Margarita Howard, the driving force behind HX5, epitomizes a leader whose vision is anchored in unwavering ethics and uncompromising integrity. As the sole owner and CEO/president of HX5, she’s steered the company to excel while demonstrating ethical conduct standards in government contracting. Her unwavering commitment to integrity is the cornerstone of its operations and a key driver of its competitive edge.
One of the hardest lessons for Howard and HX5 was the “rude awakening” that some industry competitors “don’t operate with the same commitment to high ethical conduct standards that we do. They have no qualms using underhanded and dishonest actions to try to take the work away from you, or to take advantage of you, especially when you are a small business owner.
“Thankfully, such companies represent only a small number, with the majority of industry competitors upholding a strong and lasting commitment to fair and honest competitive business practices.”
HX5’s capabilities extend across a broad spectrum, from advanced scientific exploration to on-the-ground operational support.
The company excels in providing research and development, engineering, and technical services to its DOD and NASA customers. Additionally, HX5 is at the forefront of digital infrastructure and cybersecurity ensuring comprehensive support services for its clients’ diverse needs.
“Large businesses that do business with the government often have to meet certain small-business goals depending on the contract they are performing under. So when they find a small company that they know understands the industry and they’re not going to have to hold their hand, I’m proud to say the large businesses we’ve worked closely with have told us how impressed with us they are,” Margarita Howard says. “And I don’t think we’ve ever let them down. They met all their business goals, and we have worked very hard to be a very good team partner for those large businesses.”
Government contracting, particularly in the defense and space sectors, involves navigating a labyrinth of regulations. The company places a strong emphasis on compliance and regulatory expertise. “Experience in their respective fields such as contracting, accounting/finance, and [human resources] is key because leading a workforce in this industry is very different from leading it in the commercial world,” Howard says. This commitment to hiring experienced professionals ensures that HX5 complies with all regulatory requirements.
The company also engages external experts to assist with complex regulatory matters. “We have built and keep a team of advisers that specialize in the government industry,” says Howard. These advisers provide critical insights and support, effectively helping the firm navigate legal, accounting, and audit issues.
Investing in Talent and Professional Development
Attracting and retaining top-tier talent is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy. HX5 prioritizes individuals with strong backgrounds in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math and relevant certifications. This focus on expertise is essential for delivering high-quality services in the highly specialized fields of defense and space. “We look for people that have worked with or supported the Department of Defense as this experience is always very helpful,” Margarita Howard notes.
Beyond recruitment, HX5 is committed to the continuous professional development of its employees to keep its team at the cutting edge of industry practices. “Advanced education in the work that we do is extremely important,” Howard says. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that HX5’s workforce is well equipped to meet clients’ evolving demands.
The company’s ability to deliver on complex projects has earned it a reputation for reliability and excellence. Howard attributes this success to the collective effort and dedication of the team. She points out, “At the end of the day, it’s our great management and leadership team who makes us successful.”
Maintaining a strong company culture is critical in the high-pressure environment of government contracting. The company achieves this by leading with integrity and setting high standards. “We hold ourselves to the same high standards of performance, and integrity, and honesty that we would expect of our employees. We try to remind them always that our customers have important missions, and we are trusting in them to help us support our customers. We always want to provide the best possible services at the highest levels,” says Howard. This approach fosters a culture of mutual respect and commitment, which is vital for long-term success.
As a service-disabled veteran, Margarita Howard’s background also significantly shapes HX5’s culture. Her experience and deep understanding of the defense community have influenced the company’s direction and values. “My background was influenced by military service,” Howard shares, noting her “personal experience as a defense contractor played a big part in this.”
HX5’s Margarita Howard Talks Challenges
HX5 has mastered the art of agile operations because mission priorities can shift dramatically based on global events. Howard says, “We always have to be ready for changing mission priorities based on real-time world events.”
However, the challenges continue beyond operational flexibility. The enterprise has honed its expertise in managing the complex financial landscape that characterizes these industries. As government fiscal cycles ebb and flow, the company remains poised to handle sudden changes in funding allocations.
Margarita Howard says, “Every year, we run into, ‘Is the budget going to be approved? Are they going to have budget cuts?'”
This dual focus on operational agility and financial acumen positions the company as a resilient and reliable partner in the ever-fluid defense and space sectors. By anticipating and swiftly adapting to strategic shifts and budgetary fluctuations, HX5 ensures uninterrupted excellence in service delivery, regardless of external pressures.
The company is driving change by consistently raising the bar for integrity and performance. Its commitment to nurturing top talent, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and maintaining unwavering ethical standards serves as a blueprint for the future of government contracting.
In an era where the lines between public and private sector innovation are increasingly blurred, its operation model demonstrates how government contractors can be catalysts for positive change. As Margarita Howard and HX5 continue to deliver on projects, the company proves that exceptional service and unwavering integrity are essential for long-term success in the complex world of government contracting.