Margarita Howard’s Leadership at HX5: Empowering Women in Government Contracting

The Women-Owned Small Business North American Industry Classification System report, prepared for the U.S. Small Business Administration, finds, “Women face a wider variety and greater severity of challenges in starting and growing their businesses than men.

Difficulties obtaining government contracts represent one of the largest hurdles faced by women-owned firms.”

But there’s always an exception that proves the rule — or is it an innovator who paves a new, more equitable pathway? 

HX5, under Margarita Howard’s stewardship as the president, sole owner, and CEO, has carved out a niche by offering a broad spectrum of services to government entities, with a strong emphasis on engineering, research and development, and information technology. The company’s ethos, deeply influenced by Howard’s vision, is predicated on a blend of excellence, practical experience, and a team-centric approach. 

Howard, who served in the Air Force before transitioning to a career in business, utilized her profound understanding of government operations and health care management to set the foundational stones of HX5. The company’s success is a testament to Margarita Howard and the broader role of women in government contracting, a field historically dominated by men.

“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,” says Howard.

An Uphill Battle for Women-Owned Small Businesses in Government Contracting

Indeed, women-owned businesses, particularly in government contracting, face numerous hurdles, like overcoming potential biases and limited access to networks crucial for business growth. The federal government has set a goal to award at least 5% of all prime and subcontracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year, reflecting a commitment to diversifying the field and providing equal opportunities. As of recent data, over 11,000 women-owned small businesses and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses have benefited from this initiative, indicating a positive trend toward inclusivity in federal contracting​​.

Margarita Howard says, “It’s still somewhat challenging for women in this industry, and while progress has been made, some biases unfortunately still remain to be overcome.”

Despite these efforts, women entrepreneurs continue encountering substantial barriers in government contracting. These include the challenges of meeting federal certifications and navigating a complex regulatory environment and more insidious issues like discrimination and lack of access to essential networks. 

“I’m happy to say I’ve seen it change so much [but] It’s not perfect yet,” Howard observes.

The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program, established as part of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act in 1994, seeks to address some of these issues by providing more meaningful opportunities for women-owned businesses to compete in the federal marketplace. Bear in mind that the process for certification under this program, involving stringent criteria and documentation, underscores the complexities all entrepreneurs must navigate to access these opportunities​​.

Therefore, Margarita Howard’s guidance at HX5 isn’t just a business success story; it’s a beacon for aspiring women entrepreneurs in government contracting. Her approach to building a competitive, successful enterprise while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace sets a standard in the industry. By emphasizing strong management, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, Howard has positioned HX5 as a prime example of what women-led businesses can achieve in the competitive landscape of government contracting.

Her experiences in the military instilled in her the discipline and know-how required for the industry, and her stint as part of the implementation team for Tricare provided her with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within government contracting. Tricare offers health benefits to civilian members of the United States armed forces, including active-duty personnel, military retirees, and their families.

“I was an area field manager responsible for my office in Florida, and then quickly advanced to a regional director where I had seven states in the Southeast that I was responsible for,” Howard recalls. “So I learned a lot about the military structure, but at the same time interacting with the commercial side of it because part of my responsibility was ensuring that we had providers that wanted to be a part of their network.”

After several years on the Tricare contract, Howard seriously considered starting her own business. “I just felt that I had seen it from the ground up,” she says.

Prime and Sub Contracts

Strategically, Margarita Howard has guided HX5 to secure a mix of prime and sub contracts, enhancing the firm’s portfolio and ensuring its stability and growth. Her insistence on participating in competitive bidding and using the 8(a) Business Development Program’s advantages underscores her commitment to meritocracy and long-term sustainability. “I had that competitive edge or desire. And I knew that I didn’t want HX5 to be dependent on sole-source awards,” Margarita Howard shares. “It was a very early decision that we would compete while still being in the 8(a) program.” This approach has steered HX5 clear of the growth limitations that small businesses often face in this sector.

“We have won some, for our size company, very large prime contracts,” she says. “And we have large businesses as our subcontractors. And then we’re a very good subcontractor as well.”

In 2024, HX5 stands as a testament to Howard’s visionary guidance, with 1,000 employees and a sterling reputation in government contracting. Howard credits this success to the company’s discerning management team selection, which has contributed to impressive retention rates and a profoundly committed workforce.

As the government contractor looks to the future, Howard remains focused on strategic growth, operational excellence, and fostering an inclusive work environment. She remains dedicated to making the business a leader in government contracting and workplace diversity.

Howard’s leadership transcends contract wins; it’s about cultivating a culture of integrity, hard work, and innovation at HX5. The company’s proficiency in securing and executing prime contracts reflects the trust and confidence it has built within the industry, underpinned by Howard’s and her team’s expertise.

“The majority of our management team are women,” says Howard. “We were very selective of people that we chose for our management team. And really, I could not be more proud of the team that we have.”

As the sector continues to evolve, leaders like Margarita Howard serve as both inspiration and a call to action for continued efforts to support and empower women entrepreneurs in this challenging field.

Similar Stories