Grant H.Willis

Partner

Washington + 1.202.879.3847

Connect:

Share

For 20 years, Grant Willis has handled disputes, investigations, and counseling needs for government contractors and subcontractors.

Grant's litigation experience includes matters at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, Government Accountability Office (GAO), District of Columbia Appeals Board, World Bank Sanctions Board, and various federal courts, administrative bodies, state courts, and arbitral bodies. He has represented U.S. and international firms in False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits, Contract Dispute Act (CDA) claims, investigations, debarment proceedings, bid protests, prime-sub disputes, and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits. Grant counsels clients on the range of government procurement issues under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and related rules, including the Anti-Kickback Act, the Truth in Negotiations Act, the Procurement Integrity Act, voluntary disclosures, cost allowability, organizational conflicts of interest, and small business matters. He also has advised clients in dozens of mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions involving government contractors.

Among other matters, Grant was lead counsel for a Middle East construction firm in the largest contract case ever brought against the U.S. State Department and is currently involved in a major arbitration related to wartime contracting. Grant also recently represented an international firm with multiple Department of Defense contracts in the resolution of a proposed debarment action by the U.S. Army. Grant regularly advises Fortune 500 companies regarding emerging government contracts compliance issues.

Experience

  • Kuwaiti construction firm obtains settlement in largest ever contract case brought against U.S. State DepartmentJones Day represented a Kuwaiti construction firm before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals in the largest ever contract case brought against the U.S. State Department.
  • NXP protests GPO Passport eCover procurementJones Day successfully represented NXP Semiconductors N.V. in a protest at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims challenging the U.S. Government Publishing Office's next generation Passport eCover procurement.
  • Middle East contractor involved in multi-phase arbitration related to wartime truck contracting for U.S. governmentJones Day is representing a Middle East contractor in a multi-phase arbitration with three panelists related to truck contracting and related activities on behalf of the U.S. government and its prime contractor in wartime Iraq.
  • Metis Solutions obtains favorable outcome in GAO bid protest against U.S. Defense Intelligence AgencyJones Day successfully represented Metis Solutions in a protest against the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency in connection with the CENTCOM J2 Intelligence Support procurement.
  • Construction company avoids debarment by U.S. Department of State regarding projects in IraqJones Day successfully assisted an Iraqi construction company in a proposed debarment matter initiated by the U.S. Department of State.
  • Multi-service national corporation seeks counsel on security clearance issues in connection with acquisitionJones Day advised a multi-service national corporation with respect to facility security clearance (FCL) issues, including executing a tailored agreement with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) regarding termination of a Special Security Agreement (SSA) for an acquired subsidiary firm.
  • Multinational company concludes internal investigation regarding small business representations made by company subsidiaryJones Day led and conducted an internal investigation of a multinational corporation regarding exposure and disclosure obligations in connection with small business representations made by a subsidiary of the company. 
  • GM partners with Ventec to manufacture ventilators in response to coronavirus pandemicJones Day is advising General Motors Company on the "Project V" partnership with Ventec Life Systems Inc. to mass produce ventilators needed to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
  • First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting defends contract claims brought by U.S. Government relating to construction of U.S. New Embassy Compound in BaghdadJones Day represented First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting W.L.L. against the U.S. Government in litigation involving claims brought by the U.S. Department of State in connection with First Kuwaiti's construction of the U.S. New Embassy Compound in Baghdad.
  • Defense contractor avoids suspension and debarment by Defense Logistics AgencyJones Day assisted a manufacturing client in an action by the Defense Logistics Agency that would have affected the contractor's eligibility to continue with government contracts.
  • First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting successfully challenges personal jurisdiction and obtains dismissal of False Claims Act suit brought by U.S. governmentJones Day represented First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting W.L.L., an overseas government subcontractor, in a False Claims Act suit brought by the U.S. government. The government alleged that First Kuwaiti's claims for payment to the prime contractor, Kellogg Brown & Root Services, Inc., were inflated, and that the government was harmed when the claims were later passed on by KBR to it.
  • First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting successfully resolves appeal and parallel litigation related to construction of the U.S. New Consulate Compound in JeddahJones Day represented First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting, W.L.L. in a pass-through appeal against the U.S. government regarding construction of the New Embassy Compound in Surabaya, Indonesia.
  • Parts supplier resolves pricing issue with customers in connection with Department of Defense programJones Day assisted an aerospace parts supplier with an internal investigation and ultimate resolution with customers in connection with pricing issues on a Department of Defense subcontract.
  • ICANN advised in connection with governance reform and transition of IANA functionsJones Day advised Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in connection with the successful completion of the transition of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions from the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration to ICANN.
