Which statement about RFIs is true?

• A. RFIs are used to assign blame for design errors.
• B. RFIs clarify design intent, resolve ambiguities, and address conflicts in documents.
• C. RFIs allow substitution without approval.
• D. RFIs replace the need for submittals.

Answer: (B)

RFIs are a formal mechanism to seek clarifications and resolve conflicts within contract documents. By submitting an RFI, the contractor or reviewer asks the design professional to confirm design intent, interpret ambiguous drawings or specifications, and resolve contradictions between documents. The response becomes part of the project record and helps ensure everyone builds to the same understanding, reducing the risk of field changes or misinterpretation. This approach is about obtaining precise information so the work proceeds correctly, not about assigning blame. RFIs do not substitute for substitutions or approvals, and they do not replace submittals; substitutions require their own approval process, and submittals (like shop drawings and product data) are still reviewed and approved as part of the project workflow.