What is a consequence for a contractor's failure to submit a final Application for Payment?

When a contractor fails to submit a final Application for Payment, one of the primary consequences is that the contractor may not receive payment for the work completed. The final Application for Payment serves as a formal request for the contractor to receive compensation upon completion of the project or a defined stage of work. If this application is not submitted, it effectively prevents the owner from processing payment because there is no official documentation verifying that all work has been completed satisfactorily and in accordance with the contract terms.

Without the final Application for Payment, the payment process cannot be initiated. This can create significant cash flow issues for the contractor, as they may have completed their obligations but are unable to collect payment due to administrative oversight. This mechanism ensures that the owner has an opportunity to review the work before funds are disbursed, maintaining a level of accountability and ensuring that all parties fulfill their contractual obligations.