Willdan (WLDN) 10-K 10 Mar 22 2021 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 09, 2022	Jul. 02, 2021
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Entity File Number	001-33076
Entity Registrant Name	WILLDAN GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	14-1951112
Entity Address, Address Line One	2401 East Katella Avenue
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 300
Entity Address, City or Town	Anaheim
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	92806
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
City Area Code	800
Local Phone Number	424-9144
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	WLDN
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,856,257
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Entity Central Index Key	0001370450
Amendment Flag	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 400.6
Auditor Name	Crowe LLP
Auditor Firm ID	173
Auditor Location	Sherman Oaks, California

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,221	$ 28,405
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,115 and $2,127 at December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021, respectively	67,211	53,104
Contract assets	59,288	62,426
Other receivables	6,267	6,405
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,972	5,564
Total current assets	148,959	155,904
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	16,757	12,506
Goodwill	130,124	130,124
Right-of-use assets	15,177	20,130
Other intangible assets, net	52,713	64,256
Other assets	13,843	5,993
Deferred income taxes, net	16,849	14,111
Total assets	394,422	403,024
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	36,672	41,372
Accrued liabilities	35,680	34,455
Contingent consideration payable	10,206	12,321
Contract liabilities	13,499	7,434
Notes payable	15,036	14,996
Finance lease obligations	539	248
Lease liability	5,575	5,844
Total current liabilities	117,207	116,670
Contingent consideration payable	832	2,999
Notes payable	85,538	98,178
Finance lease obligations, less current portion	778	236
Lease liability, less current portion	10,768	15,649
Other noncurrent liabilities	78	128
Total liabilities	215,201	233,860
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000 shares authorized; 12,804 and 12,160 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021, respectively	128	122
Additional paid-in capital	167,032	149,014
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(38)	(488)
Retained earnings	12,099	20,516
Total stockholders' equity	179,221	169,164
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 394,422	$ 403,024

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$ 1,115	$ 2,127
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,804,000	12,160,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	12,804,000	12,160,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Contract revenue	$ 353,755	$ 390,980	$ 443,099
Direct costs of contract revenue (inclusive of directly related depreciation and amortization):
Salaries and wages	65,648	65,149	64,485
Subcontractor services and other direct costs	152,233	196,438	243,641
Total direct costs of contract revenue	217,881	261,587	308,126
General and administrative expenses:
Salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits	73,812	71,229	66,303
Facilities and facility related	9,896	10,481	8,568
Stock-based compensation	16,563	16,113	12,112
Depreciation and amortization	17,146	18,743	15,027
Other	27,148	29,054	23,600
Total general and administrative expenses	144,565	145,620	125,610
Income (Loss) from operations	(8,691)	(16,227)	9,363
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(3,869)	(5,068)	(4,900)
Other, net	156	1,626	193
Total other expense, net	(3,713)	(3,442)	(4,707)
Income (Loss) before income taxes	(12,404)	(19,669)	4,656
Income tax (benefit) expense	(3,987)	(5,173)	(185)
Net income (loss)	(8,417)	(14,496)	4,841
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net of tax	450	(92)	(396)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (7,967)	$ (14,588)	$ 4,445
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Basic	$ (0.68)	$ (1.23)	$ 0.43
Diluted	$ (0.68)	$ (1.23)	$ 0.41
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	12,458	11,793	11,162
Diluted	12,458	11,793	11,766

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balances at Dec. 28, 2018	$ 110	$ 114,008		$ 30,171	$ 144,289
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2018	10,968,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan	$ 1	1,739			1,740
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	62,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 1	930			931
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	115,000
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants	$ (2)	(2,878)			(2,880)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(76,000)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units	$ 2	(2)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	213,000
Unregistered sales of stock	$ 1	1,699			1,700
Unregistered sales of stock (in shares)	53,000
Stock issued to acquire business	$ 2	4,939			4,941
Stock issued to acquire business (in shares)	162,000
Stock-based compensation expense		12,112			12,112
Net income (loss)				4,841	4,841
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts			$ (396)		(396)
Balances at Dec. 27, 2019	$ 115	132,547	(396)	35,012	167,278
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2019	11,497,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan	$ 1	2,223			2,224
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	94,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 1	1,081			1,082
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	119,000
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants	$ (1)	(2,945)			(2,946)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(95,000)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units	$ 6	(5)			1
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	545,000
Stock-based compensation expense		16,113			16,113
Net income (loss)				(14,496)	(14,496)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts			(92)		(92)
Balances at Jan. 01, 2021	$ 122	149,014	(488)	20,516	$ 169,164
Balances (in shares) at Jan. 01, 2021	12,160,000				12,160,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan	$ 2	2,653			$ 2,655
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	106,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 1	1,923			1,924
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	150,000
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants	$ (1)	(3,116)			(3,117)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(79,000)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units	$ 4	(5)			(1)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	467,000
Stock-based compensation expense		16,563			16,563
Net income (loss)				(8,417)	(8,417)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts			450		450
Balances at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 128	$ 167,032	$ (38)	$ 12,099	$ 179,221
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021	12,804,000				12,804,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (8,417)	$ (14,496)	$ 4,841
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,146	18,743	15,472
Deferred income taxes, net	(2,738)	(5,209)	(209)
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of equipment	(24)	(15)	(8)
Provision for doubtful accounts	102	1,330	1,051
Stock-based compensation	16,563	16,113	12,112
Accretion and fair value adjustments of contingent consideration	2,333	7,707	(302)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(14,209)	3,070	11,627
Contract assets	3,138	35,498	(34,598)
Other receivables	138	(1,192)	(2,714)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	828	577	(343)
Other assets	(7,849)	9,955	(6,520)
Accounts payable	(4,700)	7,372	(6,294)
Accrued liabilities	1,625	(34,509)	16,761
Contract liabilities	6,065	1,871	315
Right-of-use assets	(197)	210	430
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,804	47,025	11,621
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements	(8,500)	(5,076)	(6,637)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	46	17	45
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(71,756)
Net cash used in investing activities	(8,454)	(5,059)	(78,348)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on contingent consideration	(6,615)	(1,433)	(1,381)
Payments on notes payable	(1,909)	(205)	(1,842)
Payments on debt issuance costs		(327)	(709)
Proceeds from notes payable	2,074	1,140
Borrowings under term loan facility and line of credit		24,000	138,000
Repayments under term loan facility and line of credit	(13,000)	(42,000)	(78,000)
Principal payments on finance leases	(545)	(549)	(639)
Proceeds from stock option exercise	1,924	1,082	931
Proceeds from sales of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	2,655	2,224	1,740
Cash used to pay taxes on stock grants	(3,117)	(2,946)	(2,880)
Restricted Stock Award and Units	(1)	1
Proceeds from unregistered sales of equity			1,700
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(18,534)	(19,013)	56,920
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(17,184)	22,953	(9,807)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	28,405	5,452	15,259
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	11,221	28,405	5,452
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest	3,545	5,031	4,169
Income taxes	(1,616)	174	4,052
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities:
(Gain) loss on cash flow hedge valuations, net of tax	450	(92)	(396)
Other working capital adjustment		1,179
Equipment acquired under finance leases	$ 1,376	$ 467	$ 661

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY	1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPAN Y Willdan Group, Inc. (“Willdan”) is a provider of professional, technical and consulting services to utilities, private industry, and public agencies at all levels of government. As resources and infrastructures undergo continuous change, the Company helps organizations and their communities evolve and thrive by providing a wide range of technical services for energy solutions and government infrastructure. Through engineering, program management, policy advisory, and software and data management, the Company designs and delivers trusted, comprehensive, innovative, and proven solutions to improve efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability in energy and infrastructure. Basis of Presentation The Company has prepared its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated statement of stockholders' equity includes repurchases of shares of our common stock from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations incurred in connection with the vesting of restricted stock or performance stock units, which amount is presented as a reduction of additional paid-in capital and common stock. Fiscal Years The Company operates and reports its annual financial results based on 52 53 13 14 52 53 14 52 Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Willdan Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and their respective subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated balance sheets to conform to the current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company from time to time may be exposed to credit risk with its bank deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limits and with uninsured money market investments. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company uses the three-tier hierarchy of fair value measurement, which prioritizes the inputs. These tiers include: Level 1 (the highest priority), defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets, Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 (the lowest priority), defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. ​ The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contract assets, other receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and contract liabilities. The carrying amounts of certain other assets and contingent consideration are discounted to their present value because the time between the origination of these instruments and their expected realization or payment is greater than one year. ​ As of December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021 the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contract assets, other receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and contract liabilities, approximate their fair values because of the relatively short period of time between the origination of these instruments and their expected realization or payment. The carrying amounts of debt obligations approximate their fair values since the terms are comparable to terms currently offered by local lending institutions for loans of similar terms to companies with comparable credit risk. ​ The carrying amounts of the derivative financial instrument is valued based on Level 2 inputs. ​ Variable Interest Entities The Company accounts for variable interest entities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation. Under ASC 810, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) is created when any of the following criteria are present: (a) the equity investment at risk in the entity is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by other parties, including the equity holders; (b) the entity’s equity holders as a group either (i) lack the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity, (ii) are not obligated to absorb expected losses of the entity or (iii) do not have the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the entity’s equity holders have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests, and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of the equity holder with disproportionately few voting rights. If an entity is deemed to be a VIE pursuant to ASC 810, the enterprise that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or right to receive benefits from the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company performs ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had one VIE — Genesys Engineering, P.C. (“Genesys”). Pursuant to New York law, the Company does not own capital stock of Genesys and does not have control over the professional decision making of Genesys’s engineering services. The Company, however, has entered into an administrative services agreement with Genesys pursuant to which WES, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, will provide Genesys with ongoing administrative, operational and other non-professional support services. The Company manages Genesys and has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Genesys’s performance, in addition to being obligated to absorb expected losses from Genesys. Accordingly, the Company is the primary beneficiary of Genesys and consolidates Genesys as a VIE. Management also concluded there is no noncontrolling interest related to the consolidation of Genesys because management determined that (i) the shareholder of Genesys does not have more than a nominal amount of equity investment at risk, (ii) WES absorbs the expected losses of Genesys through its deferral of Genesys’s service fees owed to WES and the Company has, since entering into the administrative services agreement, had to continuously defer service fees for Genesys, and (iii) the Company believes Genesys will continue to have a shortfall on payment of its service fees for the foreseeable future, leaving no expected residual returns for the shareholder. For more information regarding Genesys, see Note 8 “Commitments and Variable Interest Entities.” Segment Information The Company presents segment information externally consistent with the manner in which the Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews information to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s two segments are (i) Energy, and (ii) Engineering and Consulting. Willdan Group, Inc. (“WGI”) is a holding company and performs administrative functions on behalf of its subsidiaries, such as treasury, legal, accounting, information systems, human resources and certain business development activities, and earns revenue that is only incidental to the activities of the enterprise. As a result, WGI does not meet the definition of an operating segment. Contract Assets and Liabilities Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Contract assets include unbilled amounts typically resulting from revenue under contracts where the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. In addition, contract assets include retainage amounts withheld from billings to the Company’s clients pursuant to provisions in our contracts. Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized and deferred revenue. Adoption of ASC 606 On December 30, 2017, the Company adopted ASC 606, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of December 29, 2017. Prior to adopting ASC 606, the Company established an implementation team, which included senior managers from its finance and accounting group. The implementation team evaluated the impact of adopting ASC 606 on its contracts expected to be uncompleted as of December 30, 2017 (the date of adoption). The evaluation included reviewing its accounting policies and practices to identify differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard. The Company identified and made changes to its processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. The implementation team worked closely with various professional consultants and attended several formal conferences and seminars to conclude on certain interpretative issues. The Company recognizes engineering and consulting contract revenue over time using the percentage-of-completion method, based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost. Revenue on the vast majority of its contracts will continue to be recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Revenue recognition for software licenses issued by the Energy segment is recognized at a point in time, upon acceptance of the software by the customer and in recognition of the fulfillment of the performance obligation. Certain additional performance obligations beyond the base software license may be separated from the gross license fee and recognized on a straight-line basis over time. ​ Contract Accounting The Company enters into contracts with its clients that contain various types of pricing provisions, including fixed price, time-and-materials, and unit-based provisions. The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customer, codified as ASC Topic 606 and the related amendments (collectively “ASC 606”). As such, the Company identifies a contract with a customer, identifies the performance obligations in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract and recognizes revenues when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The following table reflects the Company’s two reportable segments and the types of contracts that each most commonly enters into for revenue generating activities. ​ Segment Contract Type Revenue Recognition Method ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Energy Unit-based Unit-based ​ Software license Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Engineering and Consulting Unit-based Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Revenue on the vast majority of the Company’s contracts is recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Revenue on fixed price contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based generally on the ratio of direct costs incurred-to-date to estimated total direct costs at completion. The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method to better match the level of work performed at a certain point in time in relation to the effort that will be required to complete a project. In addition, the percentage-of-completion method is a common method of revenue recognition in the Company’s industry. Many of the Company’s fixed price contracts involve a high degree of subcontracted fixed price effort and are relatively short in duration, thereby lowering the risks of not properly estimating the percent complete. Revenue on time-and-materials and unit-based contracts is recognized as the work is performed in accordance with the specific rates and terms of the contract. The Company recognizes revenues for time-and-materials contracts based upon the actual hours incurred during a reporting period at contractually agreed upon rates per hour and also includes in revenue all reimbursable costs incurred during a reporting period. Certain of the Company’s time-and-materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values and, accordingly, when revenue is expected to exceed the maximum contract value, these contracts are generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, consistent with fixed price contracts. For unit-based contracts, the Company recognizes the contract price of units of a basic production product as revenue when the production product is delivered during a period. Revenue for amounts that have been billed but not earned is deferred, and such deferred revenue is referred to as contract liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company also derives revenue from software licenses and professional services and maintenance fees. In accordance with ASC 606, the Company performs an assessment of each contract to identify the performance obligations, determine the overall transaction price for the contract, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognize the revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company utilizes the residual approach by which it estimates the standalone selling price by reference to the total transaction price less the sum of the observable standalone selling prices of other goods or services promised in the contract. The software license revenue is typically recognized at a point in time when control is transferred to the client, which is defined as the point in time when the client can use and benefit from the license. The software license is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without services, updates, or technical support. Related professional services include training and support services in which the standalone selling price is determined based on an input measure of hours incurred to total estimated hours and is recognized over time, usually which is the life of the contract. To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts, the Company evaluates whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined contract should be accounted for as one performance obligation. With respect to the Company’s contracts, it is rare that multiple contracts should be combined into a single performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate a single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. Contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation if the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts, which is mainly because the Company provides a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability. The Company may enter into contracts that include separate phases or elements. If each phase or element is negotiated separately based on the technical resources required and/or the supply and demand for the services being provided, the Company evaluates if the contracts should be segmented. If certain criteria are met, the contracts would be segmented which could result in revenues being assigned to the different elements or phases with different rates of profitability based on the relative value of each element or phase to the estimated total contract revenue. Segmented contracts may comprise up to approximately 2.0% to 3.0% of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. Contracts that cover multiple phases or elements of the project or service lifecycle (development, construction and maintenance and support) may be considered to have multiple performance obligations even when they are part of a single contract. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. For the periods presented, the value of the separate performance obligations under contracts with multiple performance obligations (generally measurement and verification tasks under certain energy performance contracts) were not material. In cases where the Company does not provide the distinct good or service on a standalone basis, the primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which the Company forecasts the Company’s expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then adds an appropriate margin for the distinct good or service. The Company provides quality of workmanship warranties to customers that are included in the sale and are not priced or sold separately or do not provide customers with a service in addition to assurance of compliance with agreed-upon specifications and industry standards. The Company does not consider these types of warranties to be separate performance obligations. In some cases, the Company has a master service or blanket agreement with a customer under which each task order releases the Company to perform specific portions of the overall scope in the service contract. Each task order is typically accounted for as a separate contract because the task order establishes the enforceable rights and obligations, and payment terms. Under ASC 606, variable consideration should be considered when determining the transaction price and estimates should be made for the variable consideration component of the transaction price, as well as assessing whether an estimate of variable consideration is constrained. For certain of the Company’s contracts, variable consideration can arise from modifications to the scope of services resulting from unapproved change orders or customer claims. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Company estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on assessments of legal enforceability, the Company’s performance, and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company. Due to the nature of the work required to be performed on many of the Company’s performance obligations, the estimation of total revenue and cost at completion is complex, subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of the Company’s contracts, the Company reviews and updates the Company’s contract-related estimates regularly through a company-wide disciplined project review process in which management reviews the progress and execution of the Company’s performance obligations and the estimate at completion (EAC). As part of this process, management reviews information including, but not limited to, any outstanding key contract matters, progress towards completion and the related program schedule and the related changes in estimates of revenues and costs. Management must make assumptions and estimates regarding labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the performance of subcontractors, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer, among other variables. The Company recognizes adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, the Company recognizes the full amount of estimated loss in the period it is identified. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. The Company considers contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new rights or obligations or changes the existing enforceable rights or obligations. Most of the Company’s contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from existing contracts due to the significant integration provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as if they were part of the original contract. The effect of a contract modification that is not distinct from the existing contract on the transaction price and the Company’s measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis. For contract modifications that result in the promise to deliver goods or services that are distinct from the existing contract and the increase in price of the contract is for the same amount as the standalone selling price of the additional goods or services included in the modification, the Company accounts for such contract modifications as a separate contract. The Company includes claims to vendors, subcontractors and others as a receivable and a reduction in recognized costs when enforceability of the claim is established by the contract and the amounts are reasonably estimable and probable of being recovered. The amounts are recorded up to the extent of the lesser of the amounts management expects to recover or to costs incurred. Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Direct costs of contract revenue consist primarily of that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages that has been incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue also include production expenses, subcontractor services and other expenses that are incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue exclude that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages related to marketing efforts, vacations, holidays and other time not spent directly generating revenue under existing contracts. Such costs are included in general and administrative expenses. Additionally, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income since no allocation of these costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. No allocation of facilities costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. Other companies may classify as direct costs of contract revenue some of the costs that the Company classifies as general and administrative costs. The Company expenses direct costs of contract revenue when incurred. Included in revenue and costs are all reimbursable costs for which the Company has the risk or on which the fee was based at the time of bid or negotiation. No revenue or cost is recorded for costs in which the Company acts solely in the capacity of an agent and has no risks associated with such costs. Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based upon a review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis. Management determines allowances for doubtful accounts through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience. The Company’s historical credit losses have been minimal with governmental entities and large public utilities, but disputes may arise related to these receivable amounts. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received. Retainage, included in contract assets, represents amounts withheld from billings to the Company’s clients pursuant to provisions in the contracts and may not be paid to the Company until specific tasks are completed or the project is completed and, in some instances, for even longer periods. As of December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021, contract assets included retainage of $4.5 million and $6.2 million, respectively. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses include the costs of the marketing and support staff, other marketing expenses, management and administrative personnel costs, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefits for all of the Company’s employees and the portion of salaries and wages not allocated to direct costs of contract revenue for those employees who provide the Company’s services. General and administrative expenses also include facility costs, depreciation and amortization, professional services, legal and accounting fees and administrative operating costs. Within general and administrative expenses, “Other” includes expenses such as provision for billed or unbilled receivables, professional services, legal and accounting, computer costs, travel and entertainment, marketing costs and acquisition costs. The Company expenses general and administrative costs when incurred. Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 require, among other things, that lessees recognize the following for all leases (unless a policy election is made by class of underlying asset to exclude short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or the direct use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The FASB issued ASU 2018-11 on July 30, 2018, which allows entities to apply the provisions of ASC 842 at the effective date without adjusting comparative periods. ​ On December 29, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective method. Under this guidance, the net present value of future lease payments is recorded as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. In addition, the Company elected the ‘package of practical expedients’ permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification. In addition, the Company elected not to utilize the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases. The Company also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for its facilities leases. Previously, all of the Company’s office leases were classified as operating leases and rent expense was included in facilities expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. ​ In addition, the Company leases certain equipment under financing leases. The economic substance of the leases is a financing transaction for acquisition of equipment and leasehold improvements. Accordingly, the right-of-use assets for these leases are included in the balance sheets in equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation, with a corresponding amount recorded in current portion of financing lease obligations or noncurrent portion of financing lease obligations, as appropriate. The financing lease assets are amortized over the life of the lease or, if shorter, the life of the leased asset, on a straight-line basis and included in depreciation expense in the statements of comprehensive income. The interest associated with financing lease obligations is included in interest expense in the statements of comprehensive income. For more information, see Note 7, “ Leases ​ Equipment and Leasehold Improvements Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of the minimum lease payments as of the acquisition date. Depreciation and amortization on equipment are calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of two Following are the estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation and amortization: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Category Estimated Useful Life Furniture and fixtures 5 years Computer hardware 3 years Computer software 3 years Automobiles and trucks 3 years Field equipment 5 years ​ Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of the assets acquired. The Company completes its annual testing of goodwill as of the last day of the first month of its fourth fiscal quarter each year to determine whether there is impairment. Goodwill, which has an indefinite useful life, is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Impairment losses for reporting units are recognized to the extent that a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Long-lived assets Long-lived assets, such as equipment, leasehold improvements and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Accounting for Claims against the Company The Company accrues an undiscounted liability related to claims against it for which the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses the amount accrued and an estimate of any reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for its financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not accrue liabilities related to claims when the likelihood that a loss has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. Losses related to recorded claims are included in general and administrative expenses. Determining probability and estimating claim amounts is highly judgmental. Initial accruals and any subsequent changes in the Company’s estimates could have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. Stock-based Compensation The Company accounts for all stock-based compensation under the fair value recognition provisions of the acc

