Under the astute leadership of Margarita Howard, HX5
has emerged as a highly successful small business in the government contracting industry. With a
strategic foresight and unwavering determination, Howard has steered HX5 from
its humble beginnings to a thriving company with over 1,000 employees. 

Since its establishment in 2004, HX5 has become a prominent player in the government
contracting sector. Headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the company
has expanded its footprint to 34 locations, offering a wide range of
professional mission support services primarily to the Department of Defense and NASA. 

Navigating the male-dominated government contracting industry as a service-disabled veteran,
Margarita Howard faced and conquered significant challenges. Through her
unwavering professionalism and competence, she established credibility and
effectively led the company. Notably, Howard has made great strides in
promoting diversity within HX5, particularly in elevating women to prominent
roles. The majority of the company’s management team comprises women,
reflecting Howard’s belief in the potential and capabilities of women in leadership positions. 

While progress has been made, Margarita Howard acknowledges that women still face challenges in the
government contracting industry. She experienced biases firsthand, but her
determination and unwavering focus on the company’s goals allowed her to
overcome these obstacles and build a reputation as a successful leader and business owner. 

Howard’s journey in the government contracting industry was shaped by her experience with military
health care programs, particularly the Tricare program. Working with the
contract team responsible for implementing Tricare provided her with invaluable
insights into the military structure and the commercial aspects of health care
management. This experience, coupled with her deep understanding of the
government contracting landscape, laid the foundation for HX5’s success. 

Margarita Howard’s strategic approach to HX5’s growth involved a focus on
competitive bidding rather than relying solely on sole-source awards. This
differentiation allowed HX5 to compete effectively in the 8(a) program, which
provides contracting opportunities and training for small business owners
facing social and economic disadvantages. Strengthening the company’s
infrastructure and building a strong team were also key components of Howard’s business strategy. 

In the highly competitive landscape of government contracting in 2024, HX5 continues to
thrive under Howard’s leadership. Legislative changes and evolving regulations
present both challenges and opportunities, particularly in areas like
cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. However, with a dedicated and
experienced management team, HX5 remains at the forefront of the industry. 

Margarita Howard’s journey in the government contracting industry is a testament to her resilience
and strategic acumen. As a trailblazer for women in the industry, she continues
to pave the way for future generations of women-owned small businesses. With
her unwavering commitment to professionalism and excellence, Margarita Howard
has positioned HX5 as a leader in the government contracting world. 

Go to this page on CrunchBase, for additional information. 

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