Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Unless otherwise indicated, all dollars presented herein are in thousands and financial information refers to continuing operations.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Risks, Uncertainties and Use of Estimates

There are risks specific to the industries in which the Company operates. These risks include estimates of costs to complete contract obligations, changes in government priorities, policies and procedures, and various other risks specific to government contractors. The U.S. Government has the right to terminate contracts for convenience in accordance with government regulations. If the government terminated contracts, the Company would generally recover costs incurred up to termination, costs required to be incurred in connection with the termination and a portion of the fee earned commensurate with the work performed to termination. However, significant adverse effects on the Company’s indirect cost pools may not be recoverable in connection with a termination for convenience. Contracts with state and other governmental entities are subject to the same or similar risks.

A majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from U.S. Government contracts.  Cancellations, modifications, failure to win a re-competition of the Company’s contracts or subcontracts, or failure by the government to exercise option periods relating to those contracts or subcontracts, could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The Company could experience material adverse consequences should such actions not be taken.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and, accordingly, include amounts based on informed estimates and judgments of management with consideration given to materiality. Estimates and judgments also affect the amount of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company believes the following accounting policies affect the more significant judgments made and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

The Company estimates and provides for potential losses that may arise out of litigation and regulatory proceedings to the extent that such losses are probable and can be estimated. Significant judgment is required in making these estimates and the Company’s final liabilities may ultimately be materially different. The Company’s total liability in respect of litigation and regulatory proceedings is determined on a case-by-case basis and represents an estimate of probable losses after considering, among other factors, the progress of each case or proceeding, the Company’s experience and the experience of others in similar cases or proceedings, and the opinions and views of legal counsel. Given the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of the Company’s litigation and regulatory matters, particularly in cases or proceedings in which substantial or indeterminate damages or fines are sought, the Company cannot always estimate losses or ranges of losses. Refer to Note 15 for information on the Company’s litigation and other proceedings.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues consist primarily of services provided by its employees and the pass through of costs for materials and subcontract efforts under contracts with government customers.  Costs of services consist mainly of compensation expenses for program personnel, the fringe benefits associated with the compensation and other direct expenses to complete programs including the cost of materials and subcontract efforts.  The labor based services provided to the Company’s customers are delivered under time and materials, cost reimbursable and fixed-price contracts including service-type contracts.  These services are delivered to government customers primarily through single element arrangements under time and material and cost reimbursable contracts.

The Company recognizes revenue under ASC 605-35, Revenue Recognition: Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, which provides revenue recognition guidance for contracts where services are performed to customer specifications.  ASC 605-35-15-4 covers arrangements that include fixed-price contracts, time and materials contracts as well as the cost type contracts which represent the type of arrangements that the Company enters into with its customers.

For time and materials contracts, revenue reflects the number of direct labor hours expended in the performance of a contract multiplied by the contract billing rate, as well as reimbursement of other billable direct costs. The risk inherent in time and materials contracts is that actual costs may differ materially from negotiated billing rates in the contract, which would directly affect operating income.

For cost reimbursable contracts, revenue is recognized as costs are incurred and includes a proportionate amount of the fee earned. Cost reimbursable contracts specify the contract fee in dollars or as a percentage of estimated costs. Expected award fees are accrued over the period of performance based on historical experience and trued up at the time of award. The primary risk on a cost reimbursable contract is that a government audit of direct and indirect costs could result in the disallowance of some costs, which would directly impact revenue and margin on the contract. Historically, such audits have not had a material impact on the Company’s revenue and operating income.

Revenue from service-type fixed-price contracts is recognized ratably over the contract period or by other appropriate output methods to measure service provided, and contract costs are expensed as incurred. Under fixed-price contracts, other than service-type contracts, revenue is recognized primarily under the percentage of completion method. Under this method, the Company recognizes estimated contract revenue and resulting income based on costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs as the Company considers this model best reflects the economics of these contracts. The risk on fixed-price contracts is that actual costs may exceed estimated costs to complete.

From time to time, the Company may proceed with work based on 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. The Company bases its estimates on a variety of factors, including previous experiences with the client, communications with the client regarding funding status, and its knowledge of available funding for the contract.

For all types of contracts, the Company recognizes anticipated contract losses as soon as they become known and estimable. Out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursable by the customer are included in revenue and cost of revenue.

Unbilled receivables are the amounts of recoverable revenue that have not been billed at the balance sheet date. Unbilled receivables relate principally to revenue that is billed in the month after services are performed. In certain instances, billing is deferred in compliance with the contract terms, such as milestone billing arrangements and withholdings, indirect rate approvals or other reasons. Costs related to certain U.S. Government contracts, including applicable indirect costs, are subject to audit by the government. Revenue from such contracts has been recorded at amounts we expect to realize upon final settlement.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Contract Receivables

