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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE B—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the contract price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company enters into contracts that are time-and-materials, cost-based, fixed-price, or a combination of these.

 

   

Time-and-Materials Contracts. Revenue for time-and-materials contracts is recorded on the basis of allowable labor hours worked multiplied by the contract-defined billing rates, plus the costs of other items used in the performance of the contract. Profit and losses on time-and-materials contracts result from the difference between the cost of services performed and the contract-defined billing rates for these services.

 

   

Cost-Based Contracts. Revenue under cost-based contracts is recognized as costs are incurred. Applicable estimated profit, if any, is included in earnings in the proportion that incurred costs bear to total estimated costs. Incentives, award fees, or penalties related to performance are also considered in estimating revenue and profit rates based on actual and anticipated awards.

 

   

Fixed-Price Contracts. Revenue for fixed-price contracts is recognized when earned, generally as work is performed. Services performed vary from contract to contract and are not always uniformly performed over the term of the arrangement. We recognize revenue in a number of different ways on fixed-price contracts, including:

 

   

Proportional Performance: Revenue on certain fixed-price contracts is recorded each period based upon certain contract performance measures (labor hours, labor costs, or total costs) incurred expressed as a proportion of a total project estimate. Thus, labor hours, labor costs, or total contract costs incurred to date are compared with the total estimate for these items at completion. Performance is based on the ratio of the incurred hours or costs to the total estimate. Progress on a contract is monitored regularly to ensure that revenue recognized reflects project status. When hours or costs incurred are used as the basis for revenue recognition, the hours or costs incurred represent a reasonable surrogate for output measures of contract performance, including the presentation of deliverables to the client. Clients are obligated to pay as services are performed, and in the event that a client cancels the contract, payment for services performed through the date of cancellation is negotiated with the client.

 

   

Contractual Outputs: Revenue on certain fixed-price contracts is recognized based upon outputs completed to date expressed as a percentage of total outputs required in the contract or based upon units delivered to the customer multiplied by the contract-defined unit price.

 

   

Straight-Line: When services are performed or are expected to be performed consistently throughout an arrangement, revenue on those fixed-price contracts is recognized ratably over the period benefited.

 

   

Completed Contract: Revenue on certain fixed-price contracts is recognized at completion if the final act is so significant to the arrangement that value is deemed to be transferred only at completion.

Revenue recognition requires us to use judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract revenue and costs or other variables, and making assumptions for schedule and technical issues. Due to the size and nature of many of our contracts, the estimation of revenue and estimates at completion can be complicated and are subject to many variables. Contract costs include labor, subcontracting costs, and other direct costs, as well as an allocation of allowable indirect costs. The Company must also make assumptions regarding the length of time to complete the contract because costs include expected increases in wages, prices for subcontractors, and other direct costs. From time to time, facts develop that require us to revise its estimated total costs or hours and thus the associated revenue on a contract. To the extent that a revised estimate affects contract profit or revenue previously recognized, The Company records the cumulative effect of the revision in the period in which the facts requiring the revision become known. Provision for the full amount of an anticipated loss on any type of contract is recognized in the period in which it becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated. As a result, operating results could be affected by revisions to prior accounting estimates.

The Company generates invoices to clients in accordance with the terms of the applicable contract, which may not be directly related to the performance of services. Unbilled receivables are invoiced based upon the achievement of specific events as defined by each contract, including deliverables, timetables, and incurrence of certain costs. Unbilled receivables are classified as a current asset. Advanced billings to clients in excess of revenue earned are recorded as deferred revenue until the revenue recognition criteria are met. Reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses are included in revenue with corresponding costs incurred by us included in cost of revenue.

The Company may proceed with work based upon written client direction prior to the completion and signing of formal contract documents. The Company has a formal review process for approving any such work. Revenue associated with such work is recognized only when it can reliably be estimated and realization is probable. We base our estimates on a variety of factors, including previous experiences with the client, communications with the client regarding funding status, and our knowledge of available funding for the contract.

Approximately 66%, 71%, and 60% of the Company's revenue for the years 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, were derived under prime contracts and subcontracts with agencies and departments of the U.S. federal government.

 

The approximate percentage of revenue by contract type was as follows:

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Cost-based

     23     23     20

Time-and-materials

     49     49     51

Fixed-price

     28     28     29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, revenue from various branches of the HHS accounted for approximately 22% or $184.5 million, 21% or $157.7 million, and 17% or $113.6 million, respectively, of the Company's revenue. The accounts receivable due from HHS contracts as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $17.2 million and $25.0 million, respectively.

In June of 2006, the Company was awarded a contract by the State of Louisiana, which ended in June 2009. For the year ending December 31, 2009, revenue from the State of Louisiana accounted for approximately 9% or $60.4 million of the Company's revenue.

Payments to the Company on cost-based contracts with the U.S. government are provisional payments subject to adjustment upon audit by the government. Such audits have been finalized through December 31, 2006 and any adjustments have been immaterial. Contract revenue for subsequent periods has been recorded in amounts that are expected to be realized upon final audit and settlement of costs in those years.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash on deposit and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the economic life of the improvement or the related lease term. Assets acquired in acquisitions are recorded at fair value.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives must be amortized over such lives and reviewed for impairment.

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment review as of September 30 of each year. For the purposes of performing this review, the Company concluded that it is one reporting unit. The Company estimates fair value of its one reporting unit using a market based approach.

