Lattice Boom

A facility that pressurises natural gas to move it through pipelines. Subcontractors are commonly hired for maintenance, instrumentation, and turnaround work at these sites. They often require site-specific safety orientations and H2S certifications.

A standard unit for measuring natural gas energy content, commonly used in supply contracts and fuel billing. Subcontractors working on gas facilities or equipment commissioning will encounter MMBtu-based pricing. It directly affects how fuel costs and energy consumption are calculated on invoices.

A statistical method used to predict the likelihood of rare but severe events, such as equipment failures or extreme weather. Subcontractors use EVA to assess risk exposure and justify contingency planning in bids. It supports decisions around insurance coverage, mobilisation buffers, and site safety protocols.

A formal go-ahead issued by a prime contractor or owner confirming all approvals, permits, and engineering are in place. Subcontractors should not mobilise crews or materials until this authorisation is received. Starting work without it can void contract protections and leave you liable for costs.

A pipeline integrity assessment using instrumented tools (smart pigs) run through the line to detect corrosion, cracks, or defects. Subcontractors are often mobilised for pig launching, data collection, and follow-up dig verification work. ILI campaigns can drive significant short-notice field service demand.

A multi-well drilling campaign where several wells are drilled from a single surface location. For subcontractors, it means extended continuous work with predictable scheduling across sequential well builds. Expect high mobilisation value but tight coordination between crews and trades.

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.