In-Service Date

A scheduled series of hydraulic fracturing operations across multiple wells or stages within a defined period, representing a concentrated burst of work that subcontractors must plan for with adequate crew, equipment, and supply chain capacity. For field service companies, winning a spot in a frac campaign can mean weeks of steady, high-volume work but also demands tight mobilisation timelines and the ability to scale up quickly.

A piece of solids-control equipment that separates reusable drilling fluid from cuttings on the rig site. Subcontractors operating or maintaining this unit help reduce fluid disposal costs and waste volumes. It is commonly found in directional drilling and HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) scopes.

The point when a project owner formally approves funding and commits to proceeding with a major project. For subcontractors, FID is the trigger that converts preliminary work into confirmed scopes and purchase orders. Mobilisation planning, crew hiring, and equipment sourcing typically begin after FID is announced.

A long-term contract where a buyer commits to purchasing a set volume of product from a producer. For subcontractors, these agreements signal stable, ongoing site activity and sustained demand for field services. They often underpin project financing, making worksites more financially secure for service providers.

A series of vibrating screens used on-site to separate solids by size from drilling fluids or aggregates. Subcontractors operating or maintaining this equipment must track run-hours carefully for service billing. Screen cloth replacement is a common scope item in solids-control contracts.

A cost-sharing initiative where multiple operators or companies fund research, technology development, or industry challenges together. For subcontractors, JIPs can open doors to new contracts, but procurement processes are often slow and heavily governed. Understanding which operators are involved helps you identify who holds the real budget authority.

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.