Margarita Howard, the brilliant mind behind HX5, has defied the odds and
achieved remarkable success in the male-dominated field of government
contracting. As the sole owner, president, and CEO of HX5, Howard has
demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence and strategic insight in
meeting the military’s requirements.
With approximately 14 million women-owned businesses in the US, Howard’s journey stands as a
testament to the potential and contributions of women in generating growth and
meeting the needs of corporate and government buyers. A recent survey conducted
by Women Impacting Public Policy revealed that 75% of women-owned businesses
consider corporate and government contracting critical to their business strategy.
Margarita Howard’s approach to business is a blend of ingenuity and integrity. Despite
facing numerous rejections in the early years, she remained persistent in
securing a line of credit and small business loan. Her dedication paid off, and
HX5 received its first chance from a supportive bank that remains their trusted
financial partner to this day. Howard’s commitment to building strong
relationships is evident, as new banks are continually seeking to earn their business.
One significant milestone in Howard’s journey was joining the Small Business Administration’s
8(a) program. As a first-generation American, she met the program’s criteria
and gained eligibility to compete for and secure contracts worth millions of
dollars. The certification proved instrumental in HX5’s early success, as the
company was awarded four contracts in just one year, providing the foundation for its growth.
Howard’s path to success was not without its challenges. After losing both parents to illness,
she persevered and pursued an advanced education at the University of Texas at
El Paso. Joining the military, specifically the Air Force, provided her with
opportunities to advance her career and gain insight into the government contracting sector.
With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in hand, Howard’s experience implementing the Tricare
program, a major initiative in managed health care for the military, proved
invaluable. Working with various subcontractors and successfully transitioning
the program, she acquired in-depth knowledge of government operations and
private-sector participation.
In 2004, armed with her experience and a vision for success, Margarita Howard founded HX5. Differentiating herself from
other government contractors, she focused on building a business infrastructure
that enabled HX5 to compete for contracts rather than relying solely on
sole-source awards. Compliance, financial discipline, and building strong
relationships with government agencies became the pillars of HX5’s success.
Margarita Howard’s journey and accomplishments with HX5 exemplify the power of determination,
strategic acumen, and a commitment to excellence. As women continue to reshape
the government contracting landscape, Howard’s story serves as an inspiration
and a reminder of the immense potential within all of us to overcome challenges
and thrive in the business world.
See related link for more information.
Learn more about Margarita Howard on https://www.govconwire.com/2018/01/nasa-taps-hx5-for-potential-377m-nasa-glenn-center-support-contract/