  • First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting settles lawsuit related to overseas embassy construction projectsOn behalf of First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting W.L.L., Jones Day settled a civil action filed in the U.S. District Court in Maryland.
  • First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting favorably resolves claims and cross-claims in pending arbitration in connection with overseas embassy construction projectsJones Day represented First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting W.L.L. against a subcontractor in connection with work on overseas embassy projects.
  • Privasoft successfully completes contract to provide FOIA software to DOJ Office of Information Policy despite protestJones Day represented Privasoft Inc. as intervenor to a General Accountability Office bid protest lodged by AINS, Inc. related to the provision of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) software to the Department of Justice Office of Information Policy (OIP).
  • MOI defeats bid protest and emergency stay motion challenging award to provide furniture for District of Columbia waterfront developmentJones Day assisted MOI, Inc. in successfully defending an award decision by the District of Columbia for the provision of furniture for the District's new Waterfront development.
  • AGES Group defends allowability of costs related to maintenance and repair contract for U.S. military's C-12 and RC-12 aircraft fleetJones Day represented The AGES Group, now Volvo Aero Services Corp., in a government claim arising out of a Life Cycle Contractor Support contract for maintenance and repair of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force's combined C-12 and RC-12 aircraft fleet.
  • W2I Venture successfully defends bid protest concerning D.C. lottery procurement awardJones Day successfully represented W2I Venture (W2I), a joint venture between international gaming company Intralot and W2Tech, in defeating a bid protest action brought by Lottery Technology Enterprises (LTE) before the District of Columbia Contract Appeals Board (CAB).
  • EDS intervenes in consolidated protests concerning award of Army's Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-2 Services ID/IQ contractJones Day represented Electronic Data Systems Corporation as an intervening party in consolidated protests brought by five disappointed offerors related to the U.S. Army's Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-2 Services (ITES-2S) ID/IQ contract.
  • EDS intervenes in protest action concerning Army's award of contract for Jurisdiction 2 Medicare Administrative Contract ProgramJones Day represented Electronic Data Systems Corporation as an intervening party in two separate protest actions related to the U.S. Army's award of the Jurisdiction 2 Medicare Administrative Contract program contract.
  • Tremco successfully contests Veteran Affairs contract award decisionJones Day successfully represented Tremco Incorporated in its protest to the General Accountability Office (GAO) regarding a Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) award decision resulting from a GSA schedule-restricted solicitation.
  • Washington Group International prevails in Hurricane Katrina mass tort actionJones Day successfully defended Washington Group International, Inc. ("WGI," now URS Energy & Construction Company, a subsidiary of URS Corp.) in a mass tort action alleging that WGI's work on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contributed to floodwall breaches in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
  • Saudi corporations and individuals prevail in Second Circuit in multi-district tort litigation relating to September 11, 2001 attacksJones Day successfully represented eight Saudi corporations and individuals in multi-district litigation relating to the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.
  • American Airlines prevails in D.C. Circuit appeal challenging TSA funding decisionIn 2002, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) asked Jones Day client American Airlines, Inc. to incorporate an "in-line" baggage-screening system in its new terminal at JFK International Airport rather than a less expensive terminal lobby solution.
  • Family with autistic child attending public school successfully obtains an Individualized Education Plan for their sonJones Day Washington's Grant Willis and Michael Welch represented Family B against Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) over the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) created for their son with severe autism, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • Disabled veteran succeeds in obtaining further consideration regarding the effective date of disability entitlementJones Day successfully represented a disabled veteran before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in response to an adverse decision regarding the effective date of disability entitlement by the Board of Veterans Appeals.
  • Armenian asylum-seeker wins Ninth Circuit reversal of Immigration Judge decisionClient A sought asylum in the United States for persecutions suffered in her homeland of Armenia on account of her political views and activities.
  • Kinzie Capital acquires Arctic IndustriesJones Day represented Kinzie Capital Partners LP, a Chicago-based private equity firm, in the acquisition and financing of Arctic Industries, a leading manufacturer of commercial grade walk-in coolers and freezers.
  • VSE Corporation sells Federal and Defense Services operating assetsJones Day advised VSE Corporation in the sale of substantially all of its Federal and Defense Services operating assets.
  • VSE Corporation acquires Turbine Controls, Inc.Jones Day is advising VSE Corporation in the $120 million acquisition of Turbine Controls, Inc., a provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support services for complex engine components, as well as engine and airframe accessories, across commercial and military applications.
  • Morgan Stanley Capital Partners acquires Resource Innovations, Inc.Jones Day advised Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in its acquisition and financing of Resource Innovations, Inc. (RI), a leading tech-enabled services company focused on energy efficiency and sustainability.
  • J.F. Lehman & Company portfolio company acquires White Lake Dock & DredgeJones Day advised J.F. Lehman & Company in the acquisition and financing by portfolio company, ENTACT, LLC, of White Lake Dock & Dredge, Inc.
  • ETS acquires PSIJones Day advised Educational Testing Service (ETS) in its acquisition of PSI Services LLC, a global leader in test development and delivery across workforce certification and licensure.
