PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)

A federally managed exploration zone on Alaska's North Slope, open to oil and gas development. Subcontractors working here face strict federal permitting, remote logistics, and seasonal access limitations. Mobilisation costs and compliance requirements are significantly higher than standard onshore projects.

A vast sedimentary basin spanning BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba that hosts Canada's largest oil and gas reserves. It is the primary operating region for most Canadian upstream field service subcontractors. Work here includes conventional drilling, oil sands operations, and pipeline construction.

A closed vessel used to process materials in discrete, timed cycles rather than continuously. Subcontractors may be called to inspect, clean, or maintain these units during scheduled shutdowns. Work is typically project-based, tied to turnaround or maintenance contracts.

A drilling method that creates vertical or inclined shafts by reaming upward from a pilot hole. Subcontractors use it for ventilation shafts, ore passes, and utility corridors. It requires specialised rigs and certified crews, affecting your equipment and labour bids.

A defined bundle of tasks, drawings, and specs issued to a subcontractor for a specific scope of work. It sets the boundaries of your crew's responsibilities on a project. Work packages drive your billing milestones and progress claims.

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.

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.