Vinson & Elkins LLP

Government Contracts, Export Controls & Economic Sanctions, and National Security Reviews (CFIUS)

Partner

Dave Johnson leads the Government Contracts/Export Controls and Economic Sanctions practice. He works with companies of all sizes and in all industries to resolve contract disputes with the government and to manage legal complications that may arise from exports as well as inbound foreign investment.

Dave has served as lead counsel on matters involving an array of government agencies. He prepared one of the largest claims ever prosecuted against the U.S. Air Force and has handled matters listed in the Government Accountability Office’s “Significant GAO Bid Protest Decisions” guide. His extensive government contracts experience also includes counseling on compliance and financial assistance agreements.

Dave’s work on export controls, economic sanctions, and national security matters over many years has involved the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the sanctions regimes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). He has substantial experience in licensing, internal investigations, voluntary disclosures, and resolving allegations of export and sanctions violations. Dave has defended clients in major enforcement actions involving the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and OFAC.

Dave has also handled numerous transactions involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and mitigation of foreign ownership, control and influence (FOCI) under the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) with the Defense Security Service (DSS).

Dave’s wealth of experience across the federal government contracting and regulatory framework involving critical technologies and national security issues enables him to provide practical advice in difficult circumstances.