availability.
Effective RFI management requires clear documentation, timely communication, and a collaborative approach between all project stakeholders.
Best Practices
- Submit RFIs early: Don't wait until fabrication is underway to flag potential issues
- Be specific: Clearly reference drawing numbers, grid lines, and details in question
- Propose solutions: When possible, suggest alternatives to expedite resolution
- Track responses: Maintain an RFI log to ensure all questions are answered before fabrication proceeds
Phase 5: Fabrication Follow-Up (FFU)
Production Monitoring
Track fabrication progress against the schedule, identify bottlenecks, and coordinate material deliveries to keep the shop running efficiently.
Quality Control
Conduct in-process inspections to verify dimensions, weld quality, and surface finishes meet project specifications and industry standards.
Field Coordination
Communicate with the site team to address any field conditions that may impact fabrication or erection sequences.
Logistics Planning
Coordinate shipping schedules, delivery sequencing, and on-site handling to ensure materials arrive when and where they're needed.
Making the Cycle Work for Your Project
Understanding the steel project cycle isn't just about knowing the acronyms—it's about recognizing how each phase depends on the others. A well-executed CD phase sets up accurate quoting. A thorough OFA review prevents RFIs. Proactive FFU coordination ensures on-time delivery.
Key takeaways for project success:
- Invest time upfront in reviewing contract drawings thoroughly
- Build realistic schedules that account for approval and RFI resolution time
- Maintain open communication between detailers, fabricators, and the site team
- Use technology—BIM, project management software, and digital collaboration tools—to streamline coordination
- Partner with experienced fabricators who understand the entire workflow from concept to completion
By mastering this six-phase cycle, teams can deliver steel projects with greater precision, fewer surprises, and better outcomes for everyone involved.
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