Government contracting has long operated on timelines and processes that bear little resemblance to the fast-moving software companies Gen Z workers often benchmark employers against. Lengthy procurement cycles, compliance requirements, and security clearance waiting periods create friction that commercial employers simply do not share. Yet Margarita Howard, sole owner, CEO, and president of HX5, has built a workforce of more than 1,000 people doing sophisticated STEM work for NASA and the Department of Defense, by meeting the current generation of workers on terms they recognize.
Technology as a Recruiting Tool
HX5’s modernization is not cosmetic. Howard has introduced AI tools, updated communication platforms, and hybrid work options that reflect how Gen Z professionals prefer to operate. Instant messaging and interactive project management systems have replaced older internal workflows where security protocols allow. The company has moved early on artificial intelligence, recognizing that staying ahead of emerging technology serves both recruitment and operational goals. Howard has said that she saw the importance of getting started on AI and cybersecurity early and acted accordingly.
That investment matters most in proposal development, one of the most consequential functions in government contracting. Winning federal contracts requires writing detailed, precise proposals that demonstrate capability and value. AI tools assist HX5 with that process, allowing experienced staff to focus on higher-level judgment while maintaining the documentation quality that auditors and contracting officers require. Howard has framed this plainly: writing winning proposals is an absolute necessity in this industry.
Experience Still Sets the Bar
Despite modernization efforts, Margarita Howard remains clear about what HX5 requires. Candidates who have worked inside NASA or DoD environments carry knowledge that commercial-sector experience does not fully replicate. HX5’s management team, Howard has noted, is largely composed of women with advanced degrees and deep agency experience. That combination of expertise and institutional knowledge is the foundation on which HX5’s modernization rests. Gen Z workers who join the organization are entering a culture adapting to their preferences without abandoning the rigor that federal work demands. Visit this page for more information.
Find more information about Howard on https://m.doyoubuzz.com/margarita-howard