Earn-In Agreement

Milled or crushed material salvaged from existing asphalt surfaces during road removal or rehabilitation work. Subcontractors reuse RAP as base material or blend it into new asphalt mixes, reducing material costs. Proper handling and testing requirements may apply depending on project specs.

A formal document a subcontractor submits to a prime contractor or operator to express intent to bid on upcoming work. It is not a binding commitment, but helps secure a spot in the tender process. Common in pre-qualification stages for large oilfield or construction scopes.

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.

The extraction of helium as a byproduct alongside natural gas from the same well or facility. Subcontractors may encounter specialised separation equipment and handling protocols on co-production sites. Scope of work can expand to include cryogenic systems and helium storage, affecting crew certifications and equipment requirements.

The percentage of time a rig is actively working versus sitting idle. For subcontractors, high rig utilisation means steady billable hours and predictable revenue. Low utilisation signals contract gaps that strain cash flow and crew retention.

A self-propelled vessel equipped with a drilling rig used for offshore exploration and production in deepwater locations, which subcontractors may be mobilised to for specialised services such as equipment maintenance, inspection, or crew support under strict offshore safety and logistical requirements.

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.