Contract receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, are stated at amounts expected to be realized in future periods.  Unbilled receivables are amounts that are expected to be billed in accordance with contract terms and delivery schedules, as well as amounts expected to become billable upon final execution of contracts, contract completion, milestones or completion of rate negotiations.  Generally, the Company’s unbilled receivables relate to revenue that is billed in the month after services are performed. Costs related to certain U.S. Government contracts, including applicable indirect costs, are subject to audit by the government. Revenue from such contracts has been recorded at amounts the Company expects to realize upon final settlement.  Contract receivables are classified as current assets in accordance with industry practice.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based upon the Company's best estimate of a customer's ability to pay. The factors that influence management’s estimate include historical experience, specific identification and an aging criteria of potential uncollectible accounts. The Company writes off contract receivables when such amounts are determined to be uncollectible. Losses have historically been within management’s expectations.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, including improvements that significantly add to productive capacity or extend the asset’s useful life are capitalized and recorded at cost. When items are sold, or otherwise retired or disposed of, operating income is charged or credited for the difference between the net book value and proceeds realized thereon.  Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment is depreciated on the straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.  Estimated useful lives of software and furniture and other equipment typically range from three to fifteen years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining expected term of the lease, considering renewal options if reasonably assured, or the life of the related asset. The Company recorded depreciation expense of $3.9 million, $3.8 million and $3.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Company recorded disposals of $2.3 million, $1.5 million and $3.5 million during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, of substantially fully-depreciated property and equipment no longer in use

Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Internal Software Development Costs

In accounting for development costs of software to be used internally, both internal and external costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and subsequently amortized over the estimated economic useful life of the software.  These costs are included with software, a component of property and equipment

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

The Company has a 40% ownership interest in HMRTech, LLC (“HMRTech”), a small disadvantaged business as defined by the Small Business Administration of the U.S. Government.  This investment is accounted for using the equity method and reported as a component of other noncurrent.  Refer to Note 14 for additional information regarding the Company’s ownership in HMRTech.

The Company also holds investments related to its deferred compensation plan.  These investments, which are classified as trading securities and held in a Rabbi Trust, are carried at fair value and reported as a component of other noncurrent assets.  Unrealized holding gains and losses are included in earnings as a component of other income or expense.  The Company’s net unrealized holding gains for 2012 and 2011 were immaterial

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Methodology

Business Acquisitions The Company accounts for business acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. The Company determines and records the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the dates of acquisition. The Company utilizes an independent valuation specialist to assist with the determination of fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in order to determine the portion of the purchase price allocable to these assets. Costs incurred by the Company related to legal, financial and other professional advisors associated with acquisitions are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for a business acquisition exceeds the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but rather, tested annually for impairment.

The Company assesses goodwill for impairment annually and when events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Company’s one reporting unit below its carrying value by applying a direct value-based fair value test. Goodwill could be impaired due to market declines, reduced expected future cash flows, or other factors or events. Should the fair value of goodwill at the measurement date fall below its carrying value, a charge for impairment of goodwill could occur in that period. Impairment is tested using a two-step approach. Companies must first determine whether goodwill is impaired and if so, they must value that impairment based on the amount by which the book value exceeds the estimated fair value.

The Company estimates fair value for its goodwill impairment test by employing three different methodologies to calculate a fair value and then weighting the outputs to arrive at an estimated fair value. The valuation methods utilized include an income approach, a comparison to comparable industry companies and a market approach.  Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The fair value measurement was calculated using unobservable inputs in both the income approach and the comparable industry approach.  In the income approach, the value of a business depends on its prospective economic income.  This approach looks at what a business will do in the future and not what it has done in the past. The key inputs used in this approach include risk adjusted discount rates and estimated future cash flows, which include estimates of future revenues, operating costs and operating capital related cash flows. The estimate of future cash flows takes into consideration factors such as growth rates and economic and market information. The key inputs in the comparable industry approach include the Company’s historical financial results and multiples that were selected based on data observed from publicly traded comparable companies. The market value approach is primarily driven by the underlying value of the Company’s common stock, which can vary significantly depending upon a number of factors, such as overall market conditions and our estimated future profitability. The control premium, applied to the market and comparable industry company approaches, is based on the premium paid in transactions occurring in the past years by acquirers of publicly traded companies who provide management and information technology services to the federal government, which are similar to the services provided by the Company.

The Company’s annual goodwill impairment analysis is performed as of November 30 which coincides with the Company’s long-range planning process and allows the Company ample time to complete the analysis prior to the date the Company reports its results for the fourth quarter.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Intangible and Other Long-lived Assets

The Company uses assumptions in establishing the carrying value, fair value and estimated lives of identifiable intangible and other long-lived assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the asset’s continuing ability to generate positive income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods compared to the carrying value of the asset. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is recognized in the period of identification and is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. The useful lives and related amortization of identifiable intangible assets are based on their estimated residual value in proportion to the economic benefit consumed. The useful lives and related depreciation of other long-lived assets are based on the Company’s estimate of the period over which the asset will generate revenue or otherwise be used by the Company.

