Vertx Partners

Looking to build partnerships, understand DoW needs, or grow in defense contracting? Join industry & government leaders at Buy Indiana 2026 on April 28, 2026 | 9 AM–3 PM. Register: business.bedfordchamber.com/ap/Events/Regi…

Are you preparing to pursue Air or Space Force prime contracts? AFRL’s ASCEND program offers no-cost training & coaching designed to help small businesses strengthen readiness, sharpen strategy, and compete more effectively in the defense marketplace. 👉 lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/jd9OwSR/ASC…

Vertx team members were on site for Connect 2 Mission on Feb. 25 at NSWC Crane, focused on strengthening connections between industry & mission owners. Thank you to the Crane Regional Defense Group for hosting!

Looking to access defense opportunities outside traditional contracts? Explore Vertx’s OTA Consortia List, the most comprehensive resource connecting industry, academia, and government through flexible pathways for R&D, prototyping, and innovation. 👉 vertxpartners.org/ota-consortia-…

As airspace grows more complex, trusted, mission-ready autonomy is essential. CAL Analytics delivers advanced airspace management, BVLOS, UTM, and detect-and-avoid solutions that enable safe integration of systems across defense and commercial markets. 👉 calanalytics.com

If SBIR/STTR funding is part of your 2026 strategy, the SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference convenes federal agency leaders and innovators competing for $4B+ in annual R&D funding. Gain insight into priorities and strengthen your proposal strategy. 👉 vertxpartners.org/event/sbir-stt…

Navigating DoW contracting can be complex. The Contracting Cone, part of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, maps FAR and non-FAR pathways, from contracts to OTAs. For innovators, understanding options early helps align tech, timing, and strategy. 👉 aaf.dau.edu/aaf/contractin…

Are you looking to connect directly with mission owners? Join NSWC Crane Division & the Crane Regional Defense Group for Connect 2 Mission, a full-day engagement connecting industry with mission owners, technical leaders, and acquisition teams. Feb. 25: vertxpartners.org/event/connect-…

The AFRL AMAC is open, a 10-year IDIQ with a $10B shared ceiling supporting Science & Technology R&D. Ideal for organizations seeking long-term R&D partnerships with the Air Force Research Laboratory. Due: Feb. 27, 2026: sam.gov/workspace/cont…

When lithium-ion batteries fail, they don’t just lose power; they can explode. Safire’s shear-thickening electrolyte instantly hardens under impact, helping stop thermal runaway before it starts while maintaining full performance. 👉 safire.co

@Parallax_ARD Learn how calibrated trust is shaping the future of human–autonomy teaming: auvsi.org/news/trust-isn…

@Parallax_ARD By studying high-stress, multi-autonomy environments, VISTA is turning trust into real-time, actionable indicators that support better human decision-making.

The VISTA project, led by Kairos through OFRN, managed by @Parallax_ARD, is tackling a critical challenge in autonomy: when humans should trust autonomous systems and when they shouldn’t.

Are you looking for new SBIR/STTR funding opportunities in defense, autonomy, AI, and advanced technology? 25 solicitations are now open across agencies like the Air Force, Army, DARPA, and more. Explore the full list, key details, and deadlines here: vertxpartners.org/current-solici…

The NSF has expanded funding for its Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program, offering $3M–$8M awards over up to 4 years. Built on 5 tracks, ART supports universities and nonprofits in translating research into real-world, market-ready impact. 👉 teknovation.biz/national-scien…

The INNOVATE Act could fast-track defense tech from R&D to the warfighter by reforming SBIR/STTR. With new pathways and up to $30M breakthrough awards, the bill prioritizes commercialization, operational impact, and a stronger defense industrial base. 👉 vertxpartners.org/innovate-act-y…

Join APEX & PTC for the EDGE Defense Summit on January 29th! Go beyond information sharing and drive meaningful engagement, relationship-building, and actionable pathways at this event. Register here 👉 lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5scekbp…

At Vertx Partners, we’re tracking what this could mean and helping companies prepare for what may be a new SBIR/STTR era. Check out our guide here: vertxpartners.org/innovate-act-y…

For small businesses and nontraditional contractors serious about transitioning from R&D to real-world deployment, this legislation signals a significant shift toward outcomes, impact, and national security relevance.

Introduced by Senator Joni Ernst, the INNOVATE Act proposes major reforms to modernize SBIR/STTR, cutting red tape, prioritizing real-world impact, and opening the door for new innovators. 🧵👇