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 amends the accounting for income taxes by, among other things, removing: (i) The exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income or a gain from other items (for example, discontinued operations or other comprehensive income); (ii) The exception to the requirement to recognize a deferred tax liability for equity method investments when a foreign subsidiary becomes an equity method investment; (iii) The exception to the ability not to recognize a deferred tax liability for a foreign subsidiary when a foreign equity method investment becomes a subsidiary; and (iv) The exception to the general methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period when a year-to-date loss exceeds the anticipated loss for the year. The Company adopted this standard effective January 2, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 provides, among other things, guidance that modifications of contracts within the scope of Topic 470, Debt, should be accounted for by prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate; modifications of contracts within the scope of Topic 840, Leases, should be accounted for as a continuation of the existing contract; and, changes in the critical terms of hedging relationships, caused by reference rate reform, should not result in the de-designation of the instrument, provided certain criteria are met. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Scope” (“ASU 2021-01”). ASU 2021-01 clarifies the scope and application of ASU 2020-04 and permits entities, among other things, to elect certain optional expedients and exceptions when accounting for derivative contracts and certain hedging relationships affected by changes in the interest rates used for discounting cash flows. The Company’s exposure to LIBOR rates includes its credit facilities and swap agreement. The amendments are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Adoption is permitted at any time. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. ​

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMEN

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA	3. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consisted of the following: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Billed ​ $ 68,325 ​ $ 55,231 Unbilled (1) ​ ​ 54,817 ​ ​ 56,262 Contract retentions ​ ​ 4,472 ​ ​ 6,164 Other assets (2) ​ ​ 12,630 ​ ​ 4,524 ​ ​ ​ 140,244 ​ ​ 122,181 Allowance for doubtful accounts ​ ​ (1,115) ​ ​ (2,127) ​ ​ $ 139,129 ​ $ 120,054 ​ (1) Unbilled portion represents contract assets which is presented separately from accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. (2) Other assets represents a portion of receivables greater than one year from the normal course of business presented separately from current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. ​ The movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) Balance as of the beginning of the year ​ $ 2,127 ​ $ 1,147 ​ $ 442 (Recovery of) provision for doubtful accounts ​ 102 ​ 1,329 ​ 1,051 Write-offs of uncollectible accounts ​ (1,224) ​ (388) ​ (346) Fair value adjustment ​ 110 ​ 39 ​ — Balance as of the end of the year ​ $ 1,115 ​ $ 2,127 ​ $ 1,147 ​ Billed accounts receivable represent amounts billed to clients that have yet to be collected. Unbilled accounts receivable represent revenue recognized, but not yet billed, pursuant to contract terms or accounts billed after the period end. Substantially all unbilled receivables as of December 31, 2021 are, or were expected to be, billed and collected within twelve months of such date. Contract retentions represent amounts invoiced to clients where payments have been withheld pending the completion of certain milestones, other contractual conditions or upon the completion of the project. These retention agreements vary from project to project and could be outstanding for several months. Allowances for doubtful accounts have been determined through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience. Consolidated Edison of New York accounted for 44.4% and 31.0% of the Company’s outstanding receivables as of December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021, respectively. From time to time, in connection with factoring agreements, the Company sells trade accounts receivable without recourse to third party purchasers in exchange for cash. During 2021 and 2020, the Company sold trade accounts receivable and received cash proceeds of $8.0 million and $10.6 million, respectively. The discounts on the trade accounts receivable sold during 2021 and 2020 were $ Equipment and Leasehold Improvements Equipment and leasehold improvements were as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Furniture and fixtures ​ $ 4,070 ​ $ 4,088 Computer hardware and software ​ 26,425 ​ 18,047 Leasehold improvements ​ 3,011 ​ 2,994 Equipment under finance leases ​ 3,286 ​ 2,370 Automobiles, trucks, and field equipment ​ 3,099 ​ 3,216 Subtotal ​ 39,891 ​ 30,715 Accumulated depreciation and amortization ​ (23,134) ​ (18,209) Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 16,757 ​ $ 12,506 ​ Depreciation expense of equipment and leasehold improvements totaled $5.6 million, $5.0 million, and $3.4 million in fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Included in accumulated depreciation and amortization is $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million of amortization expense related to equipment held under finance leases in fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities were as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Accrued subcontractor costs ​ $ 19,727 ​ $ 19,124 Accrued bonuses ​ ​ 7,767 ​ ​ 5,211 Other ​ 2,750 ​ 4,899 Employee withholdings ​ 2,665 ​ 2,768 Compensation and payroll taxes ​ 2,244 ​ 1,983 Accrued workers’ compensation insurance ​ 527 ​ 470 Total accrued liabilities ​ $ 35,680 ​ $ 34,455 ​ ​ ​

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	4. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company uses certain interest rate derivative contracts to hedge interest rate exposures on its variable rate debt. The Company’s hedging program is not designated for trading or speculative purposes. The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company records changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of the derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedges in its consolidated balance sheets as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and in its condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income as a loss or gain on cash flow hedge valuation. On January 31, 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that the Company designated as cash flow hedge to fix the variable interest rate on a portion of the Company’s 2018 Term Loan Facility. The interest rate swap agreement total notional amount of $35.0 million, has a fixed annual interest rate of 2.47% and expires on January 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2021, the effective portion of the Company’s interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge before tax effects was $0.6 million, of which no amounts were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in fiscal 2021. The Company expects to reclassify $50,000 from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense by January 31, 2022. The fair values of the Company’s outstanding derivatives designated as hedging instruments were as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair Value of Derivative ​ ​ Instruments as of ​ ​ Balance Sheet Location ​ December 31, 2021 ​ January 1, 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) Interest rate swap agreement ​ Accrued liabilities ​ $ (50) ​ $ (624) Interest rate swap agreement ​ Other noncurrent (liabilities) assets ​ $ — ​ $ (48) ​ The impact of the effective portions of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships and fair value relationships on other comprehensive income The accumulated balances and reporting period activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are summarized as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gain (Loss) on ​ Accumulated Other ​ Derivative Instruments Comprehensive Loss ​ ​ (in thousands) Balances at December 28, 2018 ​ $ — ​ $ — Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications ​ ​ (546) ​ ​ (546) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income: ​ ​ 0 ​ ​ 0 Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ 150 ​ ​ 150 Net current-period other comprehensive loss ​ ​ (396) ​ ​ (396) Balances at December 27, 2019 ​ $ (396) ​ $ (396) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications ​ ​ (126) ​ ​ (126) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income: ​ ​ 0 ​ ​ 0 Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ 34 ​ ​ 34 Net current-period other comprehensive loss ​ ​ (488) ​ ​ (488) Balances at January 1, 2021 ​ $ (488) ​ $ (488) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications ​ ​ 622 ​ ​ 622 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income: ​ ​ 0 ​ ​ 0 Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ (172) ​ ​ (172) Net current-period other comprehensive loss ​ ​ (38) ​ ​ (38) Balances at December 31, 2021 ​ $ (38) ​ $ (38) ​

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

DEBT OBLIGATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
DEBT OBLIGATIONS	5. DEBT OBLIGATIONS Debt obligations, excluding obligations under finance leases (see Note 7, Leases, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, January 1, ​ ​ 2021 ​ 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Outstanding borrowings on Term A Loan ​ $ 75,000 ​ $ 85,000 Outstanding borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Outstanding borrowings on Delayed Draw Term Loan ​ ​ 24,000 ​ ​ 27,000 Other debt agreements ​ ​ 2,161 ​ ​ 1,996 Total debt ​ ​ 101,161 ​ ​ 113,996 Issuance costs and debt discounts ​ ​ (587) ​ ​ (822) Subtotal ​ ​ 100,574 ​ ​ 113,174 Less current portion of long-term debt ​ 15,036 ​ 14,996 Long-term debt portion ​ $ 85,538 ​ $ 98,178 ​ Credit Facilities On June 26, 2019, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended by the First Amendment, dated as of August 15, 2019, the Second Amendment, dated as of November 6, 2019, the Third Amendment, dated as of May 6, 2020, and the Fourth Amendment, dated April 30, 2021, the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders and BMO Harris Bank, N.A. (“BMO”), as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a $100.0 million secured term loan (the “Term A Loan”), (ii) up to $50.0 million in delayed draw secured term loans (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan”), and (iii) a $50.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, collectively with the Term A Loan and the Delayed Draw Term Loan, the “Credit Facilities”), each maturing on June 26, 2024 . The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by its present and future domestic subsidiaries, with limited exceptions. Prior to the Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2021 (the “Fourth Amendment”), the Credit Agreement required the Company to comply with certain financial covenants, including requiring that the Company maintain a (i) total leverage ratio (the “Leverage Ratio”), defined as the ratio of total funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement), of 6.00 to 1.00 through June 26, 2020, 7.75 to 1.00 through September 25, 2020, 7.50 to 1.00 through January 1, 2021, 6.25 to 1.00 through April 2, 2021, 4.00 to 1.00 through July 2, 2021, and 3.25 to 1.00 through October 1, 2021 and thereafter and (ii) fixed charge coverage ratio (“FCCR Ratio”), defined as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA less Unfinanced Capital Expenditures (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to Fixed Charges (as defined in the Credit Agreement), of not less than 1.20 to 1.00, in each case tested quarterly, except during the period from May 6, 2020 until July 2, 2021 (the “Initial Covenant Relief Period”), when the maximum Leverage Ratio was increased and the covenant to maintain a minimum FCCR Ratio was replaced with a covenant to maintain a minimum Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Third Amendment). In addition, during the Initial Covenant Relief Period, no delayed draw term loans could be borrowed under the Credit Facilities and the Company was prohibited from engaging in share repurchases or making any Permitted Acquisitions (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Additionally, during the Initial Covenant Relief Period, the aggregate amount of all capital expenditures made by the Company could not exceed $7.0 million, and the Company was prohibited from making any earn-out payments if, after giving effect to such earn-out payment, the Company’s liquidity would be less than $5.0 million or the aggregate amount of all earn-out payments made by the Company during the Initial Covenant Relief Period would exceed $7.0 million. Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, the Initial Covenant Relief Period was extended from July 2, 2021 to and including the earlier of (i) April 1, 2022 and (ii) the last day of the fiscal quarter in which the Company delivers an irrevocable election to terminate the covenant relief granted by the Fourth Amendment (the “Second Covenant Relief Period,” and together with the Initial Covenant Relief Period, the “Amended Covenant Relief Period”). The Fourth Amendment also (A) increases the maximum Leverage Ratio the Company is permitted to maintain to 4.50 to 1.00 through June 30, 2021, 5.25 to 1.00 through September 30, 2021, 4.50 to 1.00 through December 31, 2021, 4.25 to 1.00 through March 31, 2022, and 3.25 to 1.00 through June 30, 2022 and thereafter, (B) establishes the minimum Adjusted EBITDA thresholds (as defined in the Third Amendment) for the remainder of the Amended Covenant Relief Period, (C) removes the previous prohibition during the Initial Covenant Relief Period on the Company’s ability to make delayed draw term loan borrowings, (D) removes the previous prohibition during the Initial Covenant Relief Period on the Company’s ability to make Permitted Acquisitions (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire the Company’s common stock, in each case, subject to certain conditions, and (E) increases the maximum amount of earn-out payments the Company is permitted to make during the Amended Covenant Relief Period from $7.0 million to $17.0 million, provided that the Company’s liquidity would not be less than $10.0 million after giving effect to such earn-out payment. Additionally, during the remainder of the Amended Covenant Relief Period, the aggregate amount of all capital expenditures made by the Company may not exceed $15.0 million. ​ In accordance with the Fourth Amendment, borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at all times other than during the Initial Covenant Relief Period, at either a Base Rate or LIBOR, each as defined in the Credit Agreement, at the Company’s option, and in each case plus an applicable margin, which applicable margin will range from 0.125% to 1.25% with respect to Base Rate borrowings and 1.125% to 2.25% with respect to LIBOR borrowings, depending on the Leverage Ratio; provided, that LIBOR cannot be less than 0.00%. The Company will also pay a commitment fee for the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility and the delayed draft term loan facility, which will range from 0.15% to 0.40% per annum depending on the Leverage Ratio, and fees on the face amount of any letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, which will range from 0.84% to 1.688% per annum, in each case, depending on whether such letter of credit is a performance or financial letter of credit and the Leverage Ratio. ​ The Credit Agreement includes customary events of default and also contains other customary restrictive covenants including (i) restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and additional liens on property, (ii) restrictions on permitted acquisitions and other investments and (iii) limitations on asset sales, mergers and acquisitions. Further, the Credit Agreement limits the Company’s payment of future dividends and distributions and share repurchases by the Company. Subject to certain exceptions, borrowings under the Credit Agreement are also subject to mandatory prepayment from (a) any issuances of debt or equity securities, (b) any sale or disposition of assets, (c) insurance and condemnation proceeds (d) representation and warranty insurance proceeds related to insurance policies issued in connection with acquisitions and (e) excess cash flow. ​ The Term A Loan issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan, and as of December 31, 2021, issuance costs of $0.6 million remained unamortized. The Delayed Draw Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility issuance cost of $0.3 million are included in assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Term A Loan amortizes quarterly in installments of $2.5 million beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 27, 2019, with a final payment of all then remaining principal and interest due on the maturity date of June 26, 2024. Each borrowing under the Delayed Draw Term Loan will amortize quarterly in an amount equal to 2.5% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the Delayed Draw Term Loan, beginning with the first full fiscal quarter ending after the initial borrowing date, with a final payment of all then remaining principal and interest due on the maturity date of June 26, 2024. The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facilities may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty. Willdan is the borrower under the Credit Agreement and its obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by its present and future domestic subsidiaries (other than any inactive subsidiaries and Factoring SPV (as defined in the Credit Agreement)). In addition, subject to certain exceptions, all such obligations are secured by substantially all of the assets of Willdan and the subsidiary guarantors. The Company believes that, as of December 31, 2021, it was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Credit Agreement, as amended by the Fourth Amendment. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s composite interest rate, exclusive of the effects of upfront fees, undrawn fees and issuance cost amortization, was 3.0% and $4.1 million in letters of credit were issued. Other Debt Agreements The Company’s other debt agreements are related to financed insurance premiums, a financed software agreement, and a utility customer agreement and are immaterial to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Future Debt Payments The following table summarizes the combined principal installments for the Company’s debt obligations, excluding capital leases, over the next five years and beyond, as of December 31, 2021: ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year: ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ 15,036 2023 ​ ​ 13,070 2024 ​ ​ 73,055 Total debt maturities ​ ​ 101,161 Issuance costs and debt discounts ​ ​ (587) Net carrying value ​ $ 100,574 ​

