The main company awarded a project contract who then hires subcontractors to perform portions of the work. As a sub, your agreement, invoicing, and compliance obligations flow through them—not the end client. They carry overall site liability and typically control scheduling and scope.
Prime Contractor
Related Terms
Grid Hardening
IndustryUpgrades to electrical infrastructure that improve resilience against outages, extreme weather, and physical damage. For subcontractors, it drives demand for line work, equipment installation, and civil construction crews. Contracts often involve tight timelines and utility compliance requirements.
Proved Development Locations
IndustrySites already approved for drilling within a producing field, based on confirmed reserves data. For subcontractors, these locations represent near-term, lower-risk work opportunities. Expect faster mobilisation timelines and more defined scopes compared to exploratory sites.
Excavation and Embankment
IndustryEarthwork scope covering cut (excavation) and fill (embankment) operations on a project site. Subcontractors are often paid on a unit-rate basis per cubic metre of material moved. Accurate quantity tracking is critical for proper invoicing and dispute avoidance.
Remediation
IndustryThe cleanup and restoration of contaminated soil, water, or sites to meet regulatory standards. Subcontractors are often hired specifically for remediation scopes on legacy sites or post-incident cleanup. Work is heavily documented and subject to environmental compliance sign-off.
Instrumentation Upgrades
IndustryReplacement or modernisation of sensors, transmitters, and control devices on existing facilities. For subcontractors, this work is often scoped as short-duration projects requiring certified instrumentation technicians. Tight commissioning deadlines and client-supplied materials are common on these jobs.
Self-Supply
IndustryWhen a subcontractor provides their own tools, equipment, or materials rather than relying on the prime contractor or client. This shifts procurement responsibility — and often cost risk — directly to your company. Pricing your bids correctly to recover these costs is critical.
Latest Industry News
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Xcel Energy's five-year capital plan rises 17% to $70 billion, with 9.2 GW of renewables, 2.3 GW of storage, 3.3 GW of gas and 2,400 miles of new transmission. Here is what the plan means for foundation, collection and substation crews.
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AEP raised its five-year capital plan to $100 billion, with $37 billion for transmission and $20 billion for gas generation. A 10.4-GW Ohio data center campus drives the load growth, and three 765-kV lines are slated for 2028 through 2030.
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Industry GuideWhat Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?
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