Margarita Howard: Paving the Way for HX5 in Government Contracting
Margarita Howard, a trailblazer in the government contracting sector, established HX5 in 2004. The company
provides essential mission support services to federal space and defense
agencies, earning a stellar reputation for delivering high-quality engineering,
IT services, and mission operations support.
Howard’s entry into the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program was a pivotal moment for HX5.
The program enabled her to secure multiple contracts, providing a robust
foundation for the company. “After becoming an 8(a) company, we were
awarded very quickly four contracts in one year,” she stated, highlighting
the rapid growth phase.
Despite early successes, Margarita Howard aimed to ensure HX5 was not solely reliant on 8(a)
contracts. She invested in government-approved infrastructure, such as a
recognized accounting system, making HX5 attractive to larger firms seeking small business partners.
The competitive landscape of government contracting in 2024 demands companies to be adaptable.
Howard emphasizes, “You have to know and understand the industry first.” HX5’s
strategic investments and dedicated workforce have positioned the company to
thrive amidst evolving regulations and increased opportunities.
Under Howard’s leadership, HX5 has also focused on fostering diversity within its workforce. “The majority of our
management team are women,” she noted, underscoring her commitment to gender
equality in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Howard’s journey from a single employee to leading a team of over 1,000 across 34 states is a
testament to her leadership. Margareta Howard’s approach to building HX5 has
been characterized by strategic foresight and a commitment to excellence,
ensuring the company’s sustained success in a highly competitive market.
In recognition of her achievements, the U.S. Small Business Administration awarded Margarita
Howard the 2012 Minority Small Business Person of the Year for SBA National
Region 4 and the 2015 North Florida Woman-Owned Small Business Person of the
Year. See related link for additional information.
Learn more about Howard on https://sierralobo.com/hx5-sierra-wins-fy20-nasa-grc-small-business-prime-contractor-of-the-year-award/
