The scope and duration of our consulting engagements is determined together with our clients. Some engagements are as short as 5-6 weeks while others require several months depending on scope of work, the number and complexity of client products and other factors. For contract electronics manufacturing strategy and supplier selection assignments, we recommend CMC engagement at least 6 months prior to scheduled start of quality production, or 12 months to utilize supplier design for manufacturing/supply chain integration services.

Staffing of engagements typically involves one full-time CMC consultant working mostly independently with scheduled progress reviews. Some clients prefer that we work in anonymity to protect their identity. Alternatively, CMC can work as an integrated part of the client's project team.

We serve clients worldwide from our office in Seattle. The portion of our time spent at the client's location depends upon type of engagement and travel needs. Contract electronics manufacturing assignments involving global suppliers for example, will require more travel for factory audits of contract electronics manufacturers to be evaluated.

Engagement fees are set either on a fixed-fee for the project or on a weekly fee basis. Twenty percent of the fee (or two weeks retainer if weekly) is required before any work can begin, with the balance paid in equal installments over the course of the engagement. Expenses are reimbursable at cost and invoiced as incurred.

Upon mutual agreement to proceed, CMC will prepare a letter of engagement containing details of scope, duration, fees and work plan for client authorization. Upon start-up, we can draft the engagement announcement email for client's use to any electronics contract manufacturers in process of evaluation