What We Do

Vertx Partners is a novel effort to tap into previously overlooked Research & Development (R&D) resources in West Virginia and the greater Appalachian Region. We aim to connect these resources with the entities that could best benefit from their services and technology. We are also dedicated to providing advice for companies seeking entry into the world of federal contracting, which makes education a high priority for us. You can learn more about Vertx’s mission here.

Vertx Partners is a brand that empowers connection. We’re eager to network on both small and large scales to create innovation within unconventional relationships. We’re disrupting the status quo by lowering the bar of entry into federal contracting through our educational and counseling efforts.

Vertx was founded to revolutionize Research & Development initiatives in Appalachia. With roots in West Virginia, our team is working to break down the barriers small businesses face when trying to work with the federal government. An overarching goal for Vertx is to see a resurgence in R&D clusters in West Virginia and Appalachia as a whole.

Vertx Partners is based in Morgantown, West Virginia, but has team members located throughout the United States.

Vertx Partners was founded by Ret. Colonel Sean Frisbee, whose previous work in the U.S. Air Force and Research & Development (R&D) at large, has given him a clear vision for the desired future of his home state and beyond.

To help our nation solve its most pressing national security challenges through partnership and connection with America’s innovators.

Not seeing an answer to your question here? Feel free to Contact Us.

Vertx Partners bridges gaps between small businesses, research institutions, non-profit enterprises, and the federal government without charging for our services. We’re here to facilitate innovation and solve the latest challenges the U.S. Air Force faces.

We specifically serve fellow Appalachians who are ready to see this often-neglected region transform into the powerhouse of enterprise and ingenuity it once was.

Like what we’re doing here? Get in touch with us to see what opportunities await.

Vertx is looking for enterprising businesses and entities in Appalachia whose Research & Development efforts have potential applications in the U.S. Air Force and other national security initiatives.

Vertx works with businesses that have products in a variety of industries. Think your product has potential? Contact us and we can assess it for you; in the meantime, take a look at our spotlighting of AmeriCarbon, which found unconventional use for their products. Vertx’s services are provided free of charge.

We are primarily searching for non-traditional entities without pre-existing ties to the national security industry who are based in or have a connection to Appalachia.

Our four-step process involves discovering new partners, identifying funding opportunities, matching partners with businesses or resources, and providing ongoing support for our clients.

Vertx works with businesses and innovators of all sizes. While there are limits on business size for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, Vertx can find opportunities for businesses large and small.

No. We are interested in learning more about your work if you’re working on services or technologies that could help the Department of Defense – even if you’ve never worked in Defense before.

Vertx is primarily dedicated to lowering the high bar of entry into the Research and Development (R&D) industry – many first-time applicants are discouraged by the convoluted process, and we seek to aid those who need support. We do this through education efforts, matchmaking services, consulting, etc.

Vertx is partnered with Parallax Advanced Research and the U.S. Air Force to discover and implement new technologies benefiting the national security industry, supply chains, small businesses, research institutions, and more.

Vertx’s services are entirely free; our team is committed to finding a match for your needs free of charge.

Vertx does not fund your business directly. Vertx participates in the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, which allocates grants to awardees who offer promising projects. Vertx is dedicated to assisting clients in increasing their chances of being selected.

Grant totals vary, but Phase I SBIR/STTR programs fund $50,000-$250,000 and Phase II funds $750,000. The SBIR/STTR programs do not fund Phase III, but some federal agencies may allocate further funds for commercialization.

You can get in touch with us here!

Vertx is committed to punctual service, and we’ll have one of our partners reach out to you ASAP.

Of course! Don’t see an answer on this page or need clarification? Contact us and we’ll be in touch.

A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant is a federal grant designed to increase private sector investment and commercialization of technology funded through federal Research & Development (R&D) means. You can find more information at sbir.gov.

A Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant is a federal grant designed to facilitate the transfer of federally funded technology into the private sector. You can find more information at sbir.gov or Vertx’s own STTR guide.

The basic eligibility requirements for participating in the SBIR/STTR programs are as follows:

1. You are a small business with 500 or fewer employees.

2. Your small business must be for-profit.

3. Your small business must be predominately U.S.-owned; that means that 51% or greater ownership belongs to U.S. citizens and/or permanent resident aliens.

In addition to the above criteria, you must also designate a Principal Investigator (PI) for the project who is primarily employed by the agency and has credible education, work, and project management experience. Under the STTR program, the PI may also be primarily employed by your chosen Research Institution. More information on the role of the PI and other requirements can be found at sbir.gov.

In a Phase I SBIR program, up to 33% of the research can be performed by a subcontractor. The subcontractor does not have to be based in the U.S., but the research must be conducted there.

In Phase I and II STTR projects, at least 30% of the research must be performed by a non-profit Research Institution (RI), usually a university or federal laboratory. That RI must be based in the U.S.

Deciding which program to apply for depends on how you want to organize your project. The STTR program requires that you partner with a Research Institution (RI) and focuses on a 3-step process whereby technology is transferred from the RI to the small business and finally to the marketplace. Up to 60% of the research can be sub-contracted under the STTR program compared to just 33% during the SBIR Phase I (though this jumps to 50% in Phase II).