WTI (West Texas Intermediate)

A government auction where energy companies bid on licences to explore or develop publicly owned land. Winning bids signal upcoming drilling and field activity in that area. Subcontractors watch these sales to anticipate new work and mobilise resources early.

Specialised equipment run into a wellbore to perform drilling, measurement, or completion tasks. For subcontractors, these tools often require certified handling, transport, and make-up procedures. Improper use can trigger costly liability or contract disputes.

The point when a project owner formally approves funding and commits to proceeding with a major project. For subcontractors, FID is the trigger that converts preliminary work into confirmed scopes and purchase orders. Mobilisation planning, crew hiring, and equipment sourcing typically begin after FID is announced.

The installation, calibration, and maintenance of measurement and control devices such as gauges, transmitters, and sensors. Subcontractors are often scoped specifically for instrumentation work, requiring certified trades and precise documentation. It is a common standalone discipline on large oil and gas and industrial construction projects.

Structural frameworks that cover large distances without intermediate supports, such as trusses, arches, or space frames. Subcontractors encounter these in industrial buildings, processing facilities, and modular plant construction. Work in these areas often requires specialised rigging, elevated access planning, and load-path awareness.

The maximum volume of oil, gas, or product a facility can move off-site through pipelines, tankers, or terminals. For subcontractors, export capacity limits often dictate project pace and crew scheduling. Delays in export infrastructure can stall work and affect invoice milestones.

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.