HX5's Edge: Margarita Howard's Vision of Excellence

The government contracting industry in 2024 continues to be a fiercely competitive landscape.

With evolving technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting geopolitical priorities, companies operating in this space must embrace innovation and exhibit exceptional strategic leadership to succeed. The sector is characterized by its stringent compliance requirements, the critical importance of cybersecurity measures, and an increasing emphasis on cost-efficiency and agility in project delivery.

Within this highly competitive and demanding environment, HX5 emerges as a standout company, distinguished by its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and strategic foresight. Margarita Howard, the sole owner and CEO/president of HX5, has a focused vision that has propelled the company to the forefront of the government contracting industry.

“Every single year, we have been fortunate enough that our revenue has been higher than the previous year,” she says. 

Led by Howard, the firm operates in 34 states and 90 government locations. Its headquarters are in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and its workforce is 1,000 employees. The combination of her tenure in the Air Force and her academic achievements gave her a unique perspective on how she wanted her company to operate in the government contracting industry. It instilled a profound sense of discipline and commitment while providing her firsthand experience in understanding government agencies' intricate operations and needs.

She attributes part of her success to joining the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program. This nine-year initiative provides mentorship and support to business owners facing social and economic challenges. As a first-generation American, Howard qualified for this program. With the 8(a) accreditation, she could compete for and secure contracts worth millions of dollars. "Once we became an 8(a) company, we quickly secured four contracts within a year, which significantly propelled our early growth," she shares.

Under Margarita Howard’s guidance, the firm thrives amid the industry's challenges, showcasing a unique ability to blend innovative solutions with deep operational expertise. Howard's leadership philosophy centers on understanding the intricate needs of government clients, building solid and meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, and maintaining a razor-sharp focus on meeting and exceeding those needs with cutting-edge solutions.

“Being able to write winning proposals is an absolute necessity to be able to secure work as a government contractor. Developing winning proposals that accurately show the company’s capabilities, solution approach, and value proposition in a compelling and compliant manner requires solid technical and cost expertise combined with effective proposal writing skills,” Howard explains.

“We invested heavily early on in a professional proposal team that consisted of very experienced proposal managers and writers who had years of experience working with subject matter experts to develop comprehensive and persuasive proposals. This was [an] investment the company made upfront in order to be highly competitive from the beginning.”

HX5: A Standout Company Guided by Margarita Howard's Vision

Margarita Howard's strategic captaincy is further evidenced by her commitment to diversity and inclusivity within HX5. Recognizing the value of a range of perspectives in driving innovation and strategic planning, Howard has established a management team where women hold many key positions. This includes having two female vice presidents in senior roles. 

“At the end of the day, it’s our great management and leadership team who makes us successful,” she notes. 

This commitment to diversity underlines Howard's belief in its power to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability — qualities essential for success in government contracting. Her approach to fostering an environment where talent is recognized and nurtured irrespective of gender highlights the company's dedication to breaking barriers and promoting an inclusive workplace culture.

Margarita Howard says, “It’s rewarding to see that women are making significant strides in the government contracting industry, over the years, breaking barriers and more often assuming leadership roles in this industry and within government agencies that we work with.“

Overview of the 2024 Government Contracting Industry

Innovation has become a cornerstone for companies aiming to secure a competitive edge. With the federal government's growing interest in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions, contractors who bring innovative solutions and can rapidly adapt to changing needs are finding themselves at the forefront of the industry.

Strategic leadership, characterized by a deep understanding of the market's complexities and the specific needs of government clients, has never been more vital. Leaders within this space must navigate a maze of regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence within their organizations. The ability to anticipate changes in government priorities and align their offerings accordingly determines a company's ability to secure and successfully execute government contracts.

“You have to actively highlight how your services can address the government's needs and add value to their mission in a way that no other company can,” says Margarita Howard. “You also need to emphasize quality, reliability, and performance in your proposals and project execution. Building a track record of successful contract performance enhances your credibility and your competitiveness.”

The firm’s offerings are built around its expertise in engineering and technical services. Its specialists collaborate closely with government clients to roll out advanced engineering solutions that adhere to the strict requirements of federal projects. The firm guarantees that each project, from aerospace engineering and systems development to technical documentation, is supported by thorough analysis and cutting-edge methodologies.

Recognizing the critical importance of data security and operational continuity in government operations, HX5 employs cutting-edge technologies and best practices to safeguard information assets while enhancing system efficiencies and user experiences.

The company engages in forward-thinking research and development activities to push the boundaries of current technologies and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by government agencies. It contributes to advancements in science, technology, and operational processes through collaborative partnerships, driving progress and innovation within the government sector. By providing meticulous project oversight, budget management, and logistical support, HX5 ensures that government projects are executed seamlessly from conception through completion.

The enterprise’s dedication to operational excellence and training exemplifies its commitment to meeting and exceeding government clients' expectations. The company proudly supports and assists its government customers to achieve their missions effectively and efficiently through supporting their various programmatic and operational needs throughout the various life cycle stages of the respective mission.