Long-Lead Procurement

A project where the owner acts as their own general contractor, hiring subcontractors directly rather than through a prime contractor. For field service companies, this often means faster access to work but requires closer coordination with the owner. Payment terms and scope changes are negotiated directly, so clear contracts are essential.

On-site power generation placed directly at a worksite, typically using wellhead gas or portable generators. Eliminates reliance on grid connections, which is common on remote oil and gas locations. Subcontractors should confirm power availability and voltage specs before mobilising equipment.

A structured programme for inspecting, maintaining, and documenting assets to ensure they remain safe and operational. Subcontractors are often hired to perform integrity work such as corrosion inspection, NDT, and pipeline assessments. Accurate recordkeeping is critical, as clients and regulators require full audit trails.

A midstream processing facility installed along an existing pipeline to extract natural gas liquids like propane and butane. Subcontractors are frequently mobilised for construction, maintenance, and turnaround work at these sites. Work scopes often include compression, refrigeration, and fractionation system servicing.

A standard shipping container measurement used to calculate freight capacity and logistics costs on large projects. One TEU equals one standard 20-foot container. Subcontractors mobilising equipment or materials to remote sites often quote and invoice freight in TEUs.

Tax-exempt bonds issued by governments to finance private infrastructure projects like pipelines or terminals. Subcontractors may work on bond-funded projects, which often carry strict procurement and reporting requirements. Understanding this can affect how you bid and invoice on qualifying jobs.

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.