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Cash FlowGlossary Term

Early Termination Option

A contract clause allowing the hiring company to end a service agreement before the scheduled completion date. Subcontractors may receive a penalty payment, but it is rarely full contract value. Always clarify demobilisation costs and notice periods before signing.

Related Terms

Emergency Relief Funding

Cash Flow

Short-term financial assistance available to subcontractors facing sudden revenue loss due to site shutdowns, disasters, or contract cancellations. Funding may come from government programmes, industry associations, or lenders. Eligibility often requires proof of active contracts and demonstrated financial hardship.

Substantial Completion

Cash Flow

The point when a project is complete enough for the owner to use it for its intended purpose. For subcontractors, it typically triggers final invoicing and starts the defect liability period. Holdbacks or retainage are often released shortly after this milestone.

Capacity Charge

Cash Flow

A fee billed to clients to reserve your crew, equipment, or services during a set period — whether fully utilised or not. It protects subcontractors from revenue loss during standby or low-demand phases. Common in long-term service agreements for drilling, frac, or maintenance contracts.

Price Spread

Cash Flow

The difference between what a prime contractor charges the client and what they pay the subcontractor for the same scope. A wide price spread reduces your effective rate and margin. Negotiating tighter spreads protects subcontractor profitability on long-term contracts.

Contingent Payment

Cash Flow

Payment tied to a specific condition being met, such as project completion or client approval. Subcontractors must track these triggers carefully to invoice on time. Delayed conditions can create serious cash-flow gaps in the field.

CWIP (Construction Work in Progress)

Cash Flow

An accounting category tracking costs for projects not yet complete or placed into service. For subcontractors, your invoiced work may sit in a client's CWIP account until project completion. This can affect payment timing and how clients prioritise approving your billings.

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