In the highly competitive world of government contracting, one woman has risen to the top,
leading her small business to great success. Margarita Howard, the sole owner,
CEO, and President of HX5, has navigated the challenges of the industry with
resilience and strategic foresight. Today, HX5
stands as a prominent player in government contracting, with over 1,000 employees and a reputation
for excellence. 

Howard’s journey began in 2004 when she founded HX5 with a vision of providing professional
mission support services to the Department of Defense and NASA. Over the years,
the company has flourished under her leadership, expanding to 34 locations and
earning a reputation for its competence and professionalism. 

As a woman-owned small business, Howard faced and overcame significant challenges in a
male-dominated industry. She focused on establishing credibility through
professionalism, ultimately breaking barriers and elevating women to prominent
roles within the company. Today, the majority of HX5’s management team is
comprised of women, reflecting Howard’s belief in their potential and
capabilities as leaders. 

Howard’s path to success was paved with valuable experiences, including her involvement in
implementing the Tricare program, a major initiative in managed health care for
the military. This opportunity provided her with deep insights into the
military structure, commercial health care management, and government
contracting. Armed with this knowledge, she strategically positioned HX5 for
success. 

One of Margarita Howard’s key strategies
was differentiating HX5 from its peers by focusing on competitive bidding
rather than relying solely on sole-source awards. This approach, combined with
the company’s investment in infrastructure, such as a government-approved
accounting system, attracted attention from large businesses and the
government. HX5’s impeccable records and industry expertise impressed potential
partners and clients, leading to numerous contract awards and rapid growth. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of government contracting, Howard understands the
importance of staying ahead of the curve. She emphasizes the need for
businesses to educate themselves on regulations, maintain strict adherence to
compliance requirements, and learn from any mistakes to avoid repeat issues.
HX5’s success is attributed not only to Howard’s leadership but also to the
dedicated and experienced management team she has assembled. 

As Margarita Howard continues to lead HX5, she remains committed to
supporting the missions of civil servants and the military. Her journey as a
woman-owned small business owner in the government contracting industry serves
as an inspiration to others, proving that with resilience, strategic foresight,
and a focus on professionalism, success is within reach. 

In conclusion, Margarita Howard’s journey at HX5 exemplifies a woman’s ability to thrive and
make a significant impact in the government contracting world. Her story is a
testament to the power of diversity and the value of competent and dedicated
leadership. As HX5 continues to grow and excel, Howard’s legacy will serve as
an inspiration for future generations of women in the industry. Refer to this article for additional information. 

Learn more about Margarita Howard on https://www.govconwire.com/2018/01/nasa-taps-hx5-for-potential-377m-nasa-glenn-center-support-contract/