Margarita Howard, as the sole owner and CEO and President of HX5, has navigated the government
contracting world with strategic foresight and resilience. Under her
leadership, HX5 has grown from humble beginnings to a highly successful small business with
over 1,000 employees. Headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, HX5 provides
professional mission support services primarily to the Department of Defense
and NASA. 

As a woman-owned small business, Margarita Howard faced and overcame significant challenges in
the male-dominated government contracting industry. Her professionalism and
competence have established her credibility and effectiveness as a leader.
Howard’s commitment to diversity is evident in the majority of HX5 management team, which comprises women. 

While progress has been made in promoting women in government contracting, there are still
challenges to overcome. Howard acknowledges the additional challenge of proving
oneself as an effective and successful leader in a male-dominated industry.
However, she has persevered, focusing on the company’s goals and building her
reputation through professionalism. 

Howard’s journey in the government contracting industry began with her experience in military
health care programs. Her involvement in implementing the Tricare Program, a major initiative in managed health care for
the military, provided her with deep insights into the military structure and
health care management aspects. This experience shaped her strategy for HX5,
emphasizing competitive bidding and differentiating the company from its peers. 

In addition to focusing on competitive bidding, Howard prioritized building a strong
infrastructure for HX5 from the beginning. This included investing in a
government-approved accounting system and a strong team. The strong
infrastructure and competent team attracted the attention of large businesses
and government agencies, impressed by HX5’s understanding of the industry and
its ability to deliver. 

Howard’s leadership and management team have been instrumental in HX5’s success. Their dedication
and experience have been essential in navigating the complexities of government
contracting and ensuring compliance with regulations. Margarita Howard emphasizes the importance of investing in education and strict adherence
to regulations to maintain impeccable records on government contracts. 

Looking ahead, Margarita Howard understands the competitive landscape of government
contracting, with evolving regulations and opportunities in areas like
cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. She remains committed to supporting
the military and government agencies, recognizing the privilege of working
side-by-side with them. 

In conclusion, Margarita Howard’s journey in the government contracting industry is marked by
resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to diversity. Her leadership has propelled
HX5 to success, establishing it as a prominent player in the industry. With a
strong team and a strategic vision, Howard continues to navigate the
ever-changing landscape of government contracting with determination and
excellence. Read this article for more information. 

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