The Standard RFI Response Chain
Structural RFIs typically route through the GC to the EOR — the GC is the contract hub for all project communication on a traditional design-bid-build delivery. On design-build projects, the detailer may have a more direct line to the EOR. Architectural conflicts route to the architect; specification interpretations route to the project architect or spec writer; MEP coordination conflicts route to the mechanical or electrical engineer.
When the EOR Pushes Back
EORs sometimes decline to answer RFIs they consider outside their scope — typically when the question involves delegated connection design that they expected the fabricator to resolve. When this happens, the fabricator and detailer need to agree internally on who accepts the connection design responsibility. If it was always delegated, the detailer proceeds with the design under PE seal. If it was ambiguous, it requires a contract clarification before proceeding.
The GC's RFI Management Role
On most projects, the GC acts as the traffic manager — receiving RFIs from trades, routing them to the appropriate design professional, tracking response times, and following up on overdue responses. When the GC is not actively managing this function, RFIs pile up unanswered and project teams blame each other. A fabricator whose detailing PM attends owner/GC/architect meetings can escalate overdue RFIs directly rather than waiting for the GC to act.
Structural RFIs vs. Architectural RFIs: Who Has Final Authority
When a structural RFI touches on architectural intent — a column relocated for structural reasons changes a planned architectural feature, or a deeper beam exceeds the available ceiling plenum depth — both the EOR and the architect must respond, and sometimes their responses conflict. In this case, the architect of record has overall design authority over the built environment, but the EOR has authority over the structural solution. The GC's project manager or design coordinator must facilitate a joint resolution rather than forwarding two contradictory responses and leaving the fabricator to choose. If a joint response is not issued within the required response window, the fabricator should document the conflict formally and request arbitration by the owner or construction manager.
Specialty Engineer RFIs: Delegated Design Scope Boundaries
Structural steel projects often involve specialty engineers whose scope intersects with the detailer's work: joist engineers (SJI standard), connection engineers operating under delegated design, stair and miscellaneous steel engineers, and curtain wall or cladding engineers. RFIs involving the scope boundary between the primary EOR and a specialty engineer require careful routing — the specialty engineer may answer questions about their own design, but questions that affect the primary structure (e.g., 'the joist seat depth requires a beam setback that changes the column cap plate') must go to the EOR even if they originate in the joist coordination scope. Tectonix PMs map these scope boundaries at kickoff so every RFI is routed correctly on the first attempt.
Documenting No-Response Escalations
When an RFI exceeds its required response date without a reply, the detailer must escalate — not simply wait. The escalation path runs from the detailer's PM to the fabricator's PM, then to the GC's project manager, then to the owner's representative if necessary. Each escalation should be documented in writing with the original RFI number, required response date, elapsed delay, and the production impact. This paper trail serves two functions: it creates pressure on the slow party to respond, and it establishes the fabricator's and detailer's lack of fault for any resulting schedule delay. AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 4 reinforces that the fabricator is not responsible for delays caused by late design information, provided the delay is properly documented.
RFI Response Authority: Who Can Actually Commit the EOR
A common trap in RFI management is accepting a verbal or informal response from an EOR staff member who is not authorized to commit the firm's engineering judgment. In structural steel, the EOR's response to a connection design or member sizing question constitutes an engineering decision — it must come from a licensed engineer at the EOR firm, in writing, via the formal RFI system. An email from an EOR's project manager saying 'I think the 3/8" plate is fine' is not a formal response and does not protect the fabricator. Require that all structural RFI responses be issued through the formal RFI system with a PE stamp or signature from the responsible engineer. Informal answers obtained by phone or email should always be followed up with 'please confirm this in the RFI system so we can proceed.'