FieldNews
Subscribe

Daily oil & gas and construction news for subcontractors

Cash FlowGlossary Term

Well Abandonment Liability

The legal and financial obligation to properly plug and decommission a well at end of life. For subcontractors, unpaid invoices near abandonment projects carry higher collection risk. Operators may deprioritise vendor payments as they wind down a well's operations.

Related Terms

Firm-Fixed-Price

Cash Flow

A contract where the subcontractor agrees to deliver work for a set price, regardless of actual costs incurred. Cost overruns come out of your margin, not the client's budget. Accurate estimating and scope control are critical before signing.

Price Book

Cash Flow

A 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.

Fixed-Price Contract

Cash Flow

A 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.

Early Termination Option

Cash Flow

A contract clause allowing the hiring company to end a service agreement before the scheduled completion date. Subcontractors may receive a penalty payment, but it is rarely full contract value. Always clarify demobilisation costs and notice periods before signing.

Red Flag Warning

Cash Flow

A signal that a client or project poses serious financial or operational risk to a subcontractor. Common triggers include late payments, scope disputes, or sudden crew access restrictions. Recognising these early helps subcontractors protect revenue and avoid costly disputes.

LEM (Labour, Equipment, Materials)

Cash Flow

A breakdown of costs on a field ticket or invoice, separating charges into labor hours, equipment usage, and materials consumed.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project byAimsio