David R Johnson

Dave Johnson is Head of the Government Contracts/Export Controls and National Security 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.

When the odds appear stacked against them, Dave and his team excel. They convinced a court to enjoin the Department of Education from canceling the procurement of student debt collection services, surprising critics in the press who questioned their legal strategy. They successfully navigated a series of arbitrations to help a ship-building client secure over $2 billion in business from a counterparty to a teaming agreement that tried to renege on its contract. They regularly represent clients before suspension and debarment officials.

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 (GAO) “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.

Dave is the Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office. He is also a member of the firm’s Management Committee.

ABA (Sections: Public Contracts; International); DC and Virginia Bars.

College of William & Mary (JD, 1989); University of Virginia (BA, 1986).