The interest rate set by the Bank of Canada that influences borrowing costs across the economy. When it rises, lines of credit and equipment financing become more expensive for subcontractors. It also affects how quickly clients pay invoices, tightening cash flow across the field service sector.
Policy Rate
Related Terms
Blanket Authorization
Cash FlowA standing approval that allows subcontractors to perform recurring work up to a set dollar limit without requiring a new work order each time. It simplifies billing and reduces administrative delays on long-term contracts. Subcontractors should confirm spending thresholds in writing before mobilising crews.
Fixed-Price Contract
Cash FlowA contract where the subcontractor agrees to complete a defined scope of work for a set price regardless of actual labour, equipment, or material costs incurred — meaning cost overruns come directly out of your margin. Unlike time-and-material agreements, these contracts reward efficiency but expose field service companies to significant financial risk if scope creep or unforeseen site conditions arise.
Change Order
Cash FlowA formal written amendment to an existing contract that modifies scope, cost, or schedule. Subcontractors should never perform out-of-scope work without a signed change order. Undocumented changes are a leading cause of unpaid invoices and disputes.
Bid Accuracy
Cash FlowHow closely a submitted bid reflects the actual cost of completing a job. Poor bid accuracy leads to underbilling, cost overruns, or lost contracts. Subcontractors track it to sharpen estimating and protect margins.
Early Payment Discount
Cash FlowA reduced invoice amount offered to prime contractors or clients who pay before the standard due date. Common terms like 2/10 Net 30 mean a 2% discount if paid within 10 days. Subcontractors must weigh the cash-flow benefit against the revenue they give up.
Price Book
Cash FlowA document listing agreed-upon rates for various services, equipment, and materials between an operator and contractor. Field tickets are validated against the price book before approval.
Latest Cash Flow News
Hudson Tunnel Boring Starts on $16B Project Amid Funding Fights
Tunnel boring machines are set to start cutting through 5,100 feet of Palisades rock on the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel project. Subcontractors should weigh payment and federal funding exposure before signing on.
7 days agoCash FlowClaremore Data Center Deal Sends $172M to Oklahoma Schools, County
A Beale Infrastructure data center project near Claremore, Oklahoma will pay $172 million in PILOT funds to local schools and county agencies over 25 years, with Sequoyah Public Schools receiving the largest share at $100 million.
23 days agoCash FlowUtilities Tighten Large-Load Tariffs With Upfront Fees, Longer Contracts
A new LBNL and Brattle Group analysis finds utilities increasingly requiring upfront payments, exit fees, and ramp schedules for large-load customers like data centers, a shift that will slow project timelines for grid-tie and on-site generation subcontractors.
28 days agoCash FlowTrump Administration Appeals Ruling Blocking Hudson Tunnel Funding Freeze
The Justice Department has appealed a federal court ruling that barred DOT from withholding funds on the $16B Hudson Tunnel Project, though reimbursements and construction continue for now, ENR reports.
1 month agoRelated Guides
What Happens to Subcontractor Billing When a Project Stalls, Goes Over Budget, or Never Gets Commissioned
You did the work. The project was cancelled, shelved, or never activated. Here is what subcontractors need to know about billing rights, legal remedies, and how to get paid when no one wants to discuss the invoice.
Cash Flow GuidePost-Completion Warranty and Punch Work: Protecting Your Margins After the Job Ends
Warranty walks, punch lists, and post-completion callbacks eat into subcontractor margins. Learn how MSA warranty clauses work, when you can push back on mobilization costs, and how to document your way out of disputes.
Cash Flow GuideMechanic's Lien Rights for Subcontractors: What to Do When You're Not Getting Paid
A practical guide to mechanic's lien and materialman's lien rights for oilfield and construction subcontractors in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alberta — deadlines, filing steps, and leverage tactics.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews
