Margarita Howard, the CEO and president of HX5, has emerged as a dynamic force in the government contracting industry, which has long been dominated by men. Under her leadership, HX5 has not only carved a niche in offering specialized services to federal entities but has also become a beacon of empowerment for women entrepreneurs. This article explores Howard’s journey, her impact on HX5, and the strides she has made in helping women navigate the complexities of government contracting.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
The government contracting industry presents significant challenges for women, from biases to a lack of access to critical networks. Margarita Howard is a testament to overcoming these hurdles. She used her deep knowledge of government operations—rooted in her time in the U.S. Air Force and later as part of the Tricare program implementation team—to lay the foundation for HX5’s success. Howard notes that while progress has been made for women in government contracting, barriers still exist. “It’s still somewhat challenging for women in this industry, and while progress has been made, some biases unfortunately still remain to be overcome.”
Women-Owned Small Businesses and Government Contracting
Women-owned small businesses, like HX5 under Howard’s leadership, face the uphill battle of navigating federal certifications and complex regulatory frameworks. The federal government’s goal of awarding at least 5% of prime and subcontracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year is a step toward leveling the playing field. Howard’s leadership of HX5 serves as a prime example of how women can achieve great success in this competitive industry. “We have won some very large prime contracts for our size company,” Howard explains, reflecting the scope of her success.
Strategic Growth and Operational Excellence at HX5
One of Howard’s key strategies at HX5 has been securing a diverse portfolio of contracts, including both prime and subcontracts. Her emphasis on competing within the 8(a) Business Development Program, while resisting dependency on sole-source awards, has enabled HX5 to grow sustainably. “I knew that I didn’t want HX5 to be dependent on sole-source awards,” says Howard. This approach has helped the company avoid the limitations that many small businesses face in the sector, positioning HX5 for long-term success.
Building a Strong Team with a Focus on Diversity
Under Howard’s leadership, HX5 has grown into a company with over 1,000 employees, known for its proficiency in securing and executing government contracts. Much of this success can be attributed to Howard’s commitment to building a diverse and highly capable management team, with a significant portion being women. “The majority of our management team are women,” Howard proudly shares, underscoring her dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Margarita Howard’s leadership at HX5 not only serves as a blueprint for business success but also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the government contracting industry. As she continues to drive HX5 forward, Howard remains a powerful advocate for women entrepreneurs, inspiring others to break through the barriers that still exist in the field. Her efforts, both in business and in empowering women, position her as a leading figure in government contracting today.