Due to the same circumstances that required the goodwill impairment tests done during 2012, the Company evaluated its long-lived assets for impairment as of the second quarter of 2012. The Company determined that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets did not exceed their estimated undiscounted future cash flows, and thus the Company’s long-lived assets were not considered impaired.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company records the fair value of obligations to retire and/or remove long-lived assets in the period in which the obligation is incurred, typically when the asset is placed in service. When the liability is initially recorded, the Company capitalizes this cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset. Over time the liability is increased for the change in its present value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, a long-term liability balance of $0.3 million offset by a similar increase in leasehold improvements due to a legal obligation to remove certain leasehold improvements at the Company’s corporate headquarters.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method pursuant to which deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the financial statements in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided if based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event the Company determined it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. The Company determined that no valuation allowance was required at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from these positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. Interest costs and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are classified as net interest expense and selling, general and administrative costs, respectively, in the Company’s financial statements.  The Company reviews its tax positions on a quarterly basis and more frequently as facts surrounding tax positions change.  Based on these future events, the Company may recognize uncertain tax positions or reverse current uncertain tax positions the impact of which would affect the consolidated financial statements

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Pension Obligations

The Company measures plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of its fiscal year end.  Accounting and reporting for the Company’s pension plan requires the use of assumptions, including but not limited to, a discount rate and an expected return on assets. These assumptions are reviewed at least annually based on reviews of current plan information and consultation with the Company’s independent actuary and the plan’s investment advisor. If these assumptions differ materially from actual results, the Company’s obligations under the pension plan could also differ materially, potentially requiring the Company to record an additional pension liability. The Company’s pension liability is developed from an actuarial valuation, which is performed each year

Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Financing Costs

Costs and loan origination fees associated with obtaining the Company’s financing arrangements are deferred and amortized over the term of the financing arrangements using the effective interest method, with the exception of the loan origination fees associated with the subordinated debt which are amortized using the straight-line method.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company recognizes derivatives as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.  For derivatives that have been formally designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into earnings when interest expense on the underlying borrowings is recognized.

The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage its exposure to interest rate changes.  The swap effectively converts a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt under the term loan to a fixed rate.  If, at any time, the swap is determined to be ineffective, in whole or in part, due to changes in the interest rate swap or underlying debt agreements, the fair value of the portion of the swap determined to be ineffective will be recognized as a gain or loss in the statement of operations for the applicable period.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants.  Valuation techniques are based on observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions.

These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

• Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

• Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant value drivers are observable.

• Level 3 — Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which significant value drivers are unobservable.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, contract receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.  The carrying value of the senior term loan approximates fair value because the interest rate is variable and therefore deemed to reflect a market rate of interest.  The carrying value of the subordinated debt also approximates fair value.  The fair value of the subordinated debt was based on information received from the counterparty; whom management believes is a knowledgeable market participant and has determined an appropriate measurement of fair value.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk include accounts receivable and cash equivalents. Management believes that credit risk related to the Company’s accounts receivable is limited due to a large number of customers in differing segments and agencies of the U.S. government. Accounts receivable credit risk is also limited due to the credit worthiness of the U.S. government. Management believes the credit risk associated with the Company’s cash equivalents is limited due to the credit worthiness of the obligors of the investments underlying the cash equivalents. In addition, although the Company maintains cash balances at financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits, these balances are placed with high quality financial institutions.

Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Operating Leases

The Company’s minimum operating lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis, beginning on the date that the Company takes possession or control of the property.  When the terms of an operating lease provide for periods of free rent, rent concessions or rent escalations, the Company establishes a deferred rent liability for the difference between the scheduled rent payment and the straight-line rent expense recognized.  The deferred rent liability is amortized over the underlying lease term on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense.

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restructuring Costs

Obligations associated with restructuring activities generally requires a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. The overall purpose of the Company’s restructuring actions is to lower overall operating costs and improve profitability by reducing excess capacities. Restructuring charges are reported in the period in which the plan is approved by the Company’s senior management and, where material, the Company’s Board of Directors, and when the liability is incurred.

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

As it relates to the Company, comprehensive income (loss) is defined as net income plus other comprehensive income (loss), which is the sum of changes in the pension liability adjustments and derivative instruments.  These amounts are presented net of tax in the accompanying statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss).

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is determined by using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  In years in which a net loss is reported, the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock grants are not included in the computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Restricted shares of common stock that vest based on the satisfaction of certain conditions are treated as contingently issuable shares until the conditions are satisfied. These shares are excluded from the basic earnings per share calculation and included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as the shares do not qualify as a participating security.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation

The measurement and recognition of share-based compensation expense is based on estimated fair value for all share-based payment awards including stock options, employee stock purchases under employee stock purchase plans, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. The Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value method using a straight-line amortization method over the vesting period of the award reduced for actual forfeitures.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment Information

Management has concluded that the Company operates in one segment based upon the information used by management in evaluating the performance of its business and allocating resources and capital.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, an amendment to FASB ASC Topic 220. The update requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. This ASU is effective prospectively for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013. The Company intends to comply with the disclosure requirements of this ASU for the quarter ending March 31, 2013.

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, an amendment to FASB ASC Topic 210. The update clarifies that the scope of ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, applies to derivatives accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. This ASU is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013. The Company intends to comply with the disclosure requirements of this ASU for the quarter ending March 31, 2013.