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $130.1 million of goodwill, which primarily relates to the Energy segment and the acquisitions within this segment of E3, Inc., Lime Energy, NAM, Integral Analytics and Abacus Resource Management Company (“Abacus”) and substantially all of the assets of Onsite Energy, The Weidt Group, Genesys and 360 Energy Engineers, LLC (“360 Energy”). The remaining goodwill relates to the Engineering and Consulting reporting segment and the acquisition within this segment of Economists LLC. The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ January 1, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ December 31, ​ 2021 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 129,375 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ $ 130,124 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 130,124 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 27, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ January 1, ​ 2019 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 126,898 ​ $ — ​ $ 2,477 ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ $ 127,647 ​ $ — ​ $ 2,477 ​ $ 130,124 ​ The gross amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company’s acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives, included in other intangible assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, were as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2021 ​ January 1, 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Amortization ​ Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Period ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) Finite: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Backlog ​ $ 7,944 ​ $ 7,222 ​ $ 7,944 ​ $ 6,249 ​ 1.0 Tradename ​ 15,911 ​ 8,997 ​ 15,911 ​ 6,984 2.5 ​ - ​ 6.0 Non-compete agreements ​ ​ 1,420 ​ ​ 1,413 ​ ​ 1,420 ​ ​ 1,390 ​ 4.0 ​ - ​ 5.0 Developed technology ​ ​ 15,500 ​ ​ 8,950 ​ ​ 15,500 ​ ​ 6,107 ​ 8.0 Customer relationships ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 19,939 ​ ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 14,248 5.0 ​ - ​ 8.0 Total finite intangible assets ​ ​ 98,924 ​ ​ 46,521 ​ ​ 98,924 ​ ​ 34,978 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In-process research and technology (1) ​ ​ 310 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 310 ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total intangible assets ​ $ 99,234 ​ $ 46,521 ​ $ 99,234 ​ $ 34,978 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (1) In-process research and technology is not amortized until put into use. At the time of acquisition, the Company estimates the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets based upon the facts and circumstances related to the particular intangible asset. Inherent in such estimates are judgments and estimates of future revenue, profitability, cash flows and appropriate discount rates for any present value calculations. The Company preliminarily estimates the value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets and then finalizes the estimated fair values during the purchase allocation period, which does not extend beyond 12 months from the date of acquisition. The Company’s amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives was $11.5 million, $13.7 million and $11.6 million for the fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets for fiscal year 2022 and the succeeding years is as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Future Intangible Asset ​ ​ ​ Amortization expense ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ $ 11,227 2023 ​ 9,928 2024 ​ 6,806 2025 ​ ​ 6,235 2026 ​ ​ 5,513 Thereafter ​ ​ 13,004 ​ ​ $ 52,713 ​ ​

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
LEASES
LEASES	7. LEASES The Company leases certain office facilities under long-term, non-cancellable operating leases that expire at various dates through the year 2027. In addition, the Company is obligated under finance leases for certain furniture and office equipment that expire at various dates through the year 2025. On December 29, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) using the modified retrospective method. Under this guidance, the net present value of future lease payments is recorded as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. In addition, the Company elected the ‘package of practical expedients ’ permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification. In addition, the Company elected not to utilize the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. This means, for those leases that qualify, the Company did not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities, including not recognizing right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition. The Company also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for our facilities leases. From time to time, the Company enters into non-cancelable leases for some of our facility and equipment needs. These leases allow the Company to conserve cash by paying a monthly lease rental fee for the use of facilities and equipment rather than purchasing them. The Company’s leases have remaining terms ranging from one to eight years , some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to five years , and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within one year . Currently, all of the Company’s leases contain fixed payment terms. The Company may decide to cancel or terminate a lease before the end of its term, in which case we are typically liable to the lessor for the remaining lease payments under the term of the lease. Additionally, all of our month-to-month leases are cancelable by the Company or the lessor, at any time, and are not included in our right-of-use asset or lease liability. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had no leases with residual value guarantees. Typically, the Company has purchase options on the equipment underlying its long-term leases. The Company may exercise some of these purchase options when the need for equipment is on-going and the purchase option price is attractive. Nonperformance-related default covenants, cross-default provisions, subjective default provisions and material adverse change clauses contained in material lease agreements, if any, are also evaluated to determine whether those clauses affect lease classification in accordance with “ASC” Topic 842-10-25. Leases are accounted for as operating or financing leases, depending on the terms of the lease. ​ Financing Leases ​ The Company leases certain equipment under financing leases. The economic substance of the leases is a financing transaction for acquisition of equipment and leasehold improvements. Accordingly, the right-of-use assets for these leases are included in the balance sheets in equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation, with a corresponding amount recorded in current portion of financing lease obligations or noncurrent portion of financing lease obligations, as appropriate. The financing lease assets are amortized over the life of the lease or, if shorter, the life of the leased asset, on a straight-line basis and included in depreciation expense. The interest associated with financing lease obligations is included in interest expense. Right-of-use assets Operating leases are included in right-of-use assets, and current portion of lease liability and noncurrent portion of lease liability, as appropriate. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate to calculate present value, the Company determines this rate by estimating the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred at lease commencement and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ​ The following is a summary of the lease expense: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) Operating lease cost ​ $ 6,497 ​ $ 7,031 ​ $ 5053 Finance lease cost: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Amortization of assets ​ ​ 577 ​ ​ 589 ​ ​ 509 Interest on lease liabilities ​ ​ 34 ​ ​ 29 ​ ​ 36 Total net lease cost ​ $ 7,108 ​ $ 7,649 ​ $ 5,598 ​ The following is a summary of lease information presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Operating leases: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets $ 15,177 ​ $ 20,130 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Lease liability $ 5,575 ​ $ 5,844 ​ Lease liability, less current portion 10,768 ​ 15,649 ​ Total lease liabilities $ 16,343 ​ $ 21,493 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance leases (included in equipment and leasehold improvements, net): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Equipment and leasehold improvements, net $ 3,286 ​ $ 2,370 ​ Accumulated depreciation (1,947) ​ (1,826) ​ Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net $ 1,339 ​ $ 544 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance lease obligations $ 539 ​ $ 248 ​ Finance lease obligations, less current portion ​ 778 ​ ​ 236 ​ Total finance lease obligations $ 1,317 ​ $ 484 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ 3.79 ​ ​ 4.40 ​ Finance Leases ​ 2.62 ​ ​ 2.02 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average discount rate: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ 4.28 % ​ 4.44 % Finance Leases ​ 2.78 % ​ 3.74 % ​ Rent expense for fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $6.8 million, and $7.6 million, and $6.2 million, respectively. ​ The following is a summary of other information and supplemental cash flow information related to finance and operating leases: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating cash flow from operating leases ​ $ 6,727 ​ $ 6,972 ​ $ 5,151 Operating cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 34 ​ ​ 29 ​ ​ 36 Financing cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 545 ​ ​ 549 ​ ​ 639 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating leases ​ $ 783 ​ $ 3,186 ​ $ 4,918 ​ The following is a summary of the maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Finance ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ $ 6,235 ​ $ 567 ​ 2023 ​ 4,372 ​ 489 ​ 2024 ​ 2,657 ​ ​ 231 ​ 2025 ​ ​ 1,967 ​ ​ 63 ​ 2026 ​ ​ 2,037 ​ 15 ​ 2027 and thereafter ​ 453 ​ — ​ Total lease payments ​ ​ 17,721 ​ ​ 1,365 ​ Less: Imputed interest ​ (1,378) ​ ​ (48) ​ Total lease obligations ​ 16,343 ​ ​ 1,317 ​ Less: Current obligations ​ 5,575 ​ ​ 539 ​ Noncurrent lease obligations ​ $ 10,768 ​ $ 778 ​ ​ The imputed interest for finance lease obligations represents the interest component of finance leases that will be recognized as interest expense in future periods. The financing component for operating lease obligations represents the effect of discounting the operating lease payments to their present value. ​ ​ ​ ​

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTERE

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	8. COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES Employee Benefit Plans The Company has a qualified profit sharing plan pursuant to Code Section 401(a) and qualified cash or deferred arrangement pursuant to Code Section 401(k) covering all employees. Employees may elect to contribute up to 50% of their compensation limited to the amount allowed by tax laws. Company contributions are made solely at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. The Company also had a defined contribution plan (the “Plan”) covering employees who have completed three months of service and who have attained 21 years of age. The Company elected to make matching contributions equal to 50% of the participants’ contributions to the Plan up to 6% of the individual participant’s compensation. Under the defined contribution plan, the Company may make discretionary matching contributions to employee accounts. The Company made matching contributions of $2.0 million, $1.5 million, and $2.0 million during fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Variable Interest Entities On March 4, 2016, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, WES acquired substantially all of the assets of Genesys and assumed certain specified liabilities of Genesys (collectively, the “Purchase”) pursuant to an Asset Purchase and Merger Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2016 (the “Agreement”), by and among Willdan Group, Inc., WES, WESGEN (as defined below), Genesys and Ronald W. Mineo (“Mineo”) and Robert J. Braun (“Braun” and, together with Mineo, the “Genesys Shareholders”). On March 5, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, WESGEN, Inc., a non-affiliated corporation (“WESGEN”), merged (the “Merger” and, together with the Purchase, the “Acquisition”) with Genesys, with Genesys remaining as the surviving corporation. Genesys was acquired to strengthen the Company’s power engineering capability in the northeastern U.S., and also to increase client exposure and experience with universities. Genesys continues to be a professional corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York, wholly-owned by one or more licensed engineers. Pursuant to New York law, the Company does not own capital stock of Genesys. The Company has entered into an agreement with the Shareholder of Genesys pursuant to which the Shareholder will be prohibited from selling, transferring or encumbering the Shareholder’s ownership interest in Genesys without the Company’s consent. Notwithstanding the Company’s rights regarding the transfer of Genesys’s stock, the Company does not have control over the professional decision making of Genesys’s engineering services. The Company has entered into an administrative services agreement with Genesys pursuant to which WES will provide Genesys with ongoing administrative, operational and other non-professional support services. Genesys pays WES a service fee, which consists of all of the costs incurred by WES to provide the administrative services to Genesys plus ten percent of such costs, as well as any other costs that relate to professional service supplies and personnel costs. As a result of the administrative services agreement, the Company absorbs the expected losses of Genesys through its deferral of Genesys’s service fees owed to WES. ​ The Company manages Genesys and has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Genesys’s performance, in addition to being obligated to absorb expected losses from Genesys. Accordingly, the Company is the primary beneficiary of Genesys and consolidates Genesys as a VIE. In addition, the Company concluded there is no noncontrolling interest related to the consolidation of Genesys because the Company determined that (i) the shareholder of Genesys does not have more than a nominal amount of equity investment at risk, (ii) WES absorbs the expected losses of Genesys through its deferral of Genesys’s service fees owed to WES and the Company has, since entering into the administrative services agreement, had to continuously defer service fees for Genesys, and (iii) the Company believes Genesys will continue to have a shortfall on payment of its service fees for the foreseeable future, leaving no expected residual returns for the shareholder. ​ As of December 31, 2021, the Company had one VIE — Genesys. ​

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORM

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION	9. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Segment Information The Company’s two segments are Energy and Engineering and Consulting, and the Company’s chief operating decision maker, which continues to be its chief executive officer, receives and reviews financial information in this format. There were no intersegment sales in any of the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2021. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of each segment based upon income or loss from operations before income taxes. Certain segment asset information including expenditures for long-lived assets has not been presented as it is not reported to or reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. In addition, enterprise-wide service line contract revenue is not included as it is impracticable to report this information for each group of similar services. Financial information with respect to the reportable segments and reconciliation to the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Engineering ​ Unallocated ​ ​ ​ ​ Consolidated ​ ​ Energy & Consulting Corporate Intersegment Total ​ ​ (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 286,385 ​ $ 67,370 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 353,755 Depreciation and amortization ​ 16,156 ​ 990 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 17,146 Interest expense ​ 8 ​ — ​ ​ 3,861 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 3,869 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ (4,808) ​ 9,135 ​ ​ (16,731) ​ — ​ (12,404) Income tax (benefit) expense ​ (1,546) ​ 2,936 ​ ​ (5,377) ​ — ​ ​ (3,987) Net income (loss) ​ (3,263) ​ 6,198 ​ ​ (11,352) ​ — ​ (8,417) Segment assets (1) ​ 363,232 ​ 21,423 ​ ​ 32,897 ​ (23,130) ​ 394,422 Fiscal Year 2020 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 390,980 Depreciation and amortization ​ 17,666 ​ 1,077 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 18,743 Interest expense ​ 32 ​ — ​ ​ 5,036 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 5,068 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ (9,963) ​ 9,500 ​ ​ (19,206) ​ — ​ (19,669) Income tax (benefit) expense ​ (2,621) ​ 2,499 ​ ​ (5,051) ​ — ​ ​ (5,173) Net income (loss) ​ (7,343) ​ 7,002 ​ ​ (14,155) ​ — ​ (14,496) Segment assets (1) ​ 337,739 ​ 21,796 ​ ​ 66,619 ​ (23,130) ​ 403,024 Fiscal Year 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 443,099 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 13,703 ​ 1,324 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 15,027 Interest expense ​ ​ 32 ​ — ​ ​ 4,868 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 4,900 Segment profit before income tax expense ​ ​ 11,971 ​ 8,839 ​ ​ (16,154) ​ — ​ 4,656 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 3,308 ​ 2,442 ​ ​ (5,935) ​ — ​ ​ (185) Net income (loss) ​ ​ 8,664 ​ 6,397 ​ ​ (10,220) ​ — ​ 4,841 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 392,362 ​ 23,682 ​ ​ 46,999 ​ (23,130) ​ 439,913 (1) Segment assets are presented net of intercompany receivables. ​ The following tables provides information about disaggregated revenue by contract type, client type and geographical region: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands, except percentage) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 34,004 ​ $ 52,209 ​ $ 86,213 Unit-based ​ ​ 180,311 ​ ​ 10,688 ​ ​ 190,999 Fixed price ​ ​ 72,069 ​ ​ 4,474 ​ ​ 76,543 Total (1) ​ $ 286,384 ​ $ 67,371 ​ $ 353,755 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 24,541 ​ $ 5,323 ​ $ 29,864 Government ​ ​ 65,249 ​ ​ 61,899 ​ ​ 127,148 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 196,594 ​ ​ 149 ​ ​ 196,743 Total (1) ​ $ 286,384 ​ $ 67,371 ​ $ 353,755 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 286,384 ​ $ 67,371 ​ $ 353,755 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2020 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands, except percentage) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 47,912 ​ $ 53,840 ​ $ 101,752 Unit-based ​ ​ 170,991 ​ ​ 9,195 ​ ​ 180,186 Fixed price ​ ​ 105,275 ​ ​ 3,767 ​ ​ 109,042 Total (1) ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ 390,980 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 36,212 ​ $ 5,155 ​ $ 41,367 Government ​ ​ 93,821 ​ ​ 61,412 ​ ​ 155,233 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 194,145 ​ ​ 235 ​ ​ 194,380 Total (1) ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ 390,980 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ 390,980 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands, except percentage) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 18,625 ​ $ 54,560 ​ $ 73,185 Unit-based ​ ​ 272,978 ​ ​ 14,391 ​ ​ 287,369 Fixed price ​ ​ 79,112 ​ ​ 3,433 ​ ​ 82,545 Total ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ 443,099 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 39,311 ​ $ 4,895 ​ $ 44,206 Government ​ ​ 57,020 ​ ​ 67,049 ​ ​ 124,069 Utilities ​ ​ 274,384 ​ ​ 440 ​ ​ 274,824 Total ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ 443,099 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ 443,099 (1) Revenue from our foreign operations were immaterial for fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 2020 ​ ​ (in thousands) Assets: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 11,221 ​ $ 28,405 Accounts Receivable, net ​ ​ (40,441) ​ ​ (12,144) Prepaid expenses ​ 2,811 ​ 2,422 Intercompany receivables ​ 1,131,100 ​ 691,440 Goodwill ​ ​ 2 ​ ​ 2 Other receivables ​ 4,328 ​ 4,409 Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ 1,190 ​ 1,585 Investments in subsidiaries ​ 36,084 ​ 26,576 ROU Assets ​ ​ 452 ​ ​ 809 Other ​ 399 ​ 444 Deferred income taxes ​ ​ 16,849 ​ ​ 14,111 ​ ​ $ 1,163,995 ​ $ 758,059 ​ Geographical Information ​ Substantially all of the Company’s consolidated revenue was derived from its operations in the U.S. In connection with the Company’s acquisition of E3, Inc. in October 28, 2019, the Company expanded its operations into Canada. Revenues from the Company’s Canadian operations were not material for fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019. Customer Concentration For fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company’s top 10 customers accounted for 49.2%, 48.0%, and 50.6%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. During fiscal years 2021, 2020, 2019, the Company had individual customers that accounted for more than 10% of its consolidated contract revenues. For fiscal year 2021, the Company derived 10.8% of its consolidated contract revenue from one customer, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (“LADWP”). For fiscal year 2020, the Company derived 10.2% of its consolidated contract revenue from one customer, LADWP. For fiscal year 2019, the Company derived 29.1% of its consolidated contract revenue from two customers, Consolidated Edison of New York and LADWP. On a segment basis, the Company also had individual customers that accounted for more than 10% of its segment contract revenues. For fiscal year 2021, the Company derived 34.5% of its Energy segment revenues from three customers, LADWP, Duke Energy and Consolidated Edison of New York, and it derived 10.3% of its Engineering and Consulting segment revenues from one customer, the City of Elk Grove. For fiscal year 2020, the Company derived 22.5% of its Energy segment revenues from two customers, LADWP and The Dormitory Authority State of New York (“DASNY”), and it derived 18.2% of its Engineering and Consulting segment revenues from one customer, the City of Elk Grove. For fiscal year 2019, the Company derived 34.7% of its Energy segment revenues from two customers, Consolidated Edison of New York and LADWP, and it derived 25.0% of its Engineering and Consulting segment revenues from one customer, the City of Elk Grove. The Company’s largest clients are based in California and New York. In fiscal year 2021, 2020, and 2019, services provided to clients in California accounted for 36.8%, 37.0%, and 41.1%, respectively, of the Company’s contract revenue and services provided to clients in New York accounted for 21.0%, 19.2%, and 27.2%, respectively, of the Company’s contract revenue. ​ ​

