Inside HX5: Margarita Howard's Innovative Strategies in Government Contracting

The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce in government contracting, one of today's most challenging industries. HX5 stands out for its innovation and success, mainly due to the visionary guardianship of Margarita Howard. As the sole owner, CEO, and president of HX5, Howard has charted a course through the industry with a blend of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and an unyielding commitment to her team and her clients’ missions.

However, she’s humble enough to admit that no one woman can do it alone. “At the end of the day, our great management and leadership team makes us successful,” says Margarita Howard.

According to Howard, HX5’s team members “regularly network with our customers and procurement officers and attend industry-specific events, so we stay informed about upcoming opportunities.”

She continues, “Once we’ve identified a relevant opportunity, we must carefully review the solicitation documents to understand the requirements and evaluation criteria. We then have to prepare a comprehensive bid (proposal) that addresses all the specified requirements and demonstrates our ability to perform the work successfully at competitive prices. It’s also necessary to ensure you submit your bid before the deadline and follow all instructions provided in the solicitation.”

HX5's Growth Fueled by Solid Relationships

HX5, with its headquarters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, boasts a workforce of 1,000 employees and operates across 34 states and 90 government locations. The firm is a critical player in supporting federal government operations, particularly for the Department of Defense and NASA. Its portfolio boasts an array of projects encompassing research and development, engineering, information technology, and mission operations support. This diverse range of services highlights the company’s versatility and ability to meet the complex demands of government contracts.

The cornerstone of HX5's strategy under Howard's guidance has been an unwavering focus on understanding and meeting the intricate needs of government clients. This has involved a deep dive into the specific requirements and challenges these entities face and building and maintaining solid connections with key stakeholders within the government.

“Building strong relationships with government agencies is an invaluable asset for successful government contractors as it can serve to provide the contractor with positive performance appraisals and sometimes even lead to new or additional business,” says Margarita Howard. “You start building [on] your past performance, which those initial contracts we received provided the foundation for.”

Margarita Howard on the Power of Female Leadership

Howard is a service-disabled veteran with a solid educational background, including a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree. The combination of her tenure in the Air Force and her academic achievements gave her a unique perspective on taking charge and strategizing, and the importance of rigorous operational planning and execution.

Her innovative approach extends to her adept navigation of the government contracting environment, marked by intense competition, stringent regulatory requirements, and the necessity of making significant upfront investments in proposal development and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Howard has led the company to differentiate itself by highlighting its unique capabilities, triumphant past performances, and the overall value proposition it brings to its government clients.

Moreover, Margarita Howard's philosophy is deeply rooted in inclusivity and diversity. Under her keen eye, the firm boasts a management team where women hold many key positions, reflecting a commitment to breaking barriers and fostering an environment where talent is recognized and nurtured regardless of gender.

“Our management team is composed of very well-qualified women. Our managers [include] many highly educated and experienced women, and in our senior leadership, we have two female vice presidents,” Margarita Howard says.

Howard believes diversity, inclusion, and hard work have been critical factors in the enterprise’s progress, bringing varied perspectives and ideas to the forefront of its strategic planning and operational execution. “You have to commit to a lot of hard work, and experience is very important. It doesn’t just happen,” she says.

One of Howard's most significant contributions to the firm’s advancement has been her ability to instill a culture of competitiveness and excellence. From the outset, she made it clear that HX5 would not rely only on sole-source awards, but would actively compete in the open market. This stance has propelled growth and ensured sustainability and resilience in the face of changing market dynamics and government needs.

“Large businesses and the government have to meet small-business goals. So when they found a small company that they knew understood the industry and that they were not going to have to hold their hand, they were very impressed with us. And I don't think we've ever let them down,” she says.

Howard’s approach to government contracting is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and women in key roles, proving that formidable challenges can be transformed into remarkable wins with the right mix of experience, education, and strategic thinking. Her advice to women aiming to secure government contracts speaks volumes about her vision and commitment to fostering an environment where diversity and excellence drive innovation and success.

First and foremost, she suggests going to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Business resource site. “Review all the various resources and programs available to women entrepreneurs, including filing the paperwork necessary to get the company officially certified with the U.S. SBA as a women-owned small business (WOSB) — assuming, of course, the business is, in fact, small and meets all the application criteria for such a designation,” she says.

“Understanding the government's procurement process is also very important. You should familiarize yourself with all aspects of the government procurement process, including relevant regulations, procedures, and contract types, as this is essential to understanding how contracts are awarded and managed, and that will help you navigate the process more effectively when the business gets up and running.”

Margarita Howard continues, “A new women-owned small business must also always ensure that it's in compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements throughout the entire contract life cycle process, from proposal to close-out, and always maintain integrity and professionalism in all interactions with government agencies and teaming partners.”

It's about building a legacy of excellence that transcends program participation, a strategy that has served HX5 well.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.