GC (General Contractor)

When a subcontractor provides their own tools, equipment, or materials rather than relying on the prime contractor or client. This shifts procurement responsibility — and often cost risk — directly to your company. Pricing your bids correctly to recover these costs is critical.

A centralised surface facility where oil and gas from multiple wells is gathered, measured, and processed. Subcontractors frequently mobilise to battery sites for maintenance, instrumentation, and civil work. Knowing the battery layout helps crews plan access, logistics, and safe work zones.

Work involving equipment or piping that handles highly alkaline chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide. Subcontractors must use compatible materials and certified personnel to avoid rapid corrosion and serious chemical burns. Specialised PPE and handling procedures are typically required by the client's safety plan.

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.

A large lifting crane mounted on tracked undercarriage, used for heavy lifts on unstable or soft ground at oil and gas and construction sites. Subcontractors often source these through specialised rigging firms on a day-rate or project basis. Confirm ground-bearing capacity and operator certifications before mobilising.

A pipeline tie-in is the physical connection of a new pipeline section to an existing live system. For subcontractors, tie-in work often requires hot-tap certified crews and strict isolation procedures. Scheduling is critical, as tie-ins typically involve planned shutdowns with tight production windows.

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.