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IndustryGlossary Term

LOI (Letter of Intent)

A written commitment from a client indicating they plan to award a subcontractor a contract. It allows work or mobilisation to begin before the formal contract is signed. LOIs are not always legally binding, so subcontractors should clarify payment obligations before proceeding.

Related Terms

Mmtpa (million Metric Tons Per Annum)

Industry

A measure of annual production or throughput capacity at LNG, mining, or pipeline facilities. Subcontractors use it to gauge project scale and estimate long-term scope of maintenance or construction work. Higher MMtpa ratings typically signal larger crews, longer contracts, and more equipment requirements.

Shovel-Ready

Industry

A project with permits, funding, and engineering approved, allowing field work to begin immediately. For subcontractors, it signals that mobilisation and contract awards are imminent. Pursuing shovel-ready work reduces the risk of scoping delays eating into your margins.

Below-Grade

Industry

Any work or structure located below the finished ground surface, such as buried pipelines, foundations, or conduits. Subcontractors must account for added costs like shoring, dewatering, and confined space compliance. Scope changes below-grade often trigger change orders due to unforeseen soil or utility conditions.

Lattice Boom

Industry

An open-framework steel crane arm made of welded triangular sections, used for heavy lifts on oil and gas or construction sites. Subcontractors must verify lift plans and operator certifications before mobilising lattice boom cranes. Daily rates and rigging crew requirements are typically higher than hydraulic boom alternatives.

SAAR (Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate)

Industry

A statistical measure that projects a short-term activity figure into a full-year estimate, removing seasonal fluctuations. Clients and prime contractors use SAAR data to forecast project pipelines and award subcontracts. Tracking SAAR trends helps field service companies anticipate hiring surges or slowdowns before they hit.

LNTP (Limited Notice To Proceed)

Industry

A partial greenlight from a client authorising subcontractors to begin limited, specific work before the full contract is executed. It typically covers early mobilisation, procurement, or site prep activities only. Scope and spending are strictly capped, so track your costs carefully to avoid unauthorised overruns.

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