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	10. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Stock Incentive Plans ​ As of December 31, 2021, the Company had two share-based compensation plans, which are described below. The Company may no longer grant awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. ​ 2006 Stock Incentive Plan In June 2006, the Company’s board of directors adopted the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) and it received stockholder approval. The Company re-submitted the 2006 Plan to its stockholders for post-IPO approval at the 2007 annual meeting of the stockholders and it was approved. The 2006 Plan terminated in June 2016 and no additional awards were granted under the 2006 Plan after the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Plan (as defined below) in June 2008. The 2006 Plan had 300,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance to the Company’s directors, executives, officers, employees, consultants and advisors. Approximately 182,735 shares that were available for award grant purposes under the 2006 Plan have become available for grant under the 2008 Plan following shareholder approval of the 2008 Plan. Options granted under the 2006 Plan could be “non-statutory stock options” which expire no more than 10 years from the date of grant or “incentive stock options” as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). Upon exercise of non-statutory stock options, the Company is generally entitled to a tax deduction on the exercise of the option for an amount equal to the excess over the exercise price of the fair market value of the shares at the date of exercise. The Company is generally not entitled to any tax deduction on the exercise of an incentive stock option. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding stock options under the 2006 Plan. Amended and Restated 2008 Performance Incentive Plan In March 2008, the Company’s board of directors adopted the 2008 Performance Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”), and it received stockholder approval at the 2008 annual meeting of the stockholders in June 2008. The 2008 Plan was originally set to terminate on April 17, 2027 but received a ten-year extension at the 2019 annual meeting of the stockholders. The 2008 Plan is currently scheduled to expire on April 18, 2029. The 2008 Plan initially had 450,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance (not counting any shares originally available under the 2006 Plan that “poured over.”) At the 2010, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 annual meetings of the stockholders, the stockholders approved 350,000, 500,000, 500,000, 875,000 and 955,000 share increases, respectively, to the 2008 Plan. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued or transferred pursuant to awards under the 2008 Plan can also be increased by any shares subject to stock options granted under the 2006 Plan and outstanding as of June 9, 2008 which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after June 9, 2008 without being exercised. The 2008 Plan currently has 183,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance. Awards authorized by the 2008 Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock bonuses, stock units, performance stock, and other share-based awards. No participant may be granted an option to purchase more than 300,000 shares in any fiscal year. Options generally may not be granted with exercise prices less than fair market value at the date of grant, with vesting provisions and contractual terms determined by the compensation committee of the board of directors on a grant-by-grant basis, subject to the minimum vesting provisions contained in the 2008 Plan. Options granted under the 2008 Plan may be “nonqualified stock options” or “incentive stock options” as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The maximum term of each option shall be 10 years. Upon exercise of nonqualified stock options, the Company is generally entitled to a tax deduction on the exercise of the option for an amount equal to the excess over the exercise price of the fair market value of the shares at the date of exercise. The Company is generally not entitled to any tax deduction on the exercise of an incentive stock option. For awards other than stock options, the Company is generally entitled to a tax deduction at the time the award holder recognizes income with respect to the award equal to the amount of compensation income recognized by the award holder. Options and other awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the 2008 Plan) and the outstanding awards are not substituted or assumed in connection with the transaction. Through December 31, 2021, outstanding awards granted, net of forfeitures and exercises, under the 2008 Plan consisted of 46,000 shares of incentive stock options, 803,000 shares of non-statutory stock options, 110,000 shares of restricted stock awards and 212,000 shares of performance-based restricted stock units. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Amended and Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company adopted its Amended and Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) to allow eligible employees the right to purchase shares of common stock, at semi-annual intervals, with their accumulated payroll deductions. The plan received stockholder approval in June 2006. The Company re-submitted the plan to its stockholders for post-IPO approval at the 2007 annual stockholders’ meeting where approval was obtained. The ESPP initially had 300,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance. At the 2017 annual meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders approved an 825,000 share increase to the ESPP. A total of 1,125,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the plan. The plan has semi-annual periods beginning on each January 1 and ending on each June 30 and beginning on each July 1 and ending on each December 31. The first offering period commenced on February 10, 2007 and ended on June 30, 2007. Participants make contributions under the plan only by means of payroll deductions each payroll period. The rate of payroll contributions elected by a Participant may not be less than one percent (1%) nor more than ten percent (10%) of the Participant’s Earnings for each payroll period, and only whole percentages may be elected. The accumulated contributions are applied to the purchase of shares. Shares are purchased under the plan on or as soon as practicable after, the last day of the offering period. The purchase price per share equals 85% of the fair market value of a share on the lesser price of the share on the first day or last day of the offering period. The Company’s Amended and Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a compensatory plan. As of December 31, 2021, there were 479,000 shares available for issuance under the plan. Stock-based Compensation Expense The compensation expense that has been recognized for stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSA”), performance-based restricted stock units (“PBRSU”), and ESPP issued under these plans was $16.6 million, $16.1 million, and $12.1 million for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. ​ The Company did not have any unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options for fiscal year 2021. The total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was $0.4 million, and $1.5 million for fiscal years 2020, and 2019, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation expense related to RSAs was $3.3 million, $3.6 million, and $1.5 million, for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation expense related to PBRSUs was $2.2 million, $13.2 million, and $21.5 million for the fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.18 years. There were no options granted that were immediately vested during the fiscal years 2021, 2020, or 2019. Summary of Stock Option Activity A summary of option activity under the 2006 Plan and 2008 Plan as of December 31, 2021 and changes during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, January 1, 2021 and December 27, 2019 is presented below. The intrinsic value of the fully-vested options is $13.0 million based on the Company’s closing stock price of $35.20 and the average exercise price of outstanding options on December 31, 2021. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ Exercise ​ Contractual ​ Options Price Term ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 1,003 ​ $ 18.86 5.43 ​ Granted — ​ — — ​ Exercised (150) ​ 12.86 — ​ Forfeited or expired (4) ​ 24.33 — ​ Outstanding at December 31, 2021 849 ​ $ 19.89 4.68 ​ Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2021 849 ​ $ 19.89 4.68 ​ Exercisable at December 31, 2021 849 ​ $ 19.89 4.68 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ Exercise ​ Contractual ​ Options Price Term ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 1,124 ​ $ 17.80 6.06 ​ Granted — ​ — — ​ Exercised (119) ​ 9.12 — ​ Forfeited or expired (2) ​ 2.71 — ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 1,003 ​ $ 18.86 5.43 ​ Vested and expected to vest at January 1, 2021 1,003 ​ $ 18.86 5.43 ​ Exercisable at January 1, 2021 952 ​ $ 18.16 5.31 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ Exercise ​ Contractual ​ Options Price Term ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) ​ Outstanding at December 28, 2018 1,252 ​ $ 16.87 6.62 ​ Granted — ​ — — ​ Exercised (115) ​ 8.08 — ​ Forfeited or expired (13) ​ 14.97 — ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 1,124 ​ $ 17.80 6.06 ​ Vested and expected to vest at December 27, 2019 1,124 ​ $ 17.80 6.06 ​ Exercisable at December 27, 2019 958 ​ $ 15.48 5.68 ​ ​ A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options and changes in nonvested options is presented below: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Grant-Date ​ Options Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Nonvested at January 1, 2021 52 ​ $ 31.73 ​ Granted — ​ — ​ Vested (52) ​ 31.73 ​ Forfeited — ​ — ​ Nonvested at December 31, 2021 — ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Grant-Date ​ Options Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Nonvested at December 27, 2019 166 ​ $ 12.15 ​ Granted — ​ — ​ Vested (114) ​ 30.97 ​ Forfeited — ​ — ​ Nonvested at January 1, 2021 52 ​ 31.73 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Grant-Date ​ Options Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Nonvested at December 28, 2018 414 ​ $ 8.69 ​ Granted — ​ — ​ Vested (242) ​ 9.43 ​ Forfeited (6) ​ 10.87 ​ Nonvested at December 27, 2019 166 ​ 12.15 ​ ​ Summary of Restricted Stock Activity A summary of restricted stock activity under the 2008 Plan as of December 31, 2021 is presented below: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Restricted Stock Grant Date Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 128 ​ $ 33.21 Awarded ​ 63 ​ 41.02 ​ Vested ​ (75) ​ 32.09 ​ Forfeited ​ (6) ​ 36.69 ​ Outstanding at December 31, 2021 ​ 110 ​ $ 38.30 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 58 ​ $ 33.33 Awarded ​ 99 ​ 32.89 ​ Vested ​ (29) ​ 32.35 ​ Forfeited ​ — ​ — ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 128 ​ $ 33.21 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 28, 2018 ​ 64 ​ $ 22.28 ​ Awarded ​ 37 ​ 35.60 ​ Vested ​ (43) ​ 18.90 ​ Forfeited ​ — ​ — ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 58 ​ $ 33.33 ​ ​ Summary of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Activity A summary of performance-based restricted stock unit activity under the 2008 Plan as of December 31, 2021 is presented below: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Performance-Based ​ Weighted-Average ​ Restricted Stock Unit Grant Date Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 379 ​ $ 20.68 Awarded ​ 270 ​ 34.84 Released ​ (411) ​ 29.08 Forfeited ​ (26) ​ 29.93 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 ​ 212 ​ $ 31.31 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 431 ​ $ 20.68 Awarded ​ 413 ​ 29.22 Released ​ (447) ​ 28.26 Forfeited ​ (18) ​ 28.62 Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 379 ​ $ 20.68 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 28, 2018 ​ 280 ​ $ 21.94 Awarded ​ 329 ​ 28.99 Released ​ (175) ​ 38.20 Forfeited ​ (3) ​ 27.28 Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 431 ​ $ 20.68 ​ Fair Value Valuation Assumptions Stock Option Grants The fair value of each option is calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based upon historical volatility of “guideline companies” since the length of time the Company’s shares have been publicly traded is equal to the contractual term of the options. The expected term of the option, taking into account both the contractual term of the option and the effects of employees’ expected exercise and expected post-vesting termination behavior is estimated based upon the simplified method. Under this approach, the expected term is presumed to be the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. No options were granted during fiscal years 2021 or 2020. The fair value of stock options granted in fiscal year 2019 was estimated using the following assumptions: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 Expected volatility 34 % Expected dividends 0 % Expected term (in years) 6 ​ Risk-free rate 2.49 % ​ RSA and PBRSU Grants The Company’s restricted stock awards are valued on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and typically vest over a three-year period. The Company’s performance-based restricted stock unit awards are valued on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and vest over a performance period. Under the Company’s performance-based restricted stock unit (“PBRSU”) design, awards vests based on two performance metrics. For the PBRSU award granted in fiscal year 2021, 50% of the award will vest based upon the Company’s EBITDA performance over a one-year performance period, and the remaining 50% of the award will vest based upon the Company’s Net Revenue performance over a one-year performance period. For the PBRSU awards granted in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, 50% of each award will vest based upon the Company’s EBITDA performance over a two-year performance period, and the remaining 50% of each award will vest based upon the Company’s earnings per share performance over a two-year performance period, respectively. For the PBRSU award granted in fiscal years 2018, 50% of the award will vest based upon the Company’s EBITDA performance over a four-year performance period, and the remaining 50% of award will vest based upon the Company’s earnings per share performance over a four-year performance period. ESPP The fair value of ESPP purchase rights issued is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Purchase right under the ESPP are generally granted on either January 1 or July 1 of each year. The assumptions are as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 ​ ​ 2020 ​ ​ 2019 ​ Weighted-average expected term (in years) ​ .5 ​ ​ .5 ​ ​ ​ .5 ​ Risk-Free interest Rate ​ 0.1 % ​ 0.9 % ​ ​ 2.3 % Stock Price Volatility ​ 31.9 % ​ 30.3 % ​ ​ 35.6 % Dividend yield ​ 0 % ​ 0 % ​ ​ 0 % Fair Value ​ $ 40.21 ​ ​ $ 28.39 ​ ​ $ 33.01 ​ ​

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	11. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes is comprised of (1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Current federal taxes ​ $ (1,606) ​ $ (592) ​ $ (548) ​ Current state taxes ​ 530 ​ 166 ​ 551 ​ Current foreign taxes ​ ​ — ​ ​ 18 ​ ​ — ​ Deferred federal taxes ​ (2,656) ​ (2,939) ​ (159) ​ Deferred state taxes ​ (255) ​ (1,826) ​ (29) ​ ​ ​ $ (3,987) ​ $ (5,173) ​ $ (185) ​ (1) Revenue from the Company’s foreign operations were immaterial for fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019. The provision for income taxes reconciles to the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate of 21% for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 to the Company’s income before income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 are as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Computed “expected” federal income tax expense ​ $ (2,605) ​ $ (4,130) ​ $ 977 ​ Permanent differences ​ 18 ​ 122 ​ 163 ​ Nondeductible Executive Compensation ​ ​ 1,349 ​ ​ 1,386 ​ ​ 688 ​ Stock options and disqualifying dispositions ​ ​ (1,276) ​ ​ 4 ​ ​ (731) ​ Energy efficient building deduction ​ ​ (558) ​ ​ (738) ​ ​ (1,291) ​ Current and deferred state income tax expense, net of federal benefit ​ (660) ​ (1,205) ​ 466 ​ Federal deferred tax adjustments ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 231 ​ Adjustment for uncertain tax positions ​ ​ — ​ ​ (142) ​ ​ (282) ​ Research and development tax credit ​ ​ (761) ​ ​ (527) ​ ​ (510) ​ Federal Rate Differential on NOL Carryback ​ ​ (579) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ Change in Valuation Allowance ​ ​ 1,105 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ Other ​ (20) ​ 57 ​ 27 ​ True up income tax accounts ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 77 ​ ​ ​ $ (3,987) ​ $ (5,173) ​ $ (185) ​ ​ Differences between the Company’s effective income tax rate and what would be expected if the federal statutory rate was applied to income before income tax from continuing operations are primarily due to changes in valuation allowance, state income tax expense, research and development tax credits, energy efficient building deductions, stock options and benefits provided by the CARES Act. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accounts receivable allowance ​ $ 308 ​ $ 199 Other accrued liabilities ​ ​ 1,638 ​ ​ 1,676 Federal and state net operating losses ​ ​ 22,645 ​ ​ 18,854 Lease Liability ​ ​ 4,523 ​ ​ 5,856 Stock compensation ​ ​ 3,291 ​ ​ 3,063 Adjustments to fair value of assets ​ ​ — ​ ​ 56 Credit Carryforwards ​ ​ 1,345 ​ ​ 496 Other ​ 683 ​ 211 ​ ​ 34,433 ​ 30,411 Valuation allowance ​ (1,191) ​ (86) Net deferred tax assets ​ $ 33,242 ​ $ 30,325 Deferred tax liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Deferred revenue ​ $ (1,164) ​ $ (2,999) Fixed assets ​ ​ (2,875) ​ ​ (732) Intangible assets ​ ​ (5,790) ​ ​ (6,796) Lease right-of-use assets ​ ​ (4,202) ​ ​ (5,484) Deferred Labor Costs ​ ​ (2,362) ​ ​ — Other ​ ​ — ​ ​ (203) ​ ​ (16,393) ​ (16,214) Net deferred tax asset ​ $ 16,849 ​ $ 14,111 ​ As of December 31, 2021, the Company had federal and state operating loss carryovers of $85.3 million and $79.5 million, respectively. Out of the federal operating loss, $12.5 million will carryforward indefinitely and the remaining carryovers will expire through 2041. During each fiscal year, management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize existing deferred tax assets. During fiscal year 2021, the Company has determined that it was more-likely-than-not that the New Jersey net operating losses will not be utilized prior to expiration and, accordingly, has recorded a valuation allowance of $1.1 million. Significant pieces of objective evidence evaluated included the Company’s proportional increase of revenue to other states resulting in a dilution of New Jersey sourced income as well as the Company’s forecasted amount of net operating loss utilization in New Jersey for certain members of the combined group. At the end of fiscal year 2021, the total valuation allowance was $1.2 million, compared to a balance of $86,000 for years 2020 and 2019. The $86,000 valuation allowance recorded in prior years against the California net operating losses remained unchanged as the available positive and negative evidence did not warrant a revision. During the fiscal year 2021, the Company had no change to its recorded liability for uncertain tax positions. The Company may be subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for calendar years 2018 through 2021. The Company may also be subject to examination on certain state and local jurisdictions for the years 2017 through 2021. The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021, the company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, during the fiscal year 2021, the Company did not have any additions or reductions of unrecognized tax benefits. ​ On June 10, 2021, the Company received notice from the State of New York indicating that the Company’s 2017, 2018, and 2019 state tax returns are under examination. As of December 31, 2021, the Company is unable to determine the impact of the examination as the audit is in progress. ​ On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) which includes a number of provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. Under ASC 740, the effects of new legislation are recognized upon enactment. Accordingly, the effects of the CARES Act have been incorporated into the income tax provision computation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. These provisions resulted in the recognition of a $579,000 tax benefit and $1.5 million income tax receivable related to the net operating loss provisions. ​ On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA 2021) which included a number of provisions including, but not limited to the extension of numerous employment tax credits, the extension of the Section 179D deduction, enhanced business meals deductions, and the deductibility of expenses paid for with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds that are forgiven. Accordingly, the effects of the CCA have been incorporated into the income tax provision computation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. The extension of the energy efficiency building deduction under Section 179D resulted in the continuation of this additional benefit for the Company. ​

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	12. EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”) Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares for the period. Potential common shares include the weighted-average dilutive effects of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards using the treasury stock method. The following table sets forth the number of weighted-average common shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted EPS: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income (loss) ​ $ (8,417) ​ $ (14,496) ​ $ 4,841 Weighted-average common shares outstanding ​ 12,458 ​ 11,793 ​ 11,162 Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards ​ — ​ — ​ 604 Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted ​ 12,458 ​ 11,793 ​ 11,766 Earnings (Loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ (0.68) ​ $ (1.23) ​ $ 0.43 Diluted ​ $ (0.68) ​ $ (1.23) ​ $ 0.41 ​ For the fiscal years 2021 and 2020, the Company reported a net loss, and accordingly, all outstanding equity awards have been excluded because including them would have been anti-dilutive. For the fiscal year 2019, 155,300 options were excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares. These options were not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares because the assumed proceeds per share exceeded the average market price per share for the respective periods. Accordingly, the inclusion of these options would have been anti-dilutive. ​

