Margarita Howard leads with a straightforward philosophy in government contracting, where diversity initiatives are gaining traction. As the sole owner, president, and CEO of HX5, a company supporting NASA and the Department of Defense, Howard emphasizes that achievement in this sector depends on proven capabilities rather than ownership demographics.
“Being a women-owned business has not had a substantive impact, either positive or negative, on our ability to compete for prime government contracts,” says Howard. “Success is never guaranteed, and regardless of the fact HX5 is a women-owned company, we must always prove our ability to meet and exceed contract requirements and deliver value to the customer, just like any other government contractor regardless of size or ownership.”
This perspective comes at a significant moment for women in business. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, women entrepreneurs helm more than 12 million companies nationwide, collectively employing over 10.7 million people. Yet challenges persist, particularly in accessing capital and loan opportunities compared to male-owned businesses.
According to Howard, “NASA has done a good job of promoting women.” The increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in contracting practices presents new opportunities, though she notes this comes with intensified competition.
“As more women-owned businesses enter the government contracting market, competition for contracts is intensifying,” Margarita Howard says. “Accordingly, with an increase in the number of businesses competing for work, it continues to be of critical importance for any business, women-owned or otherwise, to differentiate themselves through their unique capabilities, past performance, and value propositions that they can offer to the government.”
This competitive environment has also presented new collaborative opportunities. “Consequently, with the increase in the number of women-owned businesses comes what many would see as a benefit in the form of having more opportunities for collaboration and teaming,” Howard says. “Women-owned businesses can benefit from partnering with other firms, including large primes or other small businesses, to pursue larger contracts or projects requiring diverse expertise.”
Margarita Howard on Building a Strong Contracting Foundation
Howard emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and certification in the government contracting space. “First and foremost, I suggest going to the Small Business Administration’s women-owned business resource site and reviewing all the various resources and programs available to women entrepreneurs,” she says.
“This includes filing the paperwork necessary to get the company officially certified with the United States Small Business Administration as a women-owned small business — assuming, of course, the business is, in fact, small and meets all the application criteria for such a designation.”
Understanding the intricacies of government procurement forms another crucial foundation for success. “This is essential to understanding how contracts are awarded and managed, and that will help you navigate the process more effectively when the business gets up and running,” Margarita Howard explains. It’s necessary to maintain compliance throughout the contract’s life cycle, too.
She says, “A new WOSB must also always ensure that it complies with all legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements throughout the entire contract life cycle process, from proposal to closeout, and always maintain integrity and professionalism in all interactions with government agencies and teaming partners.”
While mastering these technical aspects is essential, Howard attributes much of her success to another fundamental principle: relationship building. “We have remained very loyal to our key people that started with us,” she shares. “I fully believe in trust and loyalty. And when I talk about success, those are some of the keys.”
HX5 Embracing Modern Business Practices
The industry’s evolution extends to operational practices, particularly in response to recent global events. “The shift toward remote work and virtual collaboration, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is heavily influencing how government contracts are being performed, and women-owned businesses that develop the skill sets and infrastructure to effectively deliver services remotely may have a competitive advantage in the very near future,” Howard notes.
Environmental consciousness has also become increasingly important. “Women-owned businesses with environmentally friendly practices or social impact initiatives may be more attractive to government buyers based on the particulars of the agency and opportunity,” she adds.
Margarita Howard continues, “Additionally, many companies are now starting to participate in the voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reporting requirements, and being able to show that a company is taking proactive steps to be more environmentally conscious can have a real impact in setting the company apart from others who are not.
“As a women-owned business, HX5 recognizes that these trends and others present opportunities and risks. Each trend is monitored closely, and the company attempts to adjust its strategies and operations to best accommodate and adapt to the various effects each of these trends presents. Since each company is different, each company needs to consider these and other trends from the context of how the particular company operates and where that particular company wants to go, and then take into consideration the various trends and make adjustments as needed to get there.”
While acknowledging the progress made in the industry, Howard remains pragmatic about ongoing challenges. “It’s rewarding to see that women have made 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,” she reflects. “It’s still somewhat challenging for women in this industry, and while progress has been made, some biases unfortunately remain to be overcome.”
Through her leadership at HX5, Margarita Howard demonstrates that success in government contracting comes through thorough preparation, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to excellence — regardless of gender. Her approach offers valuable insights for any business looking to succeed in the competitive government contracting landscape.
