The oil and gas industry runs on massive projects and long-term contracts. Whether you’re targeting drilling rigs, pipelines, or refineries, the key is knowing where the opportunities are—and how to qualify for them.
The answer depends on whether you’re working in upstream, midstream, or downstream operations. Here’s how contractors like yours can win work with industry giants like Exxon, Kinder Morgan, and Valero.
How Contractors Qualify for Oil & Gas Projects
Before diving into sector-specific opportunities, it’s important to know this: compliance is the gatekeeper.
Every operator requires written safety programs that fully align with ISNetworld® standards.
- Yearly Stastical data – OSHA 300 & 300A logs
- Proof of insurance coverage that meets your Master Service Agreement (MSA).
- Verified employee training records, certifications, and safety data to demonstrate workforce competency.
- Drug & alcohol compliance — depending on the operator, this may require enrollment in systems such as NCMS, DISA, or equivalent, with strict adherence to FMCSA and PHMSA drug and alcohol testing panels.
- Ongoing audit-readiness in platforms like ISNetworld®, or operator-specific supplier portals.
Without these, your company won’t even get past the application stage.
Upstream: Exploration & Production (E&P)
Upstream covers exploration, drilling, and production. Contractors are needed for rig construction, safety services, equipment maintenance, and site logistics.
Examples of upstream operators:
– ExxonMobil – Relies heavily on ISNetworld for contractor management
– ConocoPhillips – Uses ISN to qualify drilling and site contractors
– Chevron – Runs its own Chevron Supplier (called SupplierOne) Network alongside ISN
– Apache Corp. – Commonly manages contractors through Avetta
Where to find contracts:
– ISNetworld – The go-to for supermajors like Exxon and Chevron
– Avetta – Used by independents like Apache
– Industry events – API and IPAA conferences connect contractors directly with operators
Midstream: Transportation & Storage
Midstream covers pipelines, terminals, and storage facilities—where DOT and PHMSA compliance is critical. This sector has huge contractor demand for construction, maintenance, logistics, and safety support.
Examples of midstream companies:
– Kinder Morgan – One of the largest pipeline operators; tied to ISNetworld and NCMS
– Enbridge – Requires ISN and Veriforce compliance
– Williams Companies – Uses Veriforce for contractor qualification
– Plains All American Pipeline – Relies on ISNetworld and Veriforce
Where to find contracts:
– Veriforce – Essential for pipeline work
– NCMS – Required for DOT/PHMSA drug & alcohol testing programs
– SAM.gov & state procurement boards – Government-backed pipeline infrastructure projects
Downstream: Refining & Distribution
Downstream focuses on refining crude oil and distributing it. Contractors here handle maintenance turnarounds, shutdowns, construction, safety oversight, and transportation.
Examples of downstream companies:
– Valero Energy – North America’s largest independent refiner; requires ISNetworld
– Marathon Petroleum – Operates multiple refineries using ISN for contractor approval
– Phillips 66 – Runs refining and chemical operations; tied to ISN and Avetta
– Shell & BP – Global downstream operators with strict supplier portals
Where to find contracts:
– ISNetworld – Mandatory for nearly every refinery contractor
– Avetta & ComplyWorks – Used in refining and chemical plant projects
– Company portals – Register directly with Marathon, Valero, and Phillips 66
Comparison: Where to Find Contracts vs. Compliance Requirements
| Sector | Where to Find Contracts | Compliance Systems Required |
| Upstream | ISNetworld, Avetta, Industry Events | ISN, Avetta, |
| Midstream | Veriforce, NCMS, SAM.gov, State Boards | Veriforce, NCMS, DOT/PHMSA, ISN |
| Downstream | ISNetworld, Avetta, ComplyWorks, Company Portals | ISN, Avetta, Refinery-specific portals |
Avoiding Disqualification: Common Contractor Mistakes
Too many contractors waste months chasing opportunities only to be rejected for preventable mistakes. Some of the most common failures include:
– Submitting incomplete safety programs (missing OSHA-required sections)
– Failing to spread out random drug testing quarterly as required by PHMSA/NCMS
– Carrying insurance limits below refinery thresholds
– Expired employee certifications in ISN or Avetta profiles
– Lack of an audit-ready compliance system
CascadeQMS helps streamline safety compliance practices to eliminate these risks before they cost you a contract.
FAQs About Oil & Gas Contractor Qualification
Q: What safety programs are required for oil and gas contractors?
A: Operators typically require written programs covering hazard communication, confined spaces, powered mobile equipment, PPE, emergency response, and more—all aligned with OSHA and NIOSH standards.
Q: How do I get approved in ISNetworld or Avetta?
A: You’ll need to submit written safety programs, insurance certificates, employee training data, and maintain ongoing compliance with quarterly or annual reviews.
Q: What documents are needed to work with Exxon, Kinder Morgan, or Valero?
A: At minimum: safety manual, certificate of insurance, employee training records, drug/alcohol testing plan, and verified contractor profile in ISN, Avetta, or Veriforce.
Bottom Line
Oil and gas contracts are out there—but they’re all gated by compliance systems like ISNetworld, Avetta, Veriforce, and NCMS. Whether you’re aiming for Exxon’s upstream drilling projects, Kinder Morgan’s pipelines, or Valero’s refinery work, your first step is qualification.
Lets Talk about Qualifying– Schedule a consultation and start unlocking opportunities today.
Oil and gas contracts are out there—but they’re all gated by compliance systems like ISNetworld, Avetta, Veriforce, and NCMS. Whether you’re aiming for Exxon’s upstream drilling projects, Kinder Morgan’s pipelines, or Valero’s refinery work, your first step is qualification.
CascadeQMS helps contractors get approved, stay audit-ready, and win contracts with oil and gas giants.