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
CONTINGENCIES
CONTINGENCIES	13. CONTINGENCIES Claims and Lawsuits The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits from time to time, including those alleging professional errors or omissions that arise in the ordinary course of business against firms that operate in the engineering and consulting professions. The Company carries professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, for such claims as they arise and may from time to time establish reserves for litigation that is considered probable of a loss. In accordance with accounting standards regarding loss contingencies, the Company accrues an undiscounted liability for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, and discloses the amount accrued and an estimate of any reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for the Company’s financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. Because litigation outcomes are inherently unpredictable, the Company’s evaluation of legal proceedings often involves a series of complex assessments by management about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. If the assessments indicate that loss contingencies that could be material to any one of the Company’s financial statements are not probable, but are reasonably possible, or are probable, but cannot be estimated, then the Company will disclose the nature of the loss contingencies, together with an estimate of the possible loss or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. While the consequences of certain unresolved proceedings are not presently determinable, and a reasonable estimate of the probable and reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts accrued for such proceedings cannot be made, an adverse outcome from such proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings in any given reporting period. However, in the opinion of the Company’s management, after consulting with legal counsel, and taking into account insurance coverage, the ultimate liability related to current outstanding claims and lawsuits is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	14. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Three Months Ended ​ ​ April 2, ​ July 2, ​ October 1, ​ December 31, ​ 2021 2021 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands except per share amounts) Contract revenue ​ $ 79,086 ​ $ 84,154 ​ $ 98,297 ​ $ 92,218 ​ Income (loss) from operations ​ (4,189) ​ (7,072) ​ 1,443 ​ 1,127 ​ Income tax expense (benefit) ​ (1,458) ​ (3,663) ​ (236) ​ 1,370 ​ Net income (loss) ​ (3,766) ​ (4,601) ​ 840 ​ (890) ​ Earnings (loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ (0.31) ​ $ (0.37) ​ $ 0.07 ​ $ (0.07) ​ Diluted ​ $ (0.31) ​ $ (0.37) ​ $ 0.06 ​ $ (0.07) ​ Weighted-average shares outstanding: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ 12,147 ​ 12,421 ​ 12,606 ​ 12,660 ​ Diluted ​ 12,147 ​ 12,421 ​ 13,141 ​ 12,660 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Three Months Ended ​ ​ April 3, ​ July 3, ​ October 2, ​ January 1, ​ 2020 2020 2020 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands except per share amounts ) Contract revenue ​ $ 106,026 ​ $ 83,549 ​ $ 104,508 ​ $ 96,897 ​ Income (loss) from operations ​ (8,269) ​ (3,841) ​ 1,601 ​ (5,718) ​ Income tax benefit ​ (1,605) ​ (90) ​ (1,586) ​ (1,892) ​ Net income (loss) ​ (8,154) ​ (4,985) ​ 2,640 ​ (3,997) ​ Earnings (loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ (0.71) ​ $ (0.43) ​ $ 0.22 ​ $ (0.33) ​ Diluted ​ $ (0.71) ​ $ (0.43) ​ $ 0.21 ​ $ (0.33) ​ Weighted-average shares outstanding: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ 11,510 ​ 11,682 ​ 11,992 ​ 12,011 ​ Diluted ​ 11,510 ​ 11,682 ​ 12,417 ​ 12,011 ​ ​ ​

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS ​ Borrowing/repayment under Revolving Credit Facility ​ Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the Company borrowed and repaid $5.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 10, 2022, the borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility was $50.0 million. ​ Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement ​ On March 8, 2022, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”). The Fifth Amendment extends the Amended Covenant Relief Period from March 31, 2022 to and including the earlier of (i) December 30, 2022 and (ii) the last day of the fiscal quarter in which the Company delivers an irrevocable election to terminate the covenant relief granted by the Fifth Amendment (the “Third Covenant Relief Period,” and together with the Amended Covenant Relief Period, the “Extended Covenant Relief Period”). ​ The Fifth Amendment also (A) amends the minimum Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Fifth Amendment) thresholds for the remainder of the Extended Covenant Relief Period, (B) increases the maximum Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) the Company is permitted to maintain through the fiscal quarter ending on December 31, 2022, (C) funds to the Company, on the date of closing, the remaining $20.0 million in available funds from the Delayed Draw Term Loan, and (D) amends the pricing structure of borrowings under the Credit Agreement from utilizing as a reference rate the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to utilizing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. Additionally, during the remainder of the Covenant Relief Period, the aggregate amount of all capital expenditures made by the Company may not exceed $20.0 million. Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, during the Extended Covenant Relief Period, borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at either a Base Rate or SOFR (plus 0.10% or 0.15% depending on the interest period), each as defined in the Credit Agreement, at the Company’s option, and in each case, plus an applicable margin, which applicable margin will range from 0.125% to 1.50% with respect to Base Rate borrowings and 1.125% to 2.50% with respect to SOFR borrowings, depending on the Leverage Ratio; provided, that SOFR cannot be less than 0.00%. The Company will also pay a commitment fee for the unused portion of the revolving credit facility and the delayed draft term loan facility under the Credit Agreement, which will range from 0.15% to 0.45% per annum depending on the Leverage Ratio, and fees on the face amount of any letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit facility, which will range from 0.84% to 1.875% per annum, in each case, depending on whether such letter of credit is a performance or financial letter of credit and the Leverage Ratio. ​ After the Extended Covenant Relief Period, borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at either a Base Rate or SOFR (plus 0.10% or 0.15% depending on the interest period), each as defined in the Credit Agreement, at the Company’s option, and in each case, plus an applicable margin, which applicable margin will range from 0.125% to 1.25% with respect to Base Rate borrowings and 1.125% to 2.25% with respect to SOFR borrowings, depending on the Leverage Ratio; provided, that SOFR cannot be less than 0.00%. The Company will also pay a commitment fee for the unused portion of the revolving credit facility and the delayed draft term loan facility under the Credit Agreement, which will range from 0.15% to 0.40% per annum depending on the Leverage Ratio, and fees on the face amount of any letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit facility, which will range from 0.84% to 1.688% per annum, in each case, depending on whether such letter of credit is a performance or financial letter of credit and the Leverage Ratio. ​ ​

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_2

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Company has prepared its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated statement of stockholders' equity includes repurchases of shares of our common stock from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations incurred in connection with the vesting of restricted stock or performance stock units, which amount is presented as a reduction of additional paid-in capital and common stock.
Fiscal Years	Fiscal Years The Company operates and reports its annual financial results based on 52 53 13 14 52 53 14 52
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Willdan Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and their respective subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated balance sheets to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company from time to time may be exposed to credit risk with its bank deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limits and with uninsured money market investments. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company uses the three-tier hierarchy of fair value measurement, which prioritizes the inputs. These tiers include: Level 1 (the highest priority), defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets, Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 (the lowest priority), defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. ​ The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contract assets, other receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and contract liabilities. The carrying amounts of certain other assets and contingent consideration are discounted to their present value because the time between the origination of these instruments and their expected realization or payment is greater than one year. ​ As of December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021 the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contract assets, other receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and contract liabilities, approximate their fair values because of the relatively short period of time between the origination of these instruments and their expected realization or payment. The carrying amounts of debt obligations approximate their fair values since the terms are comparable to terms currently offered by local lending institutions for loans of similar terms to companies with comparable credit risk. ​ The carrying amounts of the derivative financial instrument is valued based on Level 2 inputs. ​
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities The Company accounts for variable interest entities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation. Under ASC 810, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) is created when any of the following criteria are present: (a) the equity investment at risk in the entity is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by other parties, including the equity holders; (b) the entity’s equity holders as a group either (i) lack the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity, (ii) are not obligated to absorb expected losses of the entity or (iii) do not have the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the entity’s equity holders have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests, and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of the equity holder with disproportionately few voting rights. If an entity is deemed to be a VIE pursuant to ASC 810, the enterprise that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or right to receive benefits from the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company performs ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had one VIE — Genesys Engineering, P.C. (“Genesys”). Pursuant to New York law, the Company does not own capital stock of Genesys and does not have control over the professional decision making of Genesys’s engineering services. The Company, however, has entered into an administrative services agreement with Genesys pursuant to which WES, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, will provide Genesys with ongoing administrative, operational and other non-professional support services. The Company manages Genesys and has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Genesys’s performance, in addition to being obligated to absorb expected losses from Genesys. Accordingly, the Company is the primary beneficiary of Genesys and consolidates Genesys as a VIE. Management also concluded there is no noncontrolling interest related to the consolidation of Genesys because management determined that (i) the shareholder of Genesys does not have more than a nominal amount of equity investment at risk, (ii) WES absorbs the expected losses of Genesys through its deferral of Genesys’s service fees owed to WES and the Company has, since entering into the administrative services agreement, had to continuously defer service fees for Genesys, and (iii) the Company believes Genesys will continue to have a shortfall on payment of its service fees for the foreseeable future, leaving no expected residual returns for the shareholder. For more information regarding Genesys, see Note 8 “Commitments and Variable Interest Entities.”
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company presents segment information externally consistent with the manner in which the Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews information to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s two segments are (i) Energy, and (ii) Engineering and Consulting. Willdan Group, Inc. (“WGI”) is a holding company and performs administrative functions on behalf of its subsidiaries, such as treasury, legal, accounting, information systems, human resources and certain business development activities, and earns revenue that is only incidental to the activities of the enterprise. As a result, WGI does not meet the definition of an operating segment.
Contract Assets and Liabilities	Contract Assets and Liabilities Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Contract assets include unbilled amounts typically resulting from revenue under contracts where the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. In addition, contract assets include retainage amounts withheld from billings to the Company’s clients pursuant to provisions in our contracts. Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized and deferred revenue.
Adoption of ASC 606	Adoption of ASC 606 On December 30, 2017, the Company adopted ASC 606, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of December 29, 2017. Prior to adopting ASC 606, the Company established an implementation team, which included senior managers from its finance and accounting group. The implementation team evaluated the impact of adopting ASC 606 on its contracts expected to be uncompleted as of December 30, 2017 (the date of adoption). The evaluation included reviewing its accounting policies and practices to identify differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard. The Company identified and made changes to its processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. The implementation team worked closely with various professional consultants and attended several formal conferences and seminars to conclude on certain interpretative issues. The Company recognizes engineering and consulting contract revenue over time using the percentage-of-completion method, based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost. Revenue on the vast majority of its contracts will continue to be recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Revenue recognition for software licenses issued by the Energy segment is recognized at a point in time, upon acceptance of the software by the customer and in recognition of the fulfillment of the performance obligation. Certain additional performance obligations beyond the base software license may be separated from the gross license fee and recognized on a straight-line basis over time.
Contract Accounting	Contract Accounting The Company enters into contracts with its clients that contain various types of pricing provisions, including fixed price, time-and-materials, and unit-based provisions. The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customer, codified as ASC Topic 606 and the related amendments (collectively “ASC 606”). As such, the Company identifies a contract with a customer, identifies the performance obligations in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract and recognizes revenues when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The following table reflects the Company’s two reportable segments and the types of contracts that each most commonly enters into for revenue generating activities. ​ Segment Contract Type Revenue Recognition Method ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Energy Unit-based Unit-based ​ Software license Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Engineering and Consulting Unit-based Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Revenue on the vast majority of the Company’s contracts is recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Revenue on fixed price contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based generally on the ratio of direct costs incurred-to-date to estimated total direct costs at completion. The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method to better match the level of work performed at a certain point in time in relation to the effort that will be required to complete a project. In addition, the percentage-of-completion method is a common method of revenue recognition in the Company’s industry. Many of the Company’s fixed price contracts involve a high degree of subcontracted fixed price effort and are relatively short in duration, thereby lowering the risks of not properly estimating the percent complete. Revenue on time-and-materials and unit-based contracts is recognized as the work is performed in accordance with the specific rates and terms of the contract. The Company recognizes revenues for time-and-materials contracts based upon the actual hours incurred during a reporting period at contractually agreed upon rates per hour and also includes in revenue all reimbursable costs incurred during a reporting period. Certain of the Company’s time-and-materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values and, accordingly, when revenue is expected to exceed the maximum contract value, these contracts are generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, consistent with fixed price contracts. For unit-based contracts, the Company recognizes the contract price of units of a basic production product as revenue when the production product is delivered during a period. Revenue for amounts that have been billed but not earned is deferred, and such deferred revenue is referred to as contract liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company also derives revenue from software licenses and professional services and maintenance fees. In accordance with ASC 606, the Company performs an assessment of each contract to identify the performance obligations, determine the overall transaction price for the contract, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognize the revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company utilizes the residual approach by which it estimates the standalone selling price by reference to the total transaction price less the sum of the observable standalone selling prices of other goods or services promised in the contract. The software license revenue is typically recognized at a point in time when control is transferred to the client, which is defined as the point in time when the client can use and benefit from the license. The software license is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without services, updates, or technical support. Related professional services include training and support services in which the standalone selling price is determined based on an input measure of hours incurred to total estimated hours and is recognized over time, usually which is the life of the contract. To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts, the Company evaluates whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined contract should be accounted for as one performance obligation. With respect to the Company’s contracts, it is rare that multiple contracts should be combined into a single performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate a single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. Contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation if the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts, which is mainly because the Company provides a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability. The Company may enter into contracts that include separate phases or elements. If each phase or element is negotiated separately based on the technical resources required and/or the supply and demand for the services being provided, the Company evaluates if the contracts should be segmented. If certain criteria are met, the contracts would be segmented which could result in revenues being assigned to the different elements or phases with different rates of profitability based on the relative value of each element or phase to the estimated total contract revenue. Segmented contracts may comprise up to approximately 2.0% to 3.0% of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. Contracts that cover multiple phases or elements of the project or service lifecycle (development, construction and maintenance and support) may be considered to have multiple performance obligations even when they are part of a single contract. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. For the periods presented, the value of the separate performance obligations under contracts with multiple performance obligations (generally measurement and verification tasks under certain energy performance contracts) were not material. In cases where the Company does not provide the distinct good or service on a standalone basis, the primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which the Company forecasts the Company’s expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then adds an appropriate margin for the distinct good or service. The Company provides quality of workmanship warranties to customers that are included in the sale and are not priced or sold separately or do not provide customers with a service in addition to assurance of compliance with agreed-upon specifications and industry standards. The Company does not consider these types of warranties to be separate performance obligations. In some cases, the Company has a master service or blanket agreement with a customer under which each task order releases the Company to perform specific portions of the overall scope in the service contract. Each task order is typically accounted for as a separate contract because the task order establishes the enforceable rights and obligations, and payment terms. Under ASC 606, variable consideration should be considered when determining the transaction price and estimates should be made for the variable consideration component of the transaction price, as well as assessing whether an estimate of variable consideration is constrained. For certain of the Company’s contracts, variable consideration can arise from modifications to the scope of services resulting from unapproved change orders or customer claims. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Company estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on assessments of legal enforceability, the Company’s performance, and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company. Due to the nature of the work required to be performed on many of the Company’s performance obligations, the estimation of total revenue and cost at completion is complex, subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of the Company’s contracts, the Company reviews and updates the Company’s contract-related estimates regularly through a company-wide disciplined project review process in which management reviews the progress and execution of the Company’s performance obligations and the estimate at completion (EAC). As part of this process, management reviews information including, but not limited to, any outstanding key contract matters, progress towards completion and the related program schedule and the related changes in estimates of revenues and costs. Management must make assumptions and estimates regarding labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the performance of subcontractors, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer, among other variables. The Company recognizes adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, the Company recognizes the full amount of estimated loss in the period it is identified. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. The Company considers contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new rights or obligations or changes the existing enforceable rights or obligations. Most of the Company’s contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from existing contracts due to the significant integration provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as if they were part of the original contract. The effect of a contract modification that is not distinct from the existing contract on the transaction price and the Company’s measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis. For contract modifications that result in the promise to deliver goods or services that are distinct from the existing contract and the increase in price of the contract is for the same amount as the standalone selling price of the additional goods or services included in the modification, the Company accounts for such contract modifications as a separate contract. The Company includes claims to vendors, subcontractors and others as a receivable and a reduction in recognized costs when enforceability of the claim is established by the contract and the amounts are reasonably estimable and probable of being recovered. The amounts are recorded up to the extent of the lesser of the amounts management expects to recover or to costs incurred. Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Direct costs of contract revenue consist primarily of that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages that has been incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue also include production expenses, subcontractor services and other expenses that are incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue exclude that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages related to marketing efforts, vacations, holidays and other time not spent directly generating revenue under existing contracts. Such costs are included in general and administrative expenses. Additionally, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income since no allocation of these costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. No allocation of facilities costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. Other companies may classify as direct costs of contract revenue some of the costs that the Company classifies as general and administrative costs. The Company expenses direct costs of contract revenue when incurred. Included in revenue and costs are all reimbursable costs for which the Company has the risk or on which the fee was based at the time of bid or negotiation. No revenue or cost is recorded for costs in which the Company acts solely in the capacity of an agent and has no risks associated with such costs. Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based upon a review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis. Management determines allowances for doubtful accounts through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience. The Company’s historical credit losses have been minimal with governmental entities and large public utilities, but disputes may arise related to these receivable amounts. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received. Retainage, included in contract assets, represents amounts withheld from billings to the Company’s clients pursuant to provisions in the contracts and may not be paid to the Company until specific tasks are completed or the project is completed and, in some instances, for even longer periods. As of December 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021, contract assets included retainage of $4.5 million and $6.2 million, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses	General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses include the costs of the marketing and support staff, other marketing expenses, management and administrative personnel costs, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefits for all of the Company’s employees and the portion of salaries and wages not allocated to direct costs of contract revenue for those employees who provide the Company’s services. General and administrative expenses also include facility costs, depreciation and amortization, professional services, legal and accounting fees and administrative operating costs. Within general and administrative expenses, “Other” includes expenses such as provision for billed or unbilled receivables, professional services, legal and accounting, computer costs, travel and entertainment, marketing costs and acquisition costs. The Company expenses general and administrative costs when incurred.
Leases	Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 require, among other things, that lessees recognize the following for all leases (unless a policy election is made by class of underlying asset to exclude short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or the direct use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The FASB issued ASU 2018-11 on July 30, 2018, which allows entities to apply the provisions of ASC 842 at the effective date without adjusting comparative periods. ​ On December 29, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective method. Under this guidance, the net present value of future lease payments is recorded as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. In addition, the Company elected the ‘package of practical expedients’ permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification. In addition, the Company elected not to utilize the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases. The Company also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for its facilities leases. Previously, all of the Company’s office leases were classified as operating leases and rent expense was included in facilities expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. ​ In addition, the Company leases certain equipment under financing leases. The economic substance of the leases is a financing transaction for acquisition of equipment and leasehold improvements. Accordingly, the right-of-use assets for these leases are included in the balance sheets in equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation, with a corresponding amount recorded in current portion of financing lease obligations or noncurrent portion of financing lease obligations, as appropriate. The financing lease assets are amortized over the life of the lease or, if shorter, the life of the leased asset, on a straight-line basis and included in depreciation expense in the statements of comprehensive income. The interest associated with financing lease obligations is included in interest expense in the statements of comprehensive income. For more information, see Note 7, “ Leases
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements	Equipment and Leasehold Improvements Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of the minimum lease payments as of the acquisition date. Depreciation and amortization on equipment are calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of two Following are the estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation and amortization: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Category Estimated Useful Life Furniture and fixtures 5 years Computer hardware 3 years Computer software 3 years Automobiles and trucks 3 years Field equipment 5 years
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of the assets acquired. The Company completes its annual testing of goodwill as of the last day of the first month of its fourth fiscal quarter each year to determine whether there is impairment. Goodwill, which has an indefinite useful life, is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Impairment losses for reporting units are recognized to the extent that a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
Long-lived assets	Long-lived assets Long-lived assets, such as equipment, leasehold improvements and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Accounting for Claims against the Company	Accounting for Claims against the Company The Company accrues an undiscounted liability related to claims against it for which the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses the amount accrued and an estimate of any reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for its financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not accrue liabilities related to claims when the likelihood that a loss has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. Losses related to recorded claims are included in general and administrative expenses. Determining probability and estimating claim amounts is highly judgmental. Initial accruals and any subsequent changes in the Company’s estimates could have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation The Company accounts for all stock-based compensation under the fair value recognition provisions of the accounting standard entitled “ Compensation—Stock Compensation. Company evaluates the probability that PBRSUs will be earned. The Company records stock-based compensation expense based on the probability that the performance metrics will be achieved over the vesting period.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations requires the Company to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the Company may adjust the provisional amounts recognized for a business combination based upon new information about facts that existed on the business combination date). Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company recognizes separately from goodwill the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interests in an acquiree, at the acquisition date fair value. The Company measures goodwill as of the acquisition date as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs that the Company incurs to complete the business combination such as investment banking, legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration. The Company charges these acquisition costs to general and administrative expense as they are incurred. During fiscal years 2021 and 2020, the Company did not have any acquisitions. During fiscal year 2019, the Company completed three acquisitions; On October 28, 2019, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (“E3, Inc.”). On July 2, 2019, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Onsite Energy Corporation (“Onsite Energy”). On March 8, 2019, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of the energy practice division of The Weidt Group Inc. (“The Weidt Group”).
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities, subject to a judgmental assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that some of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Significant judgment is applied when assessing the need for valuation allowances. Areas of estimation include the Company’s consideration of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the utilization of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company would adjust the related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to income. During each fiscal year, management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize existing deferred tax assets. During fiscal year 2021, the Company determined that it was more-likely-than-not that the entire New Jersey net operating losses will not be utilized prior to expiration and, accordingly, recorded a valuation allowance of $1.1 million. Significant pieces of objective evidence evaluated included the Company’s proportional increase of revenue in other states, which resulted in a dilution of New Jersey sourced income, as well as the Company’s forecasted amount of net operating loss utilization in New Jersey for certain members of the combined group. At the end of fiscal year 2021, the total valuation allowance was $1.2 million, compared to a valuation allowance of $86,000 for fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $86,000 valuation allowance related to the California net operating losses that was recorded in previous years remained unchanged as the available positive and negative evidence did not warrant a revision. For further information, see Note 11, “Income Taxes”, For acquired business entities, if the Company identifies changes to acquired deferred tax asset valuation allowances or liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the measurement period and they relate to new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, those changes are considered a measurement period adjustment and the Company records the offset to goodwill. The Company records all other changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in current period income tax expense. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share ​ The Company computes basic income per common share using net income and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share is computed using net income and the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include dilutive outstanding employee stock options, RSAs, PBRSUs, and rights to purchase shares of common stock under the Company’s ESPP.
Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Net of Tax	Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Net of Tax ​ Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that are recorded as an element of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax is comprised of unrealized gains or losses on its interest rate swap agreement designated as cash flow hedges.
Derivatives	Derivatives The Company accounts for its interest rate swap as designated cash flow hedges to mitigate variations in interest payments under a portion of its LIBOR-based term loans due to variations in the LIBOR index. The Company pays interest monthly at a fixed rate and receives interest monthly at the LIBOR rate on the notional amount of the contract with realized gains or losses recognized in interest expense.
Operating Cycle	Operating Cycle In accordance with industry practice, amounts realizable and payable under contracts that extend beyond one year are included in current assets (included in contract assets) and current liabilities.
Impact of Covid-19	Impact of Covid-19 The coronavirus (“Covid-19”) pandemic and efforts to limit its spread negatively impacted the Company’s operations during its fiscal year 2020 and continued to impact the Company, albeit to a lesser extent, during its fiscal year 2021. In California and New York, the states in which the Company has historically derived a majority of its revenue, mandatory shutdown orders were issued in March 2020. In New York, phased re-openings began in June 2020, and all of the Company’s New York utility programs have restarted. In California, phased re-openings began in May 2020, followed by periods of curtailments as a result of resurgences of Covid-19 cases, and subsequent re-openings. As a result, the most significant pandemic related impacts to the Company’s business occurred in California to its direct install business. During the last week of June 2021, the Company’s largest program for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (“LADWP”) resumed, which was the Company’s last program suspended due to Covid-19. As of March 9, 2022, none of the Company’s contracts have been cancelled due to Covid-19. ​ In the Energy segment, the Company has experienced a negative impact on its direct install programs that serve small businesses as a result of restrictions put in place by governmental authorities that required temporary shutdowns of all “non-essential” businesses which resulted in a significant portion of the Company’s direct install work on these programs being suspended for varying periods of time during fiscal year 2020 and continuing in California through the Company’s first half of fiscal 2021. During non-Covid-19 impacted years, such as fiscal year 2019, the Company derived approximately 40% of its gross revenue from its direct install programs that serve small businesses and 60% from the Company’s other programs. The Company’s other programs are either services that have been determined to be “essential” by government authorities, can be performed remotely or outside of any Covid-related restrictions, or have continued to progress during the pandemic. ​ In the Engineering and Consulting segment, the Company’s revenues have been less affected by Covid-19 than the revenues in the Energy segment. The services in this segment have generally been deemed “essential” by the government and have continued to operate while abiding social distancing measures. ​ The Company has continuously monitored its liquidity position during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to be flexible during these uncertain times and to position itself to resume its growth trajectory as work restrictions are lifted. As part of this effort ​ Asset and liability valuation and other estimates used in preparation of financial statements Impact on Clients and Subcontractors and Other Risks The Company primarily works for utilities, municipalities and other public agencies. Some of these customers could experience significant budget shortfalls for the current year and beyond as a result of the measures taken to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic and/or revenue shortfalls as a result of reduced economic activity. Although none of the Company’s material contracts with governmental or public agencies were materially modified during its fiscal year 2020 or 2021, these potential budget deficits could result in delayed funding for existing contracts with the Company, postponements of new contracts or price concessions. Further, most of the Company’s clients are not committed to purchase any minimum amount of services, as the Company agreements with them are based on a “purchase order” or “master service agreement” model. As a result, they may discontinue utilizing some or all of the Company’s services with little or no notice. In addition, the Company relies on subcontractors and material suppliers to complete a substantial portion of its work, especially in its Energy segment. If the Company’s significant subcontractors and material suppliers suffer significant economic harm and must limit or cease operations or file for bankruptcy as a result of the current economic slowdown, the Company’s subcontractors and material suppliers may not be able to fulfill their contractual obligations satisfactorily and the Company may not have the ability to select its subcontractors and material suppliers of choice for new contracts. If the Company’s subcontractors and material suppliers are not able to fulfill their contractual obligations, it could result in a significant increase in costs for the Company to complete the projects or cause significant delays to the realization of revenues under those projects. The ultimate impact of Covid-19 on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations will depend on all of the factors noted above, including other factors that the Company may not be able to forecast at this time. See the risk factor “ The Covid-19 pandemic and health and safety measures intended to slow its spread have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, results of operations and financial condition. 19 has had an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, the Company is unable to predict the extent or duration of future impacts at this time. Health and Safety In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Company has taken and will continue to take precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk of Covid-19 to its employees, including requiring the majority of its employees to work remotely, suspending non-essential travel and restricting in-person work-related meetings. The Company expects to continue to implement these measures until it has determined that the Covid-19 pandemic is adequately contained for purposes of its business, and may take further actions as government authorities require or recommend or as it determines to be in the best interests of its employees, customers, business partners and third-party service providers.

