Frac Campaign

A budgeting document used in oil and gas projects that outlines expected costs and seeks approval before work begins. Subcontractors often work under AFEs issued by operators.

The company that holds the rights to develop an oil and gas property and manages day-to-day operations. Operators hire subcontractors and service companies to perform various tasks.

The segment of the oil and gas industry involved in exploration and production (E&P). Includes drilling, completions, and well operations.

The upstream segment of the oil and gas industry covering the search for and extraction of hydrocarbons, representing the primary client base that hires field service subcontractors for drilling, completions, well servicing, and site construction work. Understanding whether a client operates in E&P helps subcontractors anticipate project cycles, budget timing, and the boom-and-bust demand patterns that directly affect contract volumes and payment schedules.

A real-time data acquisition process used during directional drilling that transmits downhole measurements — such as wellbore trajectory, formation data, and tool orientation — to surface crews without interrupting operations. For subcontractors, MWD services represent a specialised scope of work requiring certified technicians and dedicated equipment, often billed as a separate line item on drilling contracts.

A company hired by a general contractor or directly by an operator to perform a specific portion of work. Subcontractors often specialize in particular services or trades.