How to Get Commercial Contracts for Directional Drilling in Texas
- Nate Jones
- Nov 28
- 3 min read
The demand for directional drilling and directional boring services in Texas continues to grow — driven by fiber-optic expansion, utility upgrades, new commercial developments, and infrastructure improvements. Whether your business operates in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, or El Paso, securing commercial contracts is the key to consistent revenue and long-term success.
Winning these contracts requires the right strategy, relationships, certifications, and credibility. This guide explains exactly how Texas HDD businesses can position themselves to land high-value commercial work.
Steps to Get Commercial Contracts for Directional Drilling in Texas
1. Become a Registered Vendor With Texas Municipalities & Utility Providers
Most commercial and municipal projects in Texas require contractors to be registered and approved before bidding.
Common vendor registration targets include:
Texas cities (Houston, Dallas, Austin, etc.)
Municipal utility districts (MUDs)
Water authorities
Telecom companies
Energy companies
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Tip: Many cities like San Antonio and Fort Worth require contractor registration before you can be awarded a contract.
2. Build Relationships With General Contractors
General contractors frequently need directional drilling subcontractors for:
Fiber installation
Electrical conduit
Water/sewer utility installation
Commercial development projects
Roadway and DOT projects
Start by networking with GCs in local chapters such as:
Underground Contractors Association
Local construction associations in Houston, Austin, and Dallas
Building strong GC relationships often leads to recurring contract opportunities.
3. Maintain Certifications That Commercial Clients Prioritize
Certifications help HDD businesses stand out in a competitive Texas market. The most valuable include:
OSHA certifications
Industry safety training
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
These can place your business on preferred vendor lists, especially in cities like Austin and Houston, where construction and fiber-optic expansion are booming.
4. Showcase Your Equipment, Capabilities & Past Work
Commercial clients want to know you can handle the job. Make sure your website and proposals include:
Brands and specs of your HDD rig(s)
Drill length/diameter capabilities
Fluid management systems
Locating technology
Photos/videos of past projects
Testimonials from Texas clients
Having a polished, professional capability statement is a powerful way to increase your credibility.
Market Your Directional Boring and Directional Drilling Business With Contractor Back Office
Contractor Back Office helps you build a memorable directional boring and directional drilling business brand with professional websites, automated invoicing, and social media management. Our tools make it easier to attract attention, connect with customers, and grow your business from day one.
5. Compete on Value — Not Just Price
Directional drilling in Texas is competitive, but winning contracts doesn’t always mean being the cheapest.
Commercial clients look for:
Safety record
Experience with similar projects
Timeline reliability
Proper certifications
Clear communication
Strong insurance coverage
Focusing on reliability and safety helps you win more bids than pricing alone.
6. Have the Right Insurance to Qualify for Contracts
Most commercial and municipal contracts require proof of insurance — sometimes with specific minimum limits.
Common requirements include:
One Hampton Insurance serves all of Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso, and helps directional drilling contractors meet commercial project requirements quickly.
Final Thoughts
Winning commercial directional drilling contracts in Texas takes strategy, credibility, and preparation — but the opportunities are massive. By registering as a vendor, building GC relationships, maintaining key certifications, and demonstrating your capabilities, you can position your HDD business for long-term success in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso.
And because commercial clients demand proof of insurance, partnering with One Hampton Insurance ensures you always have the required coverage to bid and win more projects.
Contact us today.
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