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_3

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
Schedule of Contracts by Reportable Segments and Type of Contracts	​ Segment Contract Type Revenue Recognition Method ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Energy Unit-based Unit-based ​ Software license Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Engineering and Consulting Unit-based Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion
Schedule of the estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation and amortization	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Category Estimated Useful Life Furniture and fixtures 5 years Computer hardware 3 years Computer software 3 years Automobiles and trucks 3 years Field equipment 5 years

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_2

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA
Schedule of accounts receivable	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Billed ​ $ 68,325 ​ $ 55,231 Unbilled (1) ​ ​ 54,817 ​ ​ 56,262 Contract retentions ​ ​ 4,472 ​ ​ 6,164 Other assets (2) ​ ​ 12,630 ​ ​ 4,524 ​ ​ ​ 140,244 ​ ​ 122,181 Allowance for doubtful accounts ​ ​ (1,115) ​ ​ (2,127) ​ ​ $ 139,129 ​ $ 120,054 ​ (1) Unbilled portion represents contract assets which is presented separately from accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. (2) Other assets represents a portion of receivables greater than one year from the normal course of business presented separately from current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. ​
Schedule of the movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) Balance as of the beginning of the year ​ $ 2,127 ​ $ 1,147 ​ $ 442 (Recovery of) provision for doubtful accounts ​ 102 ​ 1,329 ​ 1,051 Write-offs of uncollectible accounts ​ (1,224) ​ (388) ​ (346) Fair value adjustment ​ 110 ​ 39 ​ — Balance as of the end of the year ​ $ 1,115 ​ $ 2,127 ​ $ 1,147
Schedule of equipment and leasehold improvements	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Furniture and fixtures ​ $ 4,070 ​ $ 4,088 Computer hardware and software ​ 26,425 ​ 18,047 Leasehold improvements ​ 3,011 ​ 2,994 Equipment under finance leases ​ 3,286 ​ 2,370 Automobiles, trucks, and field equipment ​ 3,099 ​ 3,216 Subtotal ​ 39,891 ​ 30,715 Accumulated depreciation and amortization ​ (23,134) ​ (18,209) Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 16,757 ​ $ 12,506
Schedule of accrued liabilities	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Accrued subcontractor costs ​ $ 19,727 ​ $ 19,124 Accrued bonuses ​ ​ 7,767 ​ ​ 5,211 Other ​ 2,750 ​ 4,899 Employee withholdings ​ 2,665 ​ 2,768 Compensation and payroll taxes ​ 2,244 ​ 1,983 Accrued workers’ compensation insurance ​ 527 ​ 470 Total accrued liabilities ​ $ 35,680 ​ $ 34,455
Schedule of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ January 1, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ December 31, ​ 2021 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 129,375 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ $ 130,124 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 130,124 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 27, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ January 1, ​ 2019 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 126,898 ​ $ — ​ $ 2,477 ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ $ 127,647 ​ $ — ​ $ 2,477 ​ $ 130,124
Schedule of gross amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2021 ​ January 1, 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Amortization ​ Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Period ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) Finite: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Backlog ​ $ 7,944 ​ $ 7,222 ​ $ 7,944 ​ $ 6,249 ​ 1.0 Tradename ​ 15,911 ​ 8,997 ​ 15,911 ​ 6,984 2.5 ​ - ​ 6.0 Non-compete agreements ​ ​ 1,420 ​ ​ 1,413 ​ ​ 1,420 ​ ​ 1,390 ​ 4.0 ​ - ​ 5.0 Developed technology ​ ​ 15,500 ​ ​ 8,950 ​ ​ 15,500 ​ ​ 6,107 ​ 8.0 Customer relationships ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 19,939 ​ ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 14,248 5.0 ​ - ​ 8.0 Total finite intangible assets ​ ​ 98,924 ​ ​ 46,521 ​ ​ 98,924 ​ ​ 34,978 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In-process research and technology (1) ​ ​ 310 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 310 ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total intangible assets ​ $ 99,234 ​ $ 46,521 ​ $ 99,234 ​ $ 34,978 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (1) In-process research and technology is not amortized until put into use.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Schedule of fair values of outstanding derivatives designated as hedging instruments	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair Value of Derivative ​ ​ Instruments as of ​ ​ Balance Sheet Location ​ December 31, 2021 ​ January 1, 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) Interest rate swap agreement ​ Accrued liabilities ​ $ (50) ​ $ (624) Interest rate swap agreement ​ Other noncurrent (liabilities) assets ​ $ — ​ $ (48)
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gain (Loss) on ​ Accumulated Other ​ Derivative Instruments Comprehensive Loss ​ ​ (in thousands) Balances at December 28, 2018 ​ $ — ​ $ — Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications ​ ​ (546) ​ ​ (546) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income: ​ ​ 0 ​ ​ 0 Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ 150 ​ ​ 150 Net current-period other comprehensive loss ​ ​ (396) ​ ​ (396) Balances at December 27, 2019 ​ $ (396) ​ $ (396) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications ​ ​ (126) ​ ​ (126) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income: ​ ​ 0 ​ ​ 0 Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ 34 ​ ​ 34 Net current-period other comprehensive loss ​ ​ (488) ​ ​ (488) Balances at January 1, 2021 ​ $ (488) ​ $ (488) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications ​ ​ 622 ​ ​ 622 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income: ​ ​ 0 ​ ​ 0 Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ (172) ​ ​ (172) Net current-period other comprehensive loss ​ ​ (38) ​ ​ (38) Balances at December 31, 2021 ​ $ (38) ​ $ (38)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Schedule of debt obligations, excluding obligations under capital leases	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, January 1, ​ ​ 2021 ​ 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Outstanding borrowings on Term A Loan ​ $ 75,000 ​ $ 85,000 Outstanding borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Outstanding borrowings on Delayed Draw Term Loan ​ ​ 24,000 ​ ​ 27,000 Other debt agreements ​ ​ 2,161 ​ ​ 1,996 Total debt ​ ​ 101,161 ​ ​ 113,996 Issuance costs and debt discounts ​ ​ (587) ​ ​ (822) Subtotal ​ ​ 100,574 ​ ​ 113,174 Less current portion of long-term debt ​ 15,036 ​ 14,996 Long-term debt portion ​ $ 85,538 ​ $ 98,178
Schedule of principal installments for the Company's debt obligations excluding capital leases	The following table summarizes the combined principal installments for the Company’s debt obligations, excluding capital leases, over the next five years and beyond, as of December 31, 2021: ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year: ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ 15,036 2023 ​ ​ 13,070 2024 ​ ​ 73,055 Total debt maturities ​ ​ 101,161 Issuance costs and debt discounts ​ ​ (587) Net carrying value ​ $ 100,574

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Schedule of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ January 1, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ December 31, ​ 2021 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 129,375 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ $ 130,124 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 130,124 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 27, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ January 1, ​ 2019 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 126,898 ​ $ — ​ $ 2,477 ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 749 ​ ​ $ 127,647 ​ $ — ​ $ 2,477 ​ $ 130,124
Schedule of gross amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2021 ​ January 1, 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Amortization ​ Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Period ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) Finite: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Backlog ​ $ 7,944 ​ $ 7,222 ​ $ 7,944 ​ $ 6,249 ​ 1.0 Tradename ​ 15,911 ​ 8,997 ​ 15,911 ​ 6,984 2.5 ​ - ​ 6.0 Non-compete agreements ​ ​ 1,420 ​ ​ 1,413 ​ ​ 1,420 ​ ​ 1,390 ​ 4.0 ​ - ​ 5.0 Developed technology ​ ​ 15,500 ​ ​ 8,950 ​ ​ 15,500 ​ ​ 6,107 ​ 8.0 Customer relationships ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 19,939 ​ ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 14,248 5.0 ​ - ​ 8.0 Total finite intangible assets ​ ​ 98,924 ​ ​ 46,521 ​ ​ 98,924 ​ ​ 34,978 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In-process research and technology (1) ​ ​ 310 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 310 ​ ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total intangible assets ​ $ 99,234 ​ $ 46,521 ​ $ 99,234 ​ $ 34,978 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (1) In-process research and technology is not amortized until put into use.
Schedule of estimated amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Future Intangible Asset ​ ​ ​ Amortization expense ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ $ 11,227 2023 ​ 9,928 2024 ​ 6,806 2025 ​ ​ 6,235 2026 ​ ​ 5,513 Thereafter ​ ​ 13,004 ​ ​ $ 52,713

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
LEASES
Summary of the Lease Expense	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) Operating lease cost ​ $ 6,497 ​ $ 7,031 ​ $ 5053 Finance lease cost: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Amortization of assets ​ ​ 577 ​ ​ 589 ​ ​ 509 Interest on lease liabilities ​ ​ 34 ​ ​ 29 ​ ​ 36 Total net lease cost ​ $ 7,108 ​ $ 7,649 ​ $ 5,598
Summary of Lease Information Presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Operating leases: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets $ 15,177 ​ $ 20,130 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Lease liability $ 5,575 ​ $ 5,844 ​ Lease liability, less current portion 10,768 ​ 15,649 ​ Total lease liabilities $ 16,343 ​ $ 21,493 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance leases (included in equipment and leasehold improvements, net): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Equipment and leasehold improvements, net $ 3,286 ​ $ 2,370 ​ Accumulated depreciation (1,947) ​ (1,826) ​ Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net $ 1,339 ​ $ 544 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance lease obligations $ 539 ​ $ 248 ​ Finance lease obligations, less current portion ​ 778 ​ ​ 236 ​ Total finance lease obligations $ 1,317 ​ $ 484 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ 3.79 ​ ​ 4.40 ​ Finance Leases ​ 2.62 ​ ​ 2.02 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average discount rate: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ 4.28 % ​ 4.44 % Finance Leases ​ 2.78 % ​ 3.74 %
Summary of Other Information and Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Finance and Operating Leases	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating cash flow from operating leases ​ $ 6,727 ​ $ 6,972 ​ $ 5,151 Operating cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 34 ​ ​ 29 ​ ​ 36 Financing cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 545 ​ ​ 549 ​ ​ 639 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating leases ​ $ 783 ​ $ 3,186 ​ $ 4,918
Summary of the Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Finance ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ $ 6,235 ​ $ 567 ​ 2023 ​ 4,372 ​ 489 ​ 2024 ​ 2,657 ​ ​ 231 ​ 2025 ​ ​ 1,967 ​ ​ 63 ​ 2026 ​ ​ 2,037 ​ 15 ​ 2027 and thereafter ​ 453 ​ — ​ Total lease payments ​ ​ 17,721 ​ ​ 1,365 ​ Less: Imputed interest ​ (1,378) ​ ​ (48) ​ Total lease obligations ​ 16,343 ​ ​ 1,317 ​ Less: Current obligations ​ 5,575 ​ ​ 539 ​ Noncurrent lease obligations ​ $ 10,768 ​ $ 778 ​ ​
Summary of the Maturities of Finance Lease Liabilities	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Finance ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ $ 6,235 ​ $ 567 ​ 2023 ​ 4,372 ​ 489 ​ 2024 ​ 2,657 ​ ​ 231 ​ 2025 ​ ​ 1,967 ​ ​ 63 ​ 2026 ​ ​ 2,037 ​ 15 ​ 2027 and thereafter ​ 453 ​ — ​ Total lease payments ​ ​ 17,721 ​ ​ 1,365 ​ Less: Imputed interest ​ (1,378) ​ ​ (48) ​ Total lease obligations ​ 16,343 ​ ​ 1,317 ​ Less: Current obligations ​ 5,575 ​ ​ 539 ​ Noncurrent lease obligations ​ $ 10,768 ​ $ 778 ​

