Elizabeth McMillan
Cross-Border & Government Contracts Operator
Two lanes. One lead. Zero chaos.While you hire, my operator-led pod ships your first compliant export and installs the system your new hire can run. I also help teams win and deliver public-sector work without tripping compliance.
WHO I AM
International Trade Operator (Executive) - Market entry • Compliance • Logistics • CashflowGovernment Contracts Advisor & Operator - Capture • Proposals • Delivery & SLAsSingle point of accountability with specialists brought in as needed.
WHAT WE DO
Cross-Border Growth
We run an interim export install so your first cross-border order ships in ~60 days and the lane becomes repeatable.
Market & channel choice (distributor, wholesale, Amazon/3PL)
HS/ECCN classification, Incoterms, denied-party screens
Forwarder, customs broker, 3PL/Amazon onboarding
Landed-cost & payment/FX policy (LC/OA/escrow, insurance)
Order→cash SOPs and a 5–8 KPI dashboard
GovCon Consulting & Coaching
We make public-sector growth sane - enter, bid, and deliver without rework.
Capture engine: calendar, bid/no-bid gates, teaming strategy
Compliance binder setup (SAM/UEI, reps & certs), proposal color reviews
Pricing workflow & quote→cash; delivery metrics, SLA/QASP rhythm
Owner/staff coaching; “done-with-you” or “done-for-you” sprints
01
TARIFFS & THE “TRICKY STUFF” CAN BE HARD TO HANDLE ON YOUR OWN (we handle it with specialists)You’ll see problems; we bring structure:
02
Tariffs & DutiesCorrect HS classification and country-of-origin rules
Lawful tariff mitigation with FTAs (e.g., USMCA) and preference programs (where applicable)
Tariff engineering guidance (product/packaging options with counsel)
AD/CVD exposure checks; Section 301/232 impact planning
Duty drawback and bonded/FTZ strategies (with broker/attorney)
03
Compliance & PaperworkCommercial Invoice, Packing List, COO, licenses/permits (if required)
Labeling/standards reviews (e.g., cosmetics, electronics)
Export controls coordination (EAR/ITAR where relevant)
Denied-party & sanctions screening
04
Logistics & CashForwarder/broker SOPs, service levels, and escalation paths
Incoterms that match your cash & risk profile
FX policy & collections timeline to actually get paid
05
GovCon “gotchas”TAA/BAA origin checks, small-business rules, flow-downs
Sub vs. Prime strategies; teaming, past performance positioning
Delivery governance to protect CPARS and recompetes
The Bottom Line
We coordinate licensed customs brokers and trade attorneys as needed. We don’t provide legal advice - we make the machine run.
HOW IT WORKS
We Have 3 Phases
Our work runs in three parts. First, a paid 10-day Diagnostic where we install a weekly cadence, stand up a simple KPI dashboard, lock a quick win (partners + doc pack milestone), and deliver a 90-day plan with owners, dates, and risks. Second, a 60-day Install where we execute the first compliant shipment end-to-end and document the order-to-cash SOPs. Third, months 3–6 to Scale & Handoff, where we reduce cost-to-serve, repeat or add a second lane, and train the internal owner so the system runs without us.
Phase 0 - 10 Day Diagnostic
Stand up weekly exec cadence (agenda, invites sent, first session run)
Build Dashboard v1 (pipeline, landed-cost %, OTIF/SLA, DSO, FX exposure)
Ship one quick win (e.g., forwarder & broker engaged, HS codes + Incoterms chosen, 3PL/Amazon intake ready)
Deliver a 90-day plan (3 initiatives, owners, dates, risks) + risk register
Phase 1 - 60-Day Install
Execute the first compliant order end-to-end (docs → booking → customs → delivery → invoice → cash)
Create 6–10 SOPs for the lane (order→cash, broker/FF SOP, returns, exceptions)
Lock payment & FX policy (terms, insurance, collections timeline)
Run weekly cadence + war room, keep Dashboard v2 current
Phase 2 - Months 3–6 Scale & Handoff
Reduce cost-to-serve (rate improvements, routing, SLAs) and repeat or open a second lane/market
Train the internal owner; onboard your new hire into the live system
Harden SOPs & KPIs, establish quarterly review rhythm
Optional: add GovCon readiness (TAA/BAA check, capture cadence, delivery governance) without slowing exports
(Most clients recoup a meaningful share of fees with the first shipment, depending on product margins, MOQs, and terms.)
OUTCOMES & KPIs
You’ll see your first export delivered and invoiced, with OTIF/SLA trending toward target, a landed-cost model in active use on quotes, and DSO and FX exposure tracked and managed. For GovCon clients, you’ll have a repeatable submission rhythm, a basic win/loss loop, and delivery scorecards tied to CPARS. Depending on your margins, MOQs, and terms, many clients see their initial fees effectively returned with the very first shipment, because the order moves on time, clears cleanly, and cash lands as planned.
SNAPSHOTS
Consumer brand → GCC: first shipment in 58 days (DAP), 8 SOPs, 9% lower freight on order #2
Industrial components → Canada: broker + FTZ workflow; SLA 84%→96% in 6 weeks
GovCon subcontractor → VA/DoD: capture calendar + gates live; compliance binder; first compliant sub in 30 days
THE POD
You work with one accountable lead who drives cadence, decisions, partners, risks, and outcomes. Behind the scenes we bring in an ops analyst for dashboards, SOPs, and project flow, and a trade specialist for HS/ECCN classification and broker/forwarder coordination. Everything is remote-first, with optional on-site support for warehouse audits, buyer onboarding, or board workshops if you want it.
WHO WE’RE A FIT FOR
We’re a match for founder-led or PE-backed brands and B2B manufacturers that already feel real demand—whether that’s a distributor asking for a PO or a board pushing for international revenue—and for teams currently hiring Export/International/Logistics or GovCon leadership who need an interim operator to bridge the gap. If tariffs, compliance, or cashflow have you stalled, or you’ve got a government opportunity you don’t want to miss, we install the system, ship the first order, and hand it to your new hire to run on Day 1.
FAQ
Do you replace a full-time hire?
Not in the beginning. What we do is act as a bridge while you hire, then onboard your new person into a running system. After we get you up and running, you can either choose to keep us in the same capacity or allow us to train your new hire. What ever you choose, we are there to keep things running smoothly so that there are no gaps.Do you act as Importer/Exporter of Record or give legal advice?
No. We design the process and coordinate your licensed broker/attorney. Our team is designed to handle everything for you so that ll of the right people are in place.Will I need to travel you in?
Only if you want on-site audits or buyer onboarding. Otherwise remote works 95% of the time.Can you help with federal sales too?
Yes - readiness, capture rhythm, pricing workflow, and delivery governance without slowing exports.
Need an NDA first? Happy to send ours or countersign yours
If you need the first compliant shipment out on time - or a public-sector path that won’t trip compliance, book fifteen minutes and tell us what’s stuck. Prefer a one-pager first? Request it and we’ll send a short overview you can forward internally. NDA friendly either way.Send us a message below or book a call and we can chat with you when you're ready!
Thank you
Need an NDA first? Happy to send ours or countersign yours.