Corrective Maintenance

A company that provides specialized services to oil and gas operators, such as drilling, completions, workover, transportation, or maintenance. Also called oilfield services (OFS).

A controlled heating and cooling process applied to welds after completion to reduce stress and improve strength. Subcontractors must confirm PWHT requirements before mobilising, as it adds time, equipment, and certified personnel to scope. Failing to price it into your bid can significantly erode job margins.

A large federally managed area in northwest Alaska open to oil and gas exploration and development. Subcontractors working here face extreme remote logistics, strict federal permitting, and seasonal access windows. Mobilisation costs and compliance requirements are significantly higher than conventional onshore projects.

The process of moving equipment and personnel to a job site (mobilization) and returning them afterward (demobilization). Often billed as separate line items.

A project delivery model where one main contractor handles all phases from design to completion, typically creating multiple subcontracting opportunities for field service companies across different project phases. For subcontractors, EPC projects often mean working under a prime contractor who coordinates all trades and manages the overall timeline and specifications.

A corporate ownership arrangement where founders or executives hold shares with greater voting power than ordinary investors. For subcontractors, this means a client company's leadership can make major operational decisions without shareholder approval. Expect stable long-term contracts but limited outside pressure to change payment terms or procurement practices.

How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements

When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.

How Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It

Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.

What Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?

An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.