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_2

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Schedule of financial information with respect to the reportable segments	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Engineering ​ Unallocated ​ ​ ​ ​ Consolidated ​ ​ Energy & Consulting Corporate Intersegment Total ​ ​ (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2021 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 286,385 ​ $ 67,370 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 353,755 Depreciation and amortization ​ 16,156 ​ 990 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 17,146 Interest expense ​ 8 ​ — ​ ​ 3,861 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 3,869 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ (4,808) ​ 9,135 ​ ​ (16,731) ​ — ​ (12,404) Income tax (benefit) expense ​ (1,546) ​ 2,936 ​ ​ (5,377) ​ — ​ ​ (3,987) Net income (loss) ​ (3,263) ​ 6,198 ​ ​ (11,352) ​ — ​ (8,417) Segment assets (1) ​ 363,232 ​ 21,423 ​ ​ 32,897 ​ (23,130) ​ 394,422 Fiscal Year 2020 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 390,980 Depreciation and amortization ​ 17,666 ​ 1,077 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 18,743 Interest expense ​ 32 ​ — ​ ​ 5,036 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 5,068 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ (9,963) ​ 9,500 ​ ​ (19,206) ​ — ​ (19,669) Income tax (benefit) expense ​ (2,621) ​ 2,499 ​ ​ (5,051) ​ — ​ ​ (5,173) Net income (loss) ​ (7,343) ​ 7,002 ​ ​ (14,155) ​ — ​ (14,496) Segment assets (1) ​ 337,739 ​ 21,796 ​ ​ 66,619 ​ (23,130) ​ 403,024 Fiscal Year 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 443,099 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 13,703 ​ 1,324 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 15,027 Interest expense ​ ​ 32 ​ — ​ ​ 4,868 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 4,900 Segment profit before income tax expense ​ ​ 11,971 ​ 8,839 ​ ​ (16,154) ​ — ​ 4,656 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 3,308 ​ 2,442 ​ ​ (5,935) ​ — ​ ​ (185) Net income (loss) ​ ​ 8,664 ​ 6,397 ​ ​ (10,220) ​ — ​ 4,841 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 392,362 ​ 23,682 ​ ​ 46,999 ​ (23,130) ​ 439,913 (1) Segment assets are presented net of intercompany receivables.
Schedule of disaggregation of revenue	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands, except percentage) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 34,004 ​ $ 52,209 ​ $ 86,213 Unit-based ​ ​ 180,311 ​ ​ 10,688 ​ ​ 190,999 Fixed price ​ ​ 72,069 ​ ​ 4,474 ​ ​ 76,543 Total (1) ​ $ 286,384 ​ $ 67,371 ​ $ 353,755 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 24,541 ​ $ 5,323 ​ $ 29,864 Government ​ ​ 65,249 ​ ​ 61,899 ​ ​ 127,148 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 196,594 ​ ​ 149 ​ ​ 196,743 Total (1) ​ $ 286,384 ​ $ 67,371 ​ $ 353,755 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 286,384 ​ $ 67,371 ​ $ 353,755 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2020 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands, except percentage) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 47,912 ​ $ 53,840 ​ $ 101,752 Unit-based ​ ​ 170,991 ​ ​ 9,195 ​ ​ 180,186 Fixed price ​ ​ 105,275 ​ ​ 3,767 ​ ​ 109,042 Total (1) ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ 390,980 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 36,212 ​ $ 5,155 ​ $ 41,367 Government ​ ​ 93,821 ​ ​ 61,412 ​ ​ 155,233 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 194,145 ​ ​ 235 ​ ​ 194,380 Total (1) ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ 390,980 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 324,178 ​ $ 66,802 ​ $ 390,980 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands, except percentage) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 18,625 ​ $ 54,560 ​ $ 73,185 Unit-based ​ ​ 272,978 ​ ​ 14,391 ​ ​ 287,369 Fixed price ​ ​ 79,112 ​ ​ 3,433 ​ ​ 82,545 Total ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ 443,099 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 39,311 ​ $ 4,895 ​ $ 44,206 Government ​ ​ 57,020 ​ ​ 67,049 ​ ​ 124,069 Utilities ​ ​ 274,384 ​ ​ 440 ​ ​ 274,824 Total ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ 443,099 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (1) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 370,715 ​ $ 72,384 ​ $ 443,099 (1) Revenue from our foreign operations were immaterial for fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Schedule of assets included in Unallocated Corporate	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 2020 ​ ​ (in thousands) Assets: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 11,221 ​ $ 28,405 Accounts Receivable, net ​ ​ (40,441) ​ ​ (12,144) Prepaid expenses ​ 2,811 ​ 2,422 Intercompany receivables ​ 1,131,100 ​ 691,440 Goodwill ​ ​ 2 ​ ​ 2 Other receivables ​ 4,328 ​ 4,409 Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ 1,190 ​ 1,585 Investments in subsidiaries ​ 36,084 ​ 26,576 ROU Assets ​ ​ 452 ​ ​ 809 Other ​ 399 ​ 444 Deferred income taxes ​ ​ 16,849 ​ ​ 14,111 ​ ​ $ 1,163,995 ​ $ 758,059

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Summary of option activity and changes during the period	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ Exercise ​ Contractual ​ Options Price Term ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 1,003 ​ $ 18.86 5.43 ​ Granted — ​ — — ​ Exercised (150) ​ 12.86 — ​ Forfeited or expired (4) ​ 24.33 — ​ Outstanding at December 31, 2021 849 ​ $ 19.89 4.68 ​ Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2021 849 ​ $ 19.89 4.68 ​ Exercisable at December 31, 2021 849 ​ $ 19.89 4.68 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ Exercise ​ Contractual ​ Options Price Term ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 1,124 ​ $ 17.80 6.06 ​ Granted — ​ — — ​ Exercised (119) ​ 9.12 — ​ Forfeited or expired (2) ​ 2.71 — ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 1,003 ​ $ 18.86 5.43 ​ Vested and expected to vest at January 1, 2021 1,003 ​ $ 18.86 5.43 ​ Exercisable at January 1, 2021 952 ​ $ 18.16 5.31 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Remaining ​ ​ ​ ​ Exercise ​ Contractual ​ Options Price Term ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ (in years) ​ Outstanding at December 28, 2018 1,252 ​ $ 16.87 6.62 ​ Granted — ​ — — ​ Exercised (115) ​ 8.08 — ​ Forfeited or expired (13) ​ 14.97 — ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 1,124 ​ $ 17.80 6.06 ​ Vested and expected to vest at December 27, 2019 1,124 ​ $ 17.80 6.06 ​ Exercisable at December 27, 2019 958 ​ $ 15.48 5.68 ​
Summary of the status of the nonvested options and changes in nonvested options	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Grant-Date ​ Options Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Nonvested at January 1, 2021 52 ​ $ 31.73 ​ Granted — ​ — ​ Vested (52) ​ 31.73 ​ Forfeited — ​ — ​ Nonvested at December 31, 2021 — ​ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Grant-Date ​ Options Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Nonvested at December 27, 2019 166 ​ $ 12.15 ​ Granted — ​ — ​ Vested (114) ​ 30.97 ​ Forfeited — ​ — ​ Nonvested at January 1, 2021 52 ​ 31.73 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ ​ ​ ​ Grant-Date ​ Options Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Nonvested at December 28, 2018 414 ​ $ 8.69 ​ Granted — ​ — ​ Vested (242) ​ 9.43 ​ Forfeited (6) ​ 10.87 ​ Nonvested at December 27, 2019 166 ​ 12.15 ​
Schedule of assumptions	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2019 Expected volatility 34 % Expected dividends 0 % Expected term (in years) 6 ​ Risk-free rate 2.49 % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 ​ ​ 2020 ​ ​ 2019 ​ Weighted-average expected term (in years) ​ .5 ​ ​ .5 ​ ​ ​ .5 ​ Risk-Free interest Rate ​ 0.1 % ​ 0.9 % ​ ​ 2.3 % Stock Price Volatility ​ 31.9 % ​ 30.3 % ​ ​ 35.6 % Dividend yield ​ 0 % ​ 0 % ​ ​ 0 % Fair Value ​ $ 40.21 ​ ​ $ 28.39 ​ ​ $ 33.01 ​
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of restricted stock activity	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted- ​ ​ ​ ​ Average ​ Restricted Stock Grant Date Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 128 ​ $ 33.21 Awarded ​ 63 ​ 41.02 ​ Vested ​ (75) ​ 32.09 ​ Forfeited ​ (6) ​ 36.69 ​ Outstanding at December 31, 2021 ​ 110 ​ $ 38.30 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 58 ​ $ 33.33 Awarded ​ 99 ​ 32.89 ​ Vested ​ (29) ​ 32.35 ​ Forfeited ​ — ​ — ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 128 ​ $ 33.21 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 28, 2018 ​ 64 ​ $ 22.28 ​ Awarded ​ 37 ​ 35.60 ​ Vested ​ (43) ​ 18.90 ​ Forfeited ​ — ​ — ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 58 ​ $ 33.33 ​
Performance Shares
Summary of restricted stock activity	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Performance-Based ​ Weighted-Average ​ Restricted Stock Unit Grant Date Fair Value ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 379 ​ $ 20.68 Awarded ​ 270 ​ 34.84 Released ​ (411) ​ 29.08 Forfeited ​ (26) ​ 29.93 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 ​ 212 ​ $ 31.31 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 431 ​ $ 20.68 Awarded ​ 413 ​ 29.22 Released ​ (447) ​ 28.26 Forfeited ​ (18) ​ 28.62 Outstanding at January 1, 2021 ​ 379 ​ $ 20.68 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Outstanding at December 28, 2018 ​ 280 ​ $ 21.94 Awarded ​ 329 ​ 28.99 Released ​ (175) ​ 38.20 Forfeited ​ (3) ​ 27.28 Outstanding at December 27, 2019 ​ 431 ​ $ 20.68

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
INCOME TAXES
Schedule of provision for income taxes	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Current federal taxes ​ $ (1,606) ​ $ (592) ​ $ (548) ​ Current state taxes ​ 530 ​ 166 ​ 551 ​ Current foreign taxes ​ ​ — ​ ​ 18 ​ ​ — ​ Deferred federal taxes ​ (2,656) ​ (2,939) ​ (159) ​ Deferred state taxes ​ (255) ​ (1,826) ​ (29) ​ ​ ​ $ (3,987) ​ $ (5,173) ​ $ (185) ​ (1) Revenue from the Company’s foreign operations were immaterial for fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Schedule of sources and tax effects of the differences	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Computed “expected” federal income tax expense ​ $ (2,605) ​ $ (4,130) ​ $ 977 ​ Permanent differences ​ 18 ​ 122 ​ 163 ​ Nondeductible Executive Compensation ​ ​ 1,349 ​ ​ 1,386 ​ ​ 688 ​ Stock options and disqualifying dispositions ​ ​ (1,276) ​ ​ 4 ​ ​ (731) ​ Energy efficient building deduction ​ ​ (558) ​ ​ (738) ​ ​ (1,291) ​ Current and deferred state income tax expense, net of federal benefit ​ (660) ​ (1,205) ​ 466 ​ Federal deferred tax adjustments ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 231 ​ Adjustment for uncertain tax positions ​ ​ — ​ ​ (142) ​ ​ (282) ​ Research and development tax credit ​ ​ (761) ​ ​ (527) ​ ​ (510) ​ Federal Rate Differential on NOL Carryback ​ ​ (579) ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ Change in Valuation Allowance ​ ​ 1,105 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ Other ​ (20) ​ 57 ​ 27 ​ True up income tax accounts ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 77 ​ ​ ​ $ (3,987) ​ $ (5,173) ​ $ (185) ​
Schedule of the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, ​ January 1, ​ 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accounts receivable allowance ​ $ 308 ​ $ 199 Other accrued liabilities ​ ​ 1,638 ​ ​ 1,676 Federal and state net operating losses ​ ​ 22,645 ​ ​ 18,854 Lease Liability ​ ​ 4,523 ​ ​ 5,856 Stock compensation ​ ​ 3,291 ​ ​ 3,063 Adjustments to fair value of assets ​ ​ — ​ ​ 56 Credit Carryforwards ​ ​ 1,345 ​ ​ 496 Other ​ 683 ​ 211 ​ ​ 34,433 ​ 30,411 Valuation allowance ​ (1,191) ​ (86) Net deferred tax assets ​ $ 33,242 ​ $ 30,325 Deferred tax liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Deferred revenue ​ $ (1,164) ​ $ (2,999) Fixed assets ​ ​ (2,875) ​ ​ (732) Intangible assets ​ ​ (5,790) ​ ​ (6,796) Lease right-of-use assets ​ ​ (4,202) ​ ​ (5,484) Deferred Labor Costs ​ ​ (2,362) ​ ​ — Other ​ ​ — ​ ​ (203) ​ ​ (16,393) ​ (16,214) Net deferred tax asset ​ $ 16,849 ​ $ 14,111

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Table

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
Schedule of number of weighted-average common shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted EPS	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Year ​ ​ 2021 2020 2019 ​ ​ (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income (loss) ​ $ (8,417) ​ $ (14,496) ​ $ 4,841 Weighted-average common shares outstanding ​ 12,458 ​ 11,793 ​ 11,162 Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards ​ — ​ — ​ 604 Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted ​ 12,458 ​ 11,793 ​ 11,766 Earnings (Loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ (0.68) ​ $ (1.23) ​ $ 0.43 Diluted ​ $ (0.68) ​ $ (1.23) ​ $ 0.41

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI_2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Schedule of selected quarterly information	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Three Months Ended ​ ​ April 2, ​ July 2, ​ October 1, ​ December 31, ​ 2021 2021 2021 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands except per share amounts) Contract revenue ​ $ 79,086 ​ $ 84,154 ​ $ 98,297 ​ $ 92,218 ​ Income (loss) from operations ​ (4,189) ​ (7,072) ​ 1,443 ​ 1,127 ​ Income tax expense (benefit) ​ (1,458) ​ (3,663) ​ (236) ​ 1,370 ​ Net income (loss) ​ (3,766) ​ (4,601) ​ 840 ​ (890) ​ Earnings (loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ (0.31) ​ $ (0.37) ​ $ 0.07 ​ $ (0.07) ​ Diluted ​ $ (0.31) ​ $ (0.37) ​ $ 0.06 ​ $ (0.07) ​ Weighted-average shares outstanding: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ 12,147 ​ 12,421 ​ 12,606 ​ 12,660 ​ Diluted ​ 12,147 ​ 12,421 ​ 13,141 ​ 12,660 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fiscal Three Months Ended ​ ​ April 3, ​ July 3, ​ October 2, ​ January 1, ​ 2020 2020 2020 2021 ​ ​ (in thousands except per share amounts ) Contract revenue ​ $ 106,026 ​ $ 83,549 ​ $ 104,508 ​ $ 96,897 ​ Income (loss) from operations ​ (8,269) ​ (3,841) ​ 1,601 ​ (5,718) ​ Income tax benefit ​ (1,605) ​ (90) ​ (1,586) ​ (1,892) ​ Net income (loss) ​ (8,154) ​ (4,985) ​ 2,640 ​ (3,997) ​ Earnings (loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ (0.71) ​ $ (0.43) ​ $ 0.22 ​ $ (0.33) ​ Diluted ​ $ (0.71) ​ $ (0.43) ​ $ 0.21 ​ $ (0.33) ​ Weighted-average shares outstanding: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ 11,510 ​ 11,682 ​ 11,992 ​ 12,011 ​ Diluted ​ 11,510 ​ 11,682 ​ 12,417 ​ 12,011 ​

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_4

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY (Details) $ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Oct. 01, 2021

Jul. 02, 2021

Apr. 02, 2021

Jan. 01, 2021

Oct. 02, 2020

Jul. 03, 2020

Apr. 03, 2020

Dec. 27, 2019

Sep. 27, 2019

Jun. 28, 2019

Mar. 29, 2019

Dec. 31, 2021segment

Jan. 01, 2021

Dec. 27, 2019

Apr. 30, 2021USD ($)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Number of reporting segments | segment

2

Length of fiscal period

91 days

91 days

91 days

91 days

91 days

91 days

91 days

98 days

91 days

91 days

91 days

91 days

364 days

371 days

364 days

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Amount of new contracts | $

$ 781

Direct Install Programs Serving Small Business

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Percentage of gross revenues (as a percent)

40.00%

40.00%

Other Programs

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Percentage of gross revenues (as a percent)

60.00%

60.00%

Minimum [Member]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Length of fiscal period

91 days

364 days

Maximum [Member]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Length of fiscal period

98 days

371 days

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_5

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Accounting for Contracts (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)segment	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2019USD ($)
Accounting for Contracts
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Costs of contract revenue
Payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel	$ 73,812,000	$ 71,229,000	$ 66,303,000
Revenue of the entity recorded in which it acts solely in the capacity of an agent	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Costs of contract revenue
Percent of revenue (as a percent)	3.00%
Estimated useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member]
Costs of contract revenue
Percent of revenue (as a percent)	2.00%
Estimated useful life	2 years
Accounts receivable
Costs of contract revenue
Retained accounts receivable	$ 4,500,000	$ 6,200,000
Cost of Sales [Member]
Costs of contract revenue
Payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel	0
Allocation of facilities costs to contract revenue	$ 0

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_6

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY- Estimated Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Minimum [Member]
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	5 years
Computer Equipment [Member]
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	3 years
Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	3 years
Vehicles [Member]
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	3 years
Other Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	5 years

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_7

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Business Combination, Income Taxes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Income Taxes
Valuation reserve related to California net operating losses	$ 1,200,000	$ 86,000	$ 86,000
Direct Install Programs Serving Small Business
Management's Plans in Response to Covid-19
Percentage of gross revenues (as a percent)			40.00%
Other Programs
Management's Plans in Response to Covid-19
Percentage of gross revenues (as a percent)			60.00%

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_3

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Accounts Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Accounts receivable
Other assets	$ 12,630	$ 4,524
Total accounts receivable, gross	140,244	122,181
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,115)	(2,127)	$ (1,147)
Total accounts receivable, net	139,129	120,054
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance as of the beginning of the year	2,127	1,147	442
(Recovery of) provision for doubtful accounts	102	1,329	1,051
Write-offs of uncollectible accounts	(1,224)	(388)	(346)
Fair value adjustment	110	39
Balance as of the end of the year	1,115	2,127	$ 1,147
Cash proceeds from sale of trade receivables	8,000	10,600
Other, net
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Discount on trade accounts receivable sold	$ 800	$ 1,700
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Consolidated Edison of New York
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Customer concentration risk percentage	44.40%	31.00%
Billed Revenues [Member]
Accounts receivable
Total accounts receivable, gross	$ 68,325	$ 55,231
Unbilled Revenues [Member]
Accounts receivable
Total accounts receivable, gross	54,817	56,262
Contract Retention [Member]
Accounts receivable
Total accounts receivable, gross	$ 4,472	$ 6,164

