In view of the major mergers and acquisitions that have taken place within the U.S. pipeline industry over the past couple of years, the contracting climate has experienced significant changes. The number of operat-ing entities has been greatly reduced, thereby reducing the number of potential clients.Additionally, the pipeline companies have shifted their focus toward core business and cost-effective solutions for development of new assets and operating existing pipelines and pipeline facilities. As a result of these mergers and cost-cutting operations, the number of operating company personnel has been significantly reduced. At the same time, strong gas demand has resulted in an increased amount of projects to be developed. Consequently, new contracting strategies have had to be implemented.
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