Kingfisher Exploration Services, Inc.

 

KINGFISHER

Exploration Services, Inc.

Project Management

Why, When & How

Kingfisher has provided clients a full range of services that includes: project management, program design, geophysical modeling, scouting, mapping, GIS database, aerial photography, feasibility studies, cost analysis, bid request, bid analysis, contractor selection, contract negotiation, contract writing, quality control specifications, contractor liaison, permitting, crew start-up, data acquisition parameter testing and selection, instrument testing, crew supervision, field quality control, field data processing supervision, field satellite communications, budget and cost control, and invoice review. 

The following is a brief summary of the advantages and benefits of project management and when and how it should be utilized:

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Why

It is frequently more complex and technically difficult to acquire quality seismic data than is generally accepted. It is an unusual circumstance where a blanket solution can be applied. It takes years of experience and expert knowledge to identify, understand and plan for the nuances and to avoid potential pitfalls.

Most clients do not have the internal resources, experience or expertise that a project management company like Kingfisher Exploration Services can provide. Kingfisher senior personnel bring a combined 70 years experience, being involved in more than 300 seismic projects in some 60 countries worldwide.

A good project design requires detailed planning that includes modeling the geophysical objectives, scouting the work site, reviewing the available technical resources and data quality implications, and estimating project cost based on several different approaches. Few contractors are able to provide or make available highly experienced and technically knowledgably personnel to adequately assist the client during the planning stages. Clients frequently deal with a contractor’s salesperson who is trying to sell a package and has limited technical and operations experience.

Seismic contractors will always push the methodology and parameters that best fits their current crew configuration and available contractor resources. This can give them an advantage in competitive bidding and is the path of least effort and maximum profit. This frequently means that the client makes unnecessary compromises. Contractors will frequently try to dissuade clients from employing outside expertise so they can avoid scrutiny.

Contracts are not just a legal document but the scope, quality and cost of the services to be provided. Supple changes in wording can make a big difference in the services received and the costs incurred. For example, weather standby can cause huge unexpected budget overruns; the standby definitions are very important especially when it involves not just wind but sea states and water currents and recovery from the effects thereof. Contractors will not normally provide contracts or quality control specifications that benefit the client.

Kingfisher experience and expertise has saved clients millions of dollars; savings that on occasion equaled as much as 25% of the project cost.

When

It is important that experience is injected at an early stage during project inception and planning. There are many ways to perform any data acquisition project including variations on the principal theme. The implication of these early decisions cannot be overstated and often produce costly, undesirable and non-reversible results.

How

Involve persons who are well experienced in the type of survey you intend to conduct from the earliest stages. The amount of time and cost is minimal especially when compared to the potential benefits.

A geophysical model should be developed to determine the necessary acquisition parameters.

Scouting is very important and should consider: terrain, elevations, elevation change, surface conditions, marine conditions, water bottom conditions, depth changes, tides, currents, climate, winds, sea states, access, practical techniques, coverage limitations, local permit issues, safety issues, environmental concerns and limitations, panoramic view photos tied to a key map.

Existing seismic data should be reviewed to estimate source effort and fold requirements to meet the required signal to noise ratio at the target horizons.

Specific technical and equipment requirements, such as field data QA processing or sensor positioning assurance, should be identified.

Identify potential contractors. Early meetings with contractors, except to talk in broad terms, are frequently unhelpful as the client is subjected to sales pressure and a myriad of suggestions that are aimed at selling their services.

A bid request should be produced that reflects the range of acquisition parameters to be considered and allows sufficient program flexibility to allow for changing source effort requirements. The bid request should ask for information on: proposed crew availability, crew schedule, crew equipment and personnel staffing, total estimated project cost including a break down of proposed reimbursable items, the proposed geophysical instrumentation showing it's date of manufacture and current disposition, the proposed senior crew personnel including experience and education and the Contractor's HSE program. A copy of the scouting report, required technical specifications and maps should be included.

Bids should be analyzed taking into careful consideration realistic field conditions, potential cost overruns, technical capabilities, quality specifications and contractor experience. Bid analysis should be an “apples to apples” comparison. Bid clarification questions should be sent to bidders. If necessary contractor crews should be visited to review technical capability, crew performance and instrument quality.

Discussions should be held with short-listed contractors to review possible design, parameter, equipment changes that could enhance data quality, improve acquisition efficiency, reduce costs or reduce survey risks. Contractor financial stability should be assessed.

Final project budget estimate should be produced. Adjustments to program based on bid analysis to meet budget restrictions.

Final contract negotiation with successful bidder.

We then move into the crew operations phase.

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