Margarita Howard: Pioneering HX5 in Government Contracting

In 2004, Margarita Howard founded HX5, a company that has since become a significant player in the
field of government contracting. Under Howard’s leadership, HX5 offers professional mission support services, including software and hardware engineering,
mission operations support, and research and development for federal space and defense agencies. 

Howard’s journey began with her keen understanding of the opportunities available for veteran,
woman-owned small businesses. By leveraging the Small Business Administration’s
8(a) program, Howard secured multiple contracts, propelling HX5 from its nascent
stage to a competitive entity in the market. 

“After becoming an 8(a) company, we were awarded very quickly four contracts in one
year,” Margarita Howard recalls, underscoring the rapid initial success of
HX5. However, Howard’s ambitions extended beyond securing set-aside contracts.
She invested strategically in infrastructure, including a government-approved
accounting system, ensuring HX5’s attractiveness to larger businesses seeking small business partners. 

Today, HX5 operates with over 1,000 employees across 34 states, a testament to Howard’s strategic
foresight and dedication. “We made the decision very early on that we
wanted to compete,” she explains. This competitive edge has been crucial
in sustaining HX5’s growth beyond the confines of the 8(a) program. 

Navigating the male-dominated industry posed challenges, but Margarita Howard’s focus on competence and
professionalism consistently steered HX5 toward success. Her commitment to
diversity, particularly promoting women to leadership roles, has fortified the
company’s inclusive culture. “The majority of our management team are women,” Howard proudly states. 

Howard’s leadership exemplifies how strategic planning and inclusive management can drive a company
like HX5 to achieve remarkable success in the highly competitive sector of
government contracting. See related link for additional information. 

More about HX5 on https://www.linkedin.com/company/hx5-llc