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IndustryGlossary Term

Prime Contractor

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.

Related Terms

Grid Hardening

Industry

Upgrades 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

Industry

Sites 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

Industry

Earthwork 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

Industry

The 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

Industry

Replacement 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

Industry

When 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.

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