Margarita Howard is a service-disabled veteran and the sole owner and CEO/president of HX5. She’s long been a proponent of integrating advanced technologies into the company’s operations. Howard leads HX5 in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to enhance its capabilities in government contracting. The strategic deployment of AI allows the company to improve its operational efficiency and deliver superior results for its clients, including the Department of Defense and NASA.
The decision to integrate AI into the company’s operations is driven by quickly shifting tech paradigms and the increasing complexity of government projects. Margarita Howard recognizes the importance of proactively adapting to technological trends to maintain a competitive edge. “We try to stay ahead of those changing technologies — AI and cybersecurity,” she says. “We are very much involved in it already and because of the work that we do, we try to get started on it early.”
AI has the potential to revolutionize government contracting. From streamlining administrative processes to enhancing data analysis, AI offers myriad benefits that HX5 has been quick to leverage. The company has implemented AI-driven tools internally to optimize its workflows and is already seeing positive results.
Harnessing AI Potential
By automating data collection and analysis, AI tools provide real-time insights crucial for informed decision-making. This capability is valuable in the high-stakes environment of government contracting, where timely and accurate information can make a significant difference.
AI systems can enhance operational efficiency across multiple departments. For instance, AI can help predict potential delays or cost overruns in project management, allowing for proactive measures to be taken. In financial oversight, AI algorithms can quickly identify anomalies or patterns that indicate areas for cost savings or improved resource allocation.
Furthermore, AI-powered analytics can assist government contractors in better understanding market trends, client needs, and competitive landscapes. This enhanced insight can lead to more targeted and successful proposal development, ultimately improving win rates and fostering long-term growth.
Under Margarita Howard’s Leadership, HX5 Embraces AI and Continuous Improvement
HX5 is actively developing its own AI systems. The company is using a mix of internal expertise and outside consultants for this initiative.
One of the primary advantages of deploying AI is the significant improvement in operational efficiency. AI technologies enable the automation of routine tasks, reducing the time and effort required for manual processing. This allows HX5’s workforce to focus on their projects’ more strategic and complex aspects.
As technology constantly evolves, so does HX5 under Margarita Howard’s leadership. “If you are to be successful, then you have to ensure you perform the work successfully in order to be considered for future work,” she says.
As an example, Howard notes, “Once we started our first NASA contract, it just built on more NASA work.”
“Once we’ve been awarded a prime contract, it’s crucial to stay compliant with all contractual requirements, regulations, and reporting obligations, and we ensure we have the best teams in place to do this.”
HX5 consistently seeks feedback from contracting officers following contract competitions, regardless of the outcome. This practice allows the company to gain valuable insights into improving its proposals and enhancing its competitiveness for future opportunities. Analyzing successful and unsuccessful bids, the firm continually refines its approach to meet client needs more effectively.
“We try to continuously assess our performance, refine our strategies, and invest in professional development education so our employees are able to always stay ahead in performance,” says Howard.
The company’s investment in talent and expertise supports the successful integration of AI into its operations. Howard recognizes that having a skilled workforce is essential for effectively leveraging AI technologies. The company prioritizes hiring individuals with strong backgrounds in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as relevant certifications, ensuring its team is equipped to navigate the complexities of AI implementation.
Margarita Howard says, “We prefer to hire experienced individuals, so we look for people that have worked with or supported the Department of Defense as this experience is always very helpful. 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 than leading it in the commercial world.”
This focus on expertise extends to continuous professional development, with HX5 investing in comprehensive training programs to keep their team at the forefront of industry practices.
“So in all of our respective fields, contracting, accounting, finance, HR, even business development, we look for people that have experience because it’s not easy to learn, and the more experience they have, the more helpful they’re going to be to us in what we do,” says Howard.
The company has established and maintains a team of specialized advisers with expertise in government regulations. These external experts provide valuable assistance with more challenging and complex regulatory matters. For instance, when faced with legal issues, accounting complexities, or audit-related concerns, the organization may consult with their outside specialists to ensure compliance and best practices.
This network of external advisers is integral to the operational model and business strategy. By leveraging its specialized knowledge, the firm enhances its ability to navigate the intricacies of government contracting and regulatory environments effectively. This approach allows the company to access expertise that complements its internal capabilities, ensuring it remains well equipped to handle diverse challenges in the government sector.
“Advanced education in the work that we do is just extremely important,” says Margarita Howard.
To best support customers and their respective missions, government contractors must fully understand and comprehend the specifics of client needs and priorities. This deep understanding positions contractors to submit winning proposals and perform successfully on programs if selected. Successful firms in this sector continually seek to build and strengthen their relationships with government entities and other prime contractors within the government contracting community.
HX5 attends industry events, networking functions, and government-sponsored outreach programs to establish new connections and stay informed about upcoming opportunities within the sectors it operates and supports. Margarita Howard says, “The information that we learn through these activities often is important to the proposal writing process.”