The Company adopted the amended guidance under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08 issued in September 2011. It evaluated, on the basis of the weight of evidence, the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its one reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. This evaluation included macroeconomic and industry and market specific considerations, financial performance indicators and measurements, and other factors. The Company has determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of its one reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and that the two-step impairment test is not required to be performed for 2011. Therefore, based upon management's review, no goodwill impairment charge was required in 2011.

 

Capitalized Software

The Company capitalizes eligible, internally developed costs for enhancements and upgrades to software. Amortization expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the expected economic life, typically five years.

Equity Compensation

Incentive stock awards are measured at fair value. The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value any options granted and to amortize compensation expense relating to share-based payments on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company will reconsider its use of the Black-Scholes-Merton model if additional information becomes available in the future that indicates another model would be more appropriate or if grants issued in future periods have characteristics that prevent their value from being reasonably estimated using this model.

Long-lived Assets

The Company is required to review long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell.

Foreign Currency Translation

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company held approximately $2.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in foreign financial institutions.

The financial positions and results of operations of the Company's foreign affiliates are based on the local currency as the functional currency and are translated to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. Assets and liabilities of the affiliates are translated at the exchange rate in effect at year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in operations are not material for any of the periods presented.

Deferred Rent

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease. Lease incentives or abatements received at or near the inception of leases are accrued and amortized ratably over the life of the lease.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company believes the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximate their estimated fair values at December 31, 2011, due to their short maturities. The Company believes the carrying value of its lines of credit payable approximate the estimated fair value for debt with similar terms, interest rates, and remaining maturities currently available to companies with similar credit ratings at December 31, 2011.

 

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company evaluates its ability to benefit from all deferred tax assets and establishes valuation allowances for amounts it believes are not more likely than not to be realizable. For uncertain tax positions, the Company uses a more likely than not recognition threshold based on the technical merits of the income tax position taken. Income tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured in order to determine the tax benefit recognized in the financial statements.

Treasury Shares

Treasury shares are accounted for under the cost method.

Segment

The Company has concluded that it operates in one segment based upon the information used by its chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of its business and allocating resources. This single segment represents the Company's core business, professional services primarily for government clients. Although the Company describes multiple service offerings to three markets to provide a better understanding of the Company's business operations, the Company does not manage its business or allocate resources based upon those service offerings or markets.

Risks and Uncertainties

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and contract receivables. The majority of the Company's cash transactions are processed through one U.S. commercial bank. Cash in excess of daily requirements is used to reduce any amounts outstanding under the Company's Credit Facility or invested in overnight investment sweeps. To date, the Company has not incurred losses related to cash and cash equivalents.

The Company's contract receivables consist principally of contract receivables from agencies and departments of, as well as from prime contractors to, the U.S. government, other governments, and commercial organizations. The Company extends credit in the normal course of operations and does not require collateral from its clients.

The Company has historically been, and continues to be, heavily dependent upon contracts with the U.S. government and is subject to audit by audit agencies of the government. Such audits determine, among other things, whether an adjustment of invoices rendered to the government is appropriate under the underlying terms of the contracts. Management does not expect any significant adjustments, as a result of government audits, that will adversely affect the Company's financial position.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted

ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") revised the guidance related to testing goodwill for impairment. The new guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test required under existing guidance. The more likely than not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. If, upon assessing the qualitative factors in their totality, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity determines that it is more likely than not, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. In addition, an entity is no longer permitted to carry forward its detailed calculation of a reporting unit's fair value from a prior year as previously permitted. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests and the Company has elected to do so. As a result of the adoption, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its one reporting unit was less than its carrying value and therefore did not perform any further testing.

ASU 2009-14, Software (Topic 985): Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements. In October 2009, the FASB also revised the guidance related to software revenue and multiple-element arrangements with software components. The new guidance related to software revenue recognition excludes arrangements with tangible products containing software and non-software components that function together to deliver a product's essential functionality. Prior to the new guidance, vendor-specific-objective-evidence ("VSOE") of fair value was required for the undelivered elements in the arrangement in order for the Company to account for the elements separately. However, as a result of the new guidance noted below with respect to multiple-deliverable arrangements and the guidance related to software revenue recognition, VSOE may not be required if another topic of the accounting standards codification provides guidance on how to allocate the consideration for contract deliverables. Thus, if there are software and non-software components within the same contract and the software components fall within the scope of the Software Elements topic of the code, but that topic addresses solely separation and not allocation, one can now refer back to the Multiple Deliverables topic of the codification for guidance on consideration allocation. The Multiple Deliverables guidance allows consideration to be allocated based upon a relative fair value basis using the entity's best estimate of fair value, which is no longer limited to VSOE or third-party evidence, but may entail management's best estimate of selling price. The guidance was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2011. The new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

ASU 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements. In October 2009, the FASB revised the accounting guidance pertaining to revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Prior to this guidance, in order for deliverables within an arrangement to be separated, the items must have stand-alone value as defined by the statement and there must be objective and reliable evidence of fair value for all elements or at a minimum the undelivered elements within the arrangement. Objective and reliable evidence of fair value meant there was VSOE of fair value, which consisted of the price charged when the deliverable was sold separately or a price established by management with the authority to establish the price for the item before it was to be sold separately. If VSOE did not exist, third-party evidence was also acceptable. The new standard allows for the use of an estimated management selling price to determine the value of deliverables within an arrangement when VSOE or third-party evidence does not exist. The new guidance also eliminated the use of the residual method of allocation allowed in the previous guidance. The guidance was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2011. The new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.