  • VSE Corporation completes $120 million public offering of Common StockJones Day represented VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC) in connection with an underwritten public offering of 2,475,000 shares of VSE's Common Stock at a price of $48.50 per share.
  • VSE Corporation partners with The Loar Group to acquire Desser AerospaceJones Day advised VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC) ("VSE") in its acquisition (the "Acquisition") of Desser Aerospace ("Desser") for a purchase price of $124 million.
  • J.F. Lehman & Company acquires USA EnvironmentJones Day advised J.F. Lehman & Company in the acquisition by portfolio company, ENTACT, LLC, of USA Environment, LP and its affiliates.
  • Sonepar acquires NEDCO SupplyJones Day represented Sonepar, a global market leader in B-to-B distribution of electrical products, in its acquisition of NEDCO Supply, a full-line distributor of electrical products and services operating throughout southern Nevada.
  • VSE Corporation acquires HAECO Special ServicesJones Day advised VSE Corporation, a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for land, sea and air transportation assets for government and commercial markets, in its acquisition of HAECO Special Services, LLC from HAECO Airframe Services, LLC, a division of HAECO Americas, in an all cash transaction.
  • Signature Aviation sells TAC Air FBOs to Atlantic AviationJones Day advised Signature Aviation in its divestiture of three TAC Air fixed base operations at Omaha, Nebraska (OMA); Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU); and Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) to Atlantic Aviation.
  • J.F. Lehman portfolio company acquires InlinerJones Day advised long-standing client J.F. Lehman & Company, a leading mid-market private equity firm focused on the defense, aerospace, and maritime sections, in connection with the acquisition by portfolio company Inland Pipe Rehabilitation of Inliner, a leading, vertically integrated provider of trenchless pipe rehabilitation solutions addressing wastewater and storm water infrastructure, from Granite Construction Incorporated.
  • GE Aerospace sells revolutionary hydrogen and fuel agnostic generator technology to HyliionJones Day advised GE Aerospace, part of GE, a world leader in the sale of metal additive technologies and manufacturing, in the sale of a new hydrogen and fuel agnostic capable generator ("KARNO") to Hyliion Holdings Corp., a leader in electrified powertrain solutions for Class 8 semi-trucks.
  • J.F. Lehman & Company acquires ENTACTJones Day advised long-standing client J.F. Lehman & Company, a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, maritime, government, and environmental sectors, in the acquisition by an investment affiliate and financing of ENTACT, LLC, a national provider of environmental remediation and geotechnical services.
  • Signature Aviation acquires 14 TAC Air locations Jones Day advised Signature Aviation in the acquisition of the TAC Air business of The Arnold Companies.
  • Global Medical Response acquires GrandView AviationJones Day advised Global Medical Response in the acquisition of GrandView Aviation, a leading North American organ procurement transport aviation company with 130 employees and a fleet of Phenom 300 aircraft.
  • DMI secures strategic investment from OceanSound PartnersJones Day advised DMI in its strategic investment from an affiliate of OceanSound Partners, LP.
  • Riverside sells Sunrise Windows & DoorsJones Day represented The Riverside Company in connection with the sale of Sunrise Windows & Doors, a leading manufacturer and seller of replacement vinyl windows and sliding doors, to MI Windows and Doors.
  • Riverside portfolio company acquires STACS DNAJones Day represented The Riverside Company in connection with the acquisition by portfolio company InVita Healthcare Technologies of STACS DNA, which provides sample tracking and lab management software used by forensic DNA labs and healthcare organizations.
  • Riverside acquires ToolWatchJones Day represented The Riverside Company in connection with its acquisition of ToolWatch, a leading provider of tool and equipment tracking and operations management software for the construction, utilities, and oil and gas industries.
  • DataBank acquires zColo for $1.4 billionJones Day advised DataBank, a leading provider of enterprise-class colocation, connectivity, and managed services, in connection with the acquisition and financing of zColo, including certain U.S. and European data center assets, from Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. for $1.4 billion.
  • Riverside sells majority investment in n2y to Providence Equity PartnersJones Day advised The Riverside Company in connection with the sale of its majority investment in n2y LLC, a leading provider of software, curricula, and tools to the K-12 special education market, to Providence Equity Partners.
  • Riverside sells Fisher UnitechJones Day represented The Riverside Company in connection with the sale of its interests in Fisher Unitech (Fisher), a leading provider of 3D design software tools and 3D printers, to Computer Aided Technology ("CATI"), a portfolio company of CIVC Partners, L.P.
  • Founders of Perduco sell Perduco Group to LinQuest CorporationJones Day represented the founders of Perduco in connection with their sale of The Perduco Group, a high-growth and leading provider of advanced data analytics, data architecting, and model-based simulation to defense and civilian agencies, to LinQuest Corporation, a leader in space systems technology solutions for U.S. defense and intelligence communities.
  • Riverside sells CTI Holding Company to Fortive CorporationJones Day advised The Riverside Company in connection with its sale of CTI Holding Company to Fortive Corporation.
  • RTI International Metals sold to Alcoa for $1.5 billionJones Day advised RTI International Metals, Inc., a global supplier of titanium and specialty metal products and services for the commercial aerospace, defense, energy, and medical device markets, in its $1.5 billion stock-for-stock acquisition by Alcoa Inc.
  • Blue Sea Capital acquires RESA PowerJones Day represented Blue Sea Capital in connection with its acquisition of RESA Power, LLC, a provider of electrical life extension products and services to a broad variety of end markets.
  • Riverside acquires Champion Healthcare TechnologiesJones Day represented The Riverside Company in connection with the acquisition and related financings of Champion Healthcare Technologies, a SaaS provider that enables hospitals to manage surgical implants throughout their life cycle.
