A contractors job

A contractor is just that; an individual or company who contracts to perform specific work or provide a specific service.

The contractor certainly has to understand all aspects of the scope of the project (usually through written specifications) in order to be able to bid responsibly. Whether or not sub-contractors are permitted depends upon the contract or project specification language. If sub-contractors are not permitted, it would be the responsibility of the bidding contractor to ensure he has sufficient in-house resources to complete the project; without resorting to outside sub-contractors. Regardless, the contractor (often called the prime contractor) usually has ultimate responsibility for completing the project in accordance with the project specifications and signed contract.

The long, short and simple. A "Contractor" is the primary entity responsible for the proper completion and/or performance of the terms of a contract. In return, the contractor is paid, either by a pre-determined sum, (which may include billable or subtractable changes) for performance, or by "time and materials". Each contract may restrict or even forbid the use of sub-contractors, depending upon the specific contract entered in to. Most contractors perform the primary work "in house", (their own crews and knowledge) and sub-contract specific tasks to "specialty" contractors who possess special or specific knowedge and capabilities. Some contractors simply "sub-contract" out all work, and simply "oversee" the project and contract.

The rules, Laws and customs which govern the "norm" of these contractor/sub-contractor relationships vary tremendously throughout geographical, political, economic and social realms.

Ask someone in the same field, in your area. You would be surprised of the "loud mouthed" egos you can learn from!

Lomita? Lomalita?

If you subcontract that part out, exactly what isit that you would expect to do and be paid for?

The contract is for (Produce a post drilling performance report containing evaluation of expected vs. actual interpretation and analysis of problems occurred during drilling, completion, stimulation, cleanup, testing and logging and coiled tubing operations, and provides technical advice to improve the performance or avoid the re-occurrence of similar problems in future).

So either you do that, or they will award contract to someone that can.

milo

What you submitted looks much like a job (employment opening) description. The word, contractor, is also used to describe what is sometimes called a jobber, or job shopper. Consultants can also be contractors. While previous descriptions are most frequently understood--where the contractor has overall responsility, including that of procuring and managing subscontractors--a person can also contract for a portion of the overall work--as appears is the case with you. In this regard, a more specific, and more strictly legal definition is appropriate: simply, one who contracts to perform a specific task or set of tasks with an ageed upon outcome. From that perspective, even a subcontractor regards him self as a contractor--just not a general contractor. Another way to think about it is to ask yourself why the client (the one employing your service) wants to contract with you, instead of placing you on payroll as an employee. This form of outsourcing can have several advantages (to the procurer of services) over and above not committing to a long term relationship:

• You bear the cost of obtaining and managing needed labor.
• You pay your own medical (insurance)
• You pay for business insurance coverage guaranteing insuring your work product; and against any casualty or loss that might result from your work.
• You bear the full (not just half) cost of payroll taxes, such as FICA.
• Others...

In return, you are paid, either periodic progress payments, piecework payments, or completion payment--and possibly perdiem payments as well--an amount higher than you would earn as an employee--from which to defray such expenses. You would be advised to understanding such costs before entering into a contractual arrangement.

Bear in mind that the "you's" bulletined above might apply to your agent...for example, if you are being placed as a contractor by a "headhunter" or temporary labor firm. (Since you do not know what a contractor is, one is led to believe this might be the case--hopefully you can illuminate the offer made to you so that better responses are forthcoming--and so that you can avoid, if need be, getting involved in a project that might be over your head?)

Sometimes, a company might contract a job with a view of employing the contractor later on--say, if funding for the new position is found; or the contractor's work proves adequate. So, contracting can provide a way of evaluating a potential employee with less risk...because you have, in effect, agreed to a limited term at a fixed amount of remuneration. But, be careful if the possibility of an offer of direct employment has been stated to you. These can turn out badly, especially if you, or your agent, has $underbid your work.

Hope this has helped to give you a better perspective on the thing, contracting, that is not always clearly defined or clearly definable. Generally speaking, though, it boils down to one overarching thing. You can choose contracting if you are willing to accept high risk and uncertain personal security in return for higher $reward. If, on the other hand, personal security (or family security) is paramount, then direct employment might be the better way...but with less short-term reward.