STEM-focused government contractors are pivotal in advancing the United States’ technological capabilities and maintaining its competitive edge on the global stage. These specialized firms support federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense and NASA, driving innovation in areas critical to national security and scientific advancement.
In fiscal year 2023, the federal government awarded $763 billion in contracts to external businesses. In this high-stakes arena, HX5, under the leadership of sole owner and CEO/President Margarita Howard, specializes in providing assistance and advisory services in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-focused federal support, offering a range of engineering, IT, operations/mission support, and research and development. Key support areas include hardware and software integration, aeronautical and structural engineering, and advanced IT services like simulation and real-time software.
Research from the University of Virginia’s Darden School reveals significant disparities in the awarding of STEM-related federal contracts, with women-owned and minority-owned businesses, particularly Black and Hispanic-owned, severely underrepresented. The study highlights the need for more granular analysis at the contract level to better understand and address these disparities. It also suggests that current efforts to improve opportunities for underserved businesses must consider the challenges faced by various minority groups.
Howard, a service-disabled veteran with a Master of Public Administration degree, brings a unique perspective to her role at the firm. Her military background and academic credentials have equipped her with a deep understanding of the technical and administrative aspects of government contracting. The company’s journey from a small startup to a powerhouse in STEM-concentrated operations support offers valuable insights for businesses aspiring to make their mark in this challenging sector.
Margarita Howard Highlights the Value of Industry Experience at HX5
HX5’s success often stems from its strategic approach to acquiring and retaining top talent. The firm strongly emphasizes hiring and retaining talent with STEM qualifications to ensure excellence and efficiency across its operations. However, building a powerhouse in STEM-centered federal services involves more than just hiring the right people. The company further strengthens its workforce by investing in robust training initiatives, emphasizing critical skills such as security, compliance, and industry advancements, allowing employees to perform at their best.
Margarita Howard says, “We prefer to hire experienced individuals, so we look for people who have worked with, or supported, NASA or the Department of Defense, as this experience is always very helpful. Experience in their respective fields, while supporting these agencies’ respective programs and missions, is very different than experience gained from working in the commercial world.”
The company’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its workforce to its operational practices. Howard stresses the critical nature of impeccable recordkeeping in government contracting. “From working in the industry, we knew the importance of impeccable recordkeeping. Therefore, we’ve always ensured our finances, and all our records of everything we say we do, must always be supported with the appropriate documentation and recorded accurately because, as a government contractor, all of our records are open to the government’s inspection and audits at any time,” Howard explains.
HX5’s success in securing substantial government contracts underscores its competence and reliability in the STEM-concentrated federal services sector. The company has successfully landed some high-dollar, major federal contracts.
Margarita Howard and HX5 faced numerous challenges on their path to success, the achievements were hard-earned. “When we talk to business entrepreneurs or new staff, we remind them: We know that what we do is not easy to do, and it’s very expensive to ensure it’s done right. A phrase we use often is, ‘If it were easy, everyone would do it,'” she says.
Expanding Nationwide and Embracing AI Innovation
HX5’s impressive growth reflects its success in the STEM-engaged federal services sector. The company operates across 34 states at 90 government locations, employing over 1,000 individuals. This expansive reach allows the firm to provide comprehensive support to federal clients, tackling research and development projects, engineering, information technology, and mission operations support.
The company faced unique challenges, particularly as a women-owned business. Margarita Howard says, “It’s still somewhat challenging for women in this industry, and while progress has been made, some biases unfortunately still remain to be overcome.” Despite these obstacles, she remains optimistic about the progress and opportunities available for women in the industry.
“It’s rewarding to see that women are making significant strides in the government contracting industry, over the years, breaking barriers and more often assuming to leadership roles in this industry and within government agencies that we work with,” adds Howard.
HX5 has positioned itself at the forefront of technological innovation in recent years, particularly in artificial intelligence. “It’s actually something that we’re very much involved in already, and because of the work that we do, we try to stay ahead of those changing technologies,” explains Margarita Howard.
HX5’s AI strategy is twofold. The company is involved with supporting AI development for its work with the DoD and NASA while also implementing internal AI systems. This approach involves leveraging both in-house skills and external consultants. The firm is actively developing and using AI tools internally and is already seeing benefits from this investment. Companies that fail to do so risk becoming obsolete.
Constant improvement and adaptability are crucial to the company. Margarita Howard says, “We try to continuously assess our performance, refine our strategies, and invest in professional development education so our employees can always stay ahead in performance.”
For businesses aspiring to build their own powerhouse in STEM-focused federal services, Howard’s experience with HX5 offers valuable lessons. Her emphasis on expertise, continuous learning, meticulous compliance, and technological innovation provides a road map for success in this challenging but rewarding field.