  • High Road Capital portfolio company acquires Quality Standby ServicesJones Day represented High Road Capital Partners in connection with the acquisition and related financing by portfolio company Storage Battery Systems, LLC, a manufacturer of industrial batteries, of substantially all of the assets of Quality Standby Services, LLC, a leading provider of critical standby power service and hardware.
  • LORD Corporation acquired by Parker Hannifin for $3.675 billionJones Day advised LORD Corporation in its $3.675 billion acquisition by Parker Hannifin Corporation.
  • Black Box acquired by AGC NetworksJones Day advised Black Box Corporation (Nasdaq: BBOX) in its acquisition by AGC Networks Ltd, a majority-owned subsidiary of Essar Global Fund.
  • Black Box sells IT unit for $75 million to Arlington Capital PartnersJones Day advised Black Box Corporation in the $75 million sale of its federal government IT services business (the "Federal Business") to Arlington Capital Partners.
  • Blue Point Capital recapitalizes J. AmericaJones Day advised Blue Point Capital Partners in connection with the recapitalization and related financing of J. America, Inc., a leading designer and distributor of decorated and blank apparel and headwear to major retail and wholesale accounts across the United States.
  • H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company acquires Firstmark Corp.Jones Day advised H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company, a joint enterprise formed by a partnership between The Riverside Company and Hicks Equity Partners, in connection with the acquisition and related financing of Firstmark Corp., a manufacturer of highly engineered components and subsystems for the aerospace and defense industries.
  • Exelis acquired by Harris Corporation for $4.8 billionJones Day advised Exelis, Inc. in its acquisition by Harris Corporation in a cash and stock transaction valued at $23.75 per share, or approximately $4.8 billion enterprise value.
  • ABM acquires The Linc Group for $300 millionJones Day advised ABM Industries Incorporated in its acquisition of The Linc Group, LLC for $300 million.
  • Overton Chicago Gear Corporation acquires Precision Aero CorporationJones Day represented Overton Chicago Gear Corporation, a subsidiary of H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company, in connection with the acquisition of Precision Aero Corporation, a manufacturer of high-precision machined products used in commercial aerospace, civil aviation, commercial, heavy duty trucking, and military applications.
  • Mahle acquires thermal division from Delphi Automotive for $727 millionJones Day advised Mahle GmbH in the acquisition of the thermal division of automotive supplier Delphi PLC for $727 million.
  • Woodward acquires HR Textron Inc. from Textron Inc. for $365 millionJones Day advised Woodward, Inc. in its $365 million acquisition of HR Textron Inc. from Textron Inc. HR Textron is an industry leader in the advanced technology, engineering development, and manufacturing of mission-critical actuation systems and controls for weapons, aircraft, turbine engines, and combat vehicles.
  • Harris Corporation acquires Tyco Electronics Wireless SystemsJones Day advised Harris Corporation in its $675 million acquisition of the Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems business (formerly known as M/A-COM) of Tyco Electronics Ltd.
  • Axsys Technologies is acquired by General DynamicsJones Day advised Axsys Technologies, Inc. in its $643 million acquisition by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation.
  • Woodward acquires MPC Products for $383 millionJones Day advised Woodward, Inc., a manufacturer and service provider of energy control and optimization solutions for aircraft engines, industrial engines and turbines, and electrical power equipment, in its $383 million acquisition of all of the shares of Techni-Core, Inc. and all of the non-voting common stock of its subsidiary, MPC Products Corporation, and in connection with a related $450 million financing comprised of a $200 million syndicated loan and a $300 million private placement of notes.
  • Viasystems acquires DDi for $283 millionJones Day advised Viasystems Group in its acquisition of DDi Corp. for $283 million, or $268 million net of DDi's cash plus debt assumed.
  • Woodward acquires hydraulic thrust reverse actuation systems business of GE Aviation Systems for $200 millionJones Day advised Woodward, Inc. in the acquisition of the hydraulic thrust reverser actuation systems business of GE Aviation Systems, a subsidiary of General Electric Company, for $200 million.
  • Riverside invests in Censis TechnologiesJones Day advised The Riverside Company in connection with its investment in and related financing of Censis Technologies, Inc., an SaaS-based surgical instrument tracking and workflow solutions provider for sterile processing departments (SPDs) of hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.
  • Riverside acquires LexipolJones Day advised The Riverside Company in connection with the acquisition and related financing of Lexipol, LLC, a provider of policy management and training platforms for public safety organizations.
  • J.F. Lehman acquires Doss AviationJones Day advised long-standing client J.F. Lehman & Company, a leading mid-market private equity firm focused on the defense, aerospace, and maritime sectors, in connection with the acquisition and related financing of Doss Aviation, Inc., a leading provider of aviation support services primarily to the U.S. military and other government customers.
  • J.F. Lehman acquires National Response Corporation and affiliated businessesJones Day advised long-standing client J.F. Lehman & Company, a leading mid-market private equity firm focused on the defense, aerospace, and maritime sectors, in connection with the acquisition and related financing of National Response Corporation, a provider of U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 regulatory compliance and emergency responses, and its affiliated businesses NRC Environmental Services, SEACOR Response and SEACOR Environmental Products, from SEACOR Holdings Inc.
  • OM Group acquires EaglePicher Technologies from EaglePicher Corporation for $171.9 millionJones Day advised OM Group, Inc. in its $171.9 million acquisition of EaglePicher Technologies LLC from EaglePicher Corporation.
  • Morgenthaler acquires Avtron ManufacturingJones Day provided advice to Morgenthaler Partners in connection with its acquisition of a controlling interest in Avtron Manufacturing, Inc., a producer of aircraft test equipment, process controllers, generator test sets, and tachometers.
  • MTC Technologies is acquired by BAE SystemsJones Day advised MTC Technologies, Inc. in its $450 million acquisition by BAE Systems, Inc.
    • View All

