Pullback

A collaborative agreement where owners, contractors, and subcontractors share project risks and rewards under a no-blame framework. Subcontractors may receive performance bonuses but also absorb a portion of cost overruns. Transparency in costs and open-book accounting are typically required.

A surface facility that receives, separates, measures, and stores crude oil from multiple wells. Subcontractors frequently work at batteries for maintenance, instrumentation, and tank servicing. It is a common site for ongoing field service scopes.

Raw, unprocessed natural gas delivered to a processing plant or facility as the primary input. For subcontractors, feed gas specifications determine the scope of compression, treating, and handling work on site. Changes in feed gas composition can trigger scope variations and affect your contract terms.

The process of identifying and removing constraints that slow production or operations on a job site. For subcontractors, this often means short-term scopes to upgrade equipment, piping, or workflows. Debottlenecking projects can generate fast-mobilisation work but typically run on tight timelines.

A structural support system that transfers building loads to stable soil or rock far below the surface, typically using piles or caissons. Subcontractors are often mobilised for drilling, pile driving, or concrete work on these scopes. Expect specialised equipment requirements and strict geotechnical inspection protocols on site.

The equipment and techniques used to lift, secure, and move heavy loads on a job site. Subcontractors must ensure all rigging gear is certified and operators are ticketed. Improper rigging is a leading cause of serious incidents and contract liability.

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.