Fort Walton Beach, Florida – HX5, a leading federal services contractor, has distinguished itself through its
consistent growth and effective strategies. At the helm of this remarkable
company is Margarita Howard, its sole owner and CEO/President. Under her
leadership since 2004, HX5 has carved a niche for itself by offering
specialized professional support services tailored for federal government agencies. 

“To excel in government contracting, it is imperative to understand the unique
characteristics and intricacies of this marketplace,” says Howard.
“Government agencies at federal, state, and local levels have diverse
needs and requirements, which can vary significantly across industries and regions.” 

Howard’s approach to sustainable business development revolves around building strong
relationships with government agencies. She believes that fostering positive
performance appraisals and establishing new or additional business
opportunities relies heavily on maintaining strong ties with these entities. 

“To be a successful government contractor, you must invest time in researching and
understanding your target market,” adds Margarita Howard.
This involves analyzing government procurement trends, identifying key
decision-makers within agencies, and tracking upcoming opportunities through
government procurement websites. 

HX5’s success can be attributed, in part, to Howard’s strategic decision to participate in the
Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. As a first-generation American,
Howard qualified for the program, opening new doors for her business endeavors.
The 8(a) accreditation was a significant milestone for Howard and HX5, enabling
them to successfully compete for, win, and perform on key contracts, some worth millions of dollars. 

The role of women in government contracting is evolving, with more female leaders like Howard
breaking barriers and assuming leadership roles. In 2021, women-owned small
businesses received 4.63% of contract dollars, and the federal government aims
to annually award at least 5% of contracting dollars to these enterprises. 

Margarita Howard’s focus on building the business from the ground up has been instrumental in
HX5’s success. Rather than investing in superficial aspects, she prioritized
getting the right team and infrastructure in place. This included implementing
a high-end accounting system tailored for government contractors, which proved
attractive to large businesses in the industry. 

HX5 operates as both a prime contractor, managing projects directly with the government, and a
subcontractor, working with other contractors. This dual approach has enabled
the company to secure large prime contracts while also excelling as a
subcontractor, recognized for outstanding performance in this capacity. 

Margarita Howard’s sustainable approach to business development and her dedication to
understanding and meeting the unique needs of government agencies have
propelled HX5’s growth. With her leadership and strategic vision, HX5 continues
to thrive in the government contracting marketplace. Read this article for more information. 

Visit their LinkedIn profile on https://www.linkedin.com/company/hx5-sierra-llc