    August 2021 Alert

    Biden Administration Issues Proposed Rule Seeking to Strengthen Buy American Requirements

    January 2021 Commentary

    Executive Order Seeks to Strengthen Preferences for American-Made Products

    October 2020 Commentary

    DOD Implements New Cybersecurity Requirements with Interim Rule

    August 2020 Commentary

    Government Contracts: GAO Issues Rare Decision Sustaining Corrective Action Challenge

    August 2020 Commentary

    Government Contracts: Company's Key Personnel Rendered “Unavailable” Because of Denied Security Clearance

    November 2019 Commentary

    Government Contracts: GAO's 2019 Bid Protest Report to Congress Highlights Protest Effectiveness

    October 2018 Commentary

    How Will New U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Help American Companies?

    May 2017 Commentary

    The Buy American and Hire American Executive Order: What It Means For Supply Chain Management

    January 2017 Commentary

    Update on Government Contracts Ramifications of the Trump Administration

    January 2017 Alert

    GAO Finds "Highest Technically Rated at a Fair and Reasonable Price" Is a Permissible Evaluation Scheme
    View All

    Speaking Engagements

    • February 11, 2014
      2014 SECAF Small Business Risks and Opportunities
    • April 24, 2013
      Eaton 2013 Government Contracts Seminar
    • April 9, 2013
      2013 Government Contractor Labor & Employment Discussion Group
    • February 7, 2012
      SECAF Conference

    Before sending, please note:

    Information on www.jonesday.com is for general use and is not legal advice. The mailing of this email is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Anything that you send to anyone at our Firm will not be confidential or privileged unless we have agreed to represent you. If you send this email, you confirm that you have read and understand this notice.