What a complete technical submission contains

Purpose of a technical submission

A technical submission lets the buyer's engineers and consultants check that the offered equipment meets the requirement before an order is placed or before manufacture begins. It should be complete enough that an evaluator can follow the reasoning without having to ask for basic facts. This guide describes what such a submission usually contains, so that you can ask for it and check it on receipt.

Core contents

Requirement basis

A short statement of the requirement the offer responds to: the specification and its revision, the duty, the supply conditions and the installation. Where the supplier has assumed a value, the assumption is stated.

Proposed configuration

The offered equipment described by class, rating and configuration, with the options and protections included. Each performance value is stated with its condition, for example the output voltage at a stated input range and load.

Compliance statement and departures

A clause-by-clause response to the specification, or a list of departures with what is offered instead and why. Clauses that are met are confirmed; clauses that are not met are not left silent.

Datasheet

The specification of the offered configuration, consistent with the proposal. Where a published class datasheet is included, the submission states any value that differs for the offered configuration.

Drawings

A general arrangement drawing with overall dimensions, weight, cable entry and clearances. Depending on the product and the project, this may be followed by terminal, wiring or foundation details after order.

Inspection and test plan

The inspections and tests proposed for the configuration, their method and acceptance criteria, and which records will be supplied. Where the specification names a standard, the plan states how the tests relate to it.

Installation and operating information

Preparation requirements such as ventilation, foundations and access, and an outline of operation and routine care. A full manual is normally supplied with the equipment.

Scope and responsibilities

Delivery point, installation and commissioning scope, and the items the buyer is expected to provide, such as foundations, cables and shutdown windows.

What a submission should not contain

A technical submission is a statement of what will be supplied. It should not rely on general brochures in place of configuration data, on certificates that do not relate to the offered product, or on performance claims without conditions. Where evidence for a statement is not yet available, the submission should say so.

Document control

Each document in the submission carries a revision and date. When the submission is revised after comments, the changes are identified and superseded versions are withdrawn. The approved revision is the one manufacture proceeds on. See controlled technical documents.

Reviewing a submission

When reviewing, check that the requirement basis matches your specification, that every departure is acceptable or resolved, that the drawing fits the space available, and that the test plan covers the verification you need. Record comments in writing against the revision reviewed.

Next step

Invitrona prepares technical submissions to suit the scope of each enquiry. Describe your requirement in the enquiry form and list the documents your approval process requires, so that the submission can be planned to suit it.