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_4

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 39,891	$ 30,715
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(23,134)	(18,209)
Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net	16,757	12,506
Depreciation	5,600	5,000	$ 3,400
Amortization of assets	577	589	509
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	4,070	4,088
Computer Hardware and Software [Member]
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	26,425	18,047
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	3,011	2,994
Equipment under Finance Lease
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	3,286	2,370
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,947)	(1,826)
Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net	1,339	544
Amortization of assets	600	600	$ 500
Automobiles Trucks and Field Equipment [Member]
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 3,099	$ 3,216

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_5

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued subcontractor costs	$ 19,727	$ 19,124
Other	2,750	4,899
Accrued bonuses	7,767	5,211
Compensation and payroll taxes	2,244	1,983
Employee withholdings	2,665	2,768
Accrued workers' compensation insurance	527	470
Total accrued liabilities	$ 35,680	$ 34,455

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - Interest swap agreement - Cash flow hedge - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 35,000,000
Fixed rate (in percent)		2.47%
Effective portion of interest rate swap designated as cash flow hedge before tax effect	$ 600,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense	0
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense	$ (50,000)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_4

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Fair Values (Details) - Designated as hedging instruments - Interest swap agreement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
Accrued liabilities.
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of Derivative Instruments	$ (50)	$ (624)
Other noncurrent (liabilities) assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of Derivative Instruments		$ (48)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_5

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Others (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Cash flow hedge
Derivative [Line Items]
Effective portion	$ 0.5
Fair Value Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Effective portion	$ 0.5

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_6

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Accumulated Balances and Reporting Period Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balances	$ 169,164	$ 167,278	$ 144,289
Balances	179,221	169,164	167,278
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balances	(488)	(396)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	622	(126)	(546)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments	(172)	34	150
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(38)	(488)	(396)
Balances	(38)	(488)	(396)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balances	(488)	(396)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	622	(126)	(546)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments	(172)	34	150
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(38)	(488)	(396)
Balances	$ (38)	$ (488)	$ (396)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Details)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
Debt Obligations
Total debt	$ 101,161	$ 113,996
Issuance costs and debt discounts	(587)	(822)
Total debt maturities	100,574	113,174
Less current portion	15,036	14,996
Long-term debt portion	85,538	98,178
Term A Loan [Member]
Debt Obligations
Total debt	75,000	85,000
Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Obligations
Total debt	24,000	27,000
Other Debt [Member]
Debt Obligations
Total debt	$ 2,161	$ 1,996

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Line of Cred

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Line of Credit and Term A Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 26, 2019	Sep. 27, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Composite interest rate			3.00%
Letter of credit issued			$ 4.1
Term A Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs			0.6
Quarterly installments		$ 2.5
Term A Loan [Member] | BMO Harris Bank National Association [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount borrowed to finance acquisition	$ 100
Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50
Maturity date	Jun. 26, 2024
Annual amortization of debt (as a Percent)		2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50
Maturity date	Jun. 26, 2024
Delayed Draw Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs			$ 0.3

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Debt Agreeme

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Debt Agreements (Details) $ in Millions

Jun. 30, 2022

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Oct. 01, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Jul. 02, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Apr. 30, 2021USD ($)

Apr. 02, 2021

Jan. 01, 2021

Sep. 25, 2020

Jun. 26, 2020

May 06, 2020USD ($)

Third Amendment [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Minimum total leverage ratio

3.25

4

6.25

7.50

7.75

6

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio

1.20

Maximum capital expenditure, debt covenant

$ 7

Minimum liquidity

5

Maximum aggregate amount of earn-out payments during Relief Period

$ 7

$ 7

Fourth Amendment

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum total leverage ratio

4.50

5.25

4.50

Maximum capital expenditure, debt covenant

15

Minimum liquidity

10

Maximum aggregate amount of earn-out payments during Relief Period

$ 17

Fourth Amendment | Scenario, Plan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum total leverage ratio

3.25

4.25

Minimum [Member] | Fourth Amendment | Debt Interest Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

0.125%

Minimum [Member] | Fourth Amendment | Debt Interest Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

1.125%

Minimum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Commitment fee (as a percent)

0.15%

Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Commitment fee (as a percent)

0.84%

Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Fourth Amendment

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)

0.00%

Maximum [Member] | Fourth Amendment | Debt Interest Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

1.25%

Maximum [Member] | Fourth Amendment | Debt Interest Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

2.25%

Maximum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Commitment fee (as a percent)

0.40%

Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Commitment fee (as a percent)

1.688%

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Principal in

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Principal installments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
2022	$ 15,036
2023	13,070
2024	73,055
Total debt obligations	101,161	$ 113,996
Issuance costs and debt discounts	(587)	(822)
Long-term Debt	$ 100,574	$ 113,174

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	$ 130,124	$ 127,647
Additional Purchase Cost	0	0
Additions/Adjustments	0	2,477
Goodwill at end of period	130,124	130,124
Energy
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	129,375	126,898
Additional Purchase Cost	0	0
Additions/Adjustments	0	2,477
Goodwill at end of period	129,375	129,375
Engineering and Consulting
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	749	749
Additional Purchase Cost	0	0
Additions/Adjustments	0	0
Goodwill at end of period	$ 749	$ 749

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Total finite intangible assets, Gross Amount	$ 98,924	$ 98,924		$ 98,924
Accumulated Amortization	46,521	34,978		46,521
Total intangible assets	99,234	99,234		99,234
Amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets	11,500	13,700	$ 11,600
Estimated amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets
2022	11,227			11,227
2023	9,928			9,928
2024	6,806			6,806
2025	6,235			6,235
2026	5,513			5,513
Thereafter	13,004			13,004
Total estimated amortization expense	52,713			52,713
Goodwill impairment
Goodwill impairment	0	0	$ 0
Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Total finite intangible assets, Gross Amount	7,944	7,944		7,944
Accumulated Amortization	7,222	6,249		$ 7,222
Amortization Period (in years)				1 year
Tradename
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Total finite intangible assets, Gross Amount	15,911	15,911		$ 15,911
Accumulated Amortization	8,997	6,984		$ 8,997
Tradename | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)				2 years 6 months
Tradename | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)				6 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Total finite intangible assets, Gross Amount	1,420	1,420		$ 1,420
Accumulated Amortization	1,413	1,390		$ 1,413
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)				4 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)				5 years
Developed technology
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Total finite intangible assets, Gross Amount	15,500	15,500		$ 15,500
Accumulated Amortization	8,950	6,107		$ 8,950
Amortization Period (in years)				8 years
In-process research and technology
Goodwill and other intangible assets
In-process research and technology, Gross Amount	310	310		$ 310
Customer relationships
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Total finite intangible assets, Gross Amount	58,149	58,149		58,149
Accumulated Amortization	$ 19,939	$ 14,248		$ 19,939
Customer relationships | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)				5 years
Customer relationships | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)				8 years

LEASES - Change in Accounting P

LEASES - Change in Accounting Policy (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Leases
Operating lease, option to extend	true
Operating lease, option to terminate	true
Residual value guarantee	$ 0
Lease practical expedients package	true
Lease practical expedients use of hindsight	false
Minimum [Member]
Leases
Operating lease, remaining lease term	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Leases
Operating lease, remaining lease term	8 years
Operating lease, extension term	5 years
Operating lease, terminate term	1 year

LEASES - Lease Expense (Details

LEASES - Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Lease cost
Operating lease cost	$ 6,497	$ 7,031	$ 5,053
Amortization of assets	577	589	509
Interest on lease liabilities	34	29	36
Total net lease cost	$ 7,108	$ 7,649	$ 5,598

LEASES - Impact of Adoption (De

LEASES - Impact of Adoption (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Operating leases:
Right-of-use assets	$ 15,177	$ 20,130
Lease liability	5,575	5,844
Lease liability, less current portion	10,768	15,649
Total lease obligations	16,343	21,493
Finance leases (included in equipment and leasehold improvements, net):
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	39,891	30,715
Accumulated depreciation	23,134	18,209
Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net	16,757	12,506
Finance lease obligations	539	248
Finance lease obligations, less current portion	778	236
Total lease obligations	$ 1,317	$ 484
Operating Leases, remaining lease term	3 years 9 months 14 days	4 years 4 months 24 days
Finance Leases, remaining lease term	2 years 7 months 13 days	2 years 7 days
Operating Leases, discount rate	4.28%	4.44%
Finance Leases, discount rate	2.78%	3.74%
Rent expenses	$ 6,800	$ 7,600	$ 6,200
Equipment under Finance Lease
Finance leases (included in equipment and leasehold improvements, net):
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	3,286	2,370
Accumulated depreciation	1,947	1,826
Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 1,339	$ 544

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 6,497	$ 7,031	$ 5,053
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flow from operating leases	6,727	6,972	5,151
Operating cash flow from finance leases	34	29	36
Financing cash flow from finance leases	545	549	639
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities for operating leases	$ 783	$ 3,186	$ 4,918

LEASES - Maturities of Lease Li

LEASES - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
Operating
2022	$ 6,235
2023	4,372
2024	2,657
2025	1,967
2026	2,037
2027 and thereafter	453
Total lease payments	17,721
Less: Imputed interest	(1,378)
Total lease obligations	16,343	$ 21,493
Less: Current obligations	5,575	5,844
Noncurrent lease obligations	10,768	15,649
Finance
2022	567
2023	489
2024	231
2025	63
2026	15
Total lease payments	1,365
Less: Imputed interest	(48)
Total lease obligations	1,317	484
Less: Current obligations	539	248
Noncurrent lease obligations	$ 778	$ 236

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTE_2

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2019USD ($)
COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Number of VIE | item	1
Employee Benefit Plans
Maximum employee contribution as a percentage of compensation under 401 (k) Plan	50.00%
Service period (in months)	3 months
Attained age (in years)	21 years
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	50.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	6.00%
Employer matching contributions | $	$ 2	$ 1.5	$ 2

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_3

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2021USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2021USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2020USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)segment	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2019USD ($)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of reporting segments | segment									2
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue	$ 92,218	$ 98,297	$ 84,154	$ 79,086	$ 96,897	$ 104,508	$ 83,549	$ 106,026	$ 353,755	$ 390,980	$ 443,099
Depreciation and amortization									17,146	18,743	15,027
Interest expense									3,869	5,068	4,900
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense									(12,404)	(19,669)	4,656
Income tax (benefit) expense	1,370	(236)	(3,663)	(1,458)	(1,892)	(1,586)	(90)	(1,605)	(3,987)	(5,173)	(185)
Net income (loss)	(890)	$ 840	$ (4,601)	$ (3,766)	(3,997)	$ 2,640	$ (4,985)	$ (8,154)	(8,417)	(14,496)	4,841
Segment assets	394,422				403,024				394,422	403,024	439,913
Energy
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									286,384	324,178	370,715
Engineering and Consulting
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									67,371	66,802	72,384
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									286,385	324,178	370,715
Depreciation and amortization									16,156	17,666	13,703
Interest expense									8	32	32
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense									(4,808)	(9,963)	11,971
Income tax (benefit) expense									(1,546)	(2,621)	3,308
Net income (loss)									(3,263)	(7,343)	8,664
Segment assets	363,232				337,739				363,232	337,739	392,362
Operating Segments [Member] | Engineering and Consulting
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									67,370	66,802	72,384
Depreciation and amortization									990	1,077	1,324
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense									9,135	9,500	8,839
Income tax (benefit) expense									2,936	2,499	2,442
Net income (loss)									6,198	7,002	6,397
Segment assets	21,423				21,796				21,423	21,796	23,682
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment reconciliation
Interest expense									3,861	5,036	4,868
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense									(16,731)	(19,206)	(16,154)
Income tax (benefit) expense									(5,377)	(5,051)	(5,935)
Net income (loss)									(11,352)	(14,155)	(10,220)
Segment assets	32,897				66,619				32,897	66,619	46,999
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									0
Segment assets	$ (23,130)				$ (23,130)				$ (23,130)	$ (23,130)	$ (23,130)

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_4

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Oct. 01, 2021	Jul. 02, 2021	Apr. 02, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Oct. 02, 2020	Jul. 03, 2020	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 92,218	$ 98,297	$ 84,154	$ 79,086	$ 96,897	$ 104,508	$ 83,549	$ 106,026	$ 353,755	$ 390,980	$ 443,099
Domestic
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									353,755	390,980	443,099
Energy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									286,384	324,178	370,715
Energy | Domestic
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									286,384	324,178	370,715
Engineering and Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									67,371	66,802	72,384
Engineering and Consulting | Domestic
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									67,371	66,802	72,384
Commercial
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									29,864	41,367	44,206
Commercial | Energy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									24,541	36,212	39,311
Commercial | Engineering and Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									5,323	5,155	4,895
Government
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									127,148	155,233	124,069
Government | Energy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									65,249	93,821	57,020
Government | Engineering and Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									61,899	61,412	67,049
Utilities
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									196,743	194,380	274,824
Utilities | Energy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									196,594	194,145	274,384
Utilities | Engineering and Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									149	235	440
Time-and-materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									86,213	101,752	73,185
Time-and-materials | Energy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									34,004	47,912	18,625
Time-and-materials | Engineering and Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									52,209	53,840	54,560
Unit-based
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									190,999	180,186	287,369
Unit-based | Energy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									180,311	170,991	272,978
Unit-based | Engineering and Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									10,688	9,195	14,391
Fixed price
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									76,543	109,042	82,545
Fixed price | Energy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									72,069	105,275	79,112
Fixed price | Engineering and Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 4,474	$ 3,767	$ 3,433

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_5

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Unallocated Corporate Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,221	$ 28,405
Accounts receivable, net	67,211	53,104
Prepaid expenses	4,972	5,564
Goodwill	130,124	130,124	$ 127,647
Other receivables	6,267	6,405
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	16,757	12,506
Right-of-use assets	15,177	20,130
Other	13,843	5,993
Deferred income taxes	16,849	14,111
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	11,221	28,405
Accounts receivable, net	(40,441)	(12,144)
Prepaid expenses	2,811	2,422
Intercompany receivables	1,131,100	691,440
Goodwill	2	2
Other receivables	4,328	4,409
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	1,190	1,585
Investments in subsidiaries	36,084	26,576
Right-of-use assets	452	809
Other	399	444
Deferred income taxes	16,849	14,111
Total assets	$ 1,163,995	$ 758,059

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_6

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Concentration Risk (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk - Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark - customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
CALIFORNIA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Customer concentration risk percentage	36.80%	37.00%	41.10%
NEW YORK
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Customer concentration risk percentage	21.00%	19.20%	27.20%
Top Ten Customers
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers	10	10	10
Customer concentration risk percentage	49.20%	48.00%	50.60%
One Customer [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers	1	1
Customer concentration risk percentage	10.80%	10.20%
One Customer [Member] | Engineering And Consulting Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers	1	1	1
Customer concentration risk percentage	10.30%	18.20%	25.00%
Two Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers			2
Customer concentration risk percentage			29.10%
Two Customers [Member] | Energy Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers		2	2
Customer concentration risk percentage		22.50%	34.70%
Three Customers [Member] | Energy Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers	3
Customer concentration risk percentage	34.50%

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Narrative

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions

Jun. 30, 2006shares

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)planshares

Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)shares

Dec. 27, 2019USD ($)shares

Dec. 28, 2018shares

Dec. 29, 2017shares

Dec. 30, 2016shares

Dec. 28, 2012shares

Dec. 31, 2010shares

Jun. 08, 2017shares

Jun. 30, 2008shares

Mar. 31, 2008shares

Dec. 28, 2007shares

Equity plans

Number of share-based compensation plans | plan

2

Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options | $

$ 0

$ 0.4

$ 1.5

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Equity plans

Granted (in shares)

0

Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance

300,000

Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]

Equity plans

Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance

183,000

450,000

Shares available for grant under 2008 Plan from 2006 Plan

182,735

Number of additional shares authorized

955,000

875,000

500,000

500,000

350,000

Amended And Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ESPP [Member]

Equity plans

Purchase price per share as a percentage of fair market value

85.00%

Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance

479,000

1,125,000

300,000

Number of additional shares authorized

825,000

Amended And Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ESPP [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Equity plans

Percentage of participant's earnings to be contributed under a share based compensation plan

1.00%

Amended And Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ESPP [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Equity plans

Percentage of participant's earnings to be contributed under a share based compensation plan

10.00%

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Equity plans

Compensation expense recognized | $

$ 16.6

$ 16.1

$ 12.1

Granted (in shares)

0

Options outstanding (in shares)

849,000

1,003,000

1,124,000

1,252,000

Employee Stock Option [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Equity plans

Options outstanding (in shares)

0

Employee Stock Option [Member] | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]

Equity plans

Maximum number of shares a participant may be granted in options to purchase during fiscal year

300,000

Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]

Equity plans

Outstanding options granted, net of forfeitures, expirations and exercises (in shares)

46,000

Non Statutory Stock Options [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Equity plans

Expiration period from date of grant

10 years

Non Statutory Stock Options [Member] | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]

Equity plans

Outstanding options granted, net of forfeitures, expirations and exercises (in shares)

803,000

Non Statutory Stock Options [Member] | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Equity plans

Expiration period from date of grant

10 years

Restricted Stock [Member]

Equity plans

Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock other than options | $

$ 3.3

$ 3.6

$ 1.5

Restricted Stock [Member] | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]

Equity plans

Shares granted

110,000

Performance Shares

Equity plans

Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock other than options | $

$ 2.2

$ 13.2

$ 21.5

Weighted-average period for Recognition of unrecognized compensation expense

2 months 4 days

2 months 4 days

2 months 4 days

Performance Shares | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]

Equity plans

Shares granted

212,000

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Stock Opt

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018
Fully-vested options
Intrinsic value of the fully-vested options (in dollars)		$ 13
Stock price at the end of the year (in dollars per share)	$ 35.20
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Options
Outstanding (in shares)	1,003,000	1,124,000	1,252,000
Granted (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	(150,000)	(119,000)	(115,000)
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(4,000)	(2,000)	(13,000)
Outstanding (in shares)	849,000	1,003,000	1,124,000	1,252,000
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	849,000	1,003,000	1,124,000
Exercisable (in shares)	849,000	952,000	958,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 18.86	$ 17.80	$ 16.87
Exercised (in dollars per share)	12.86	9.12	8.08
Forfeited or expired	24.33	2.71	14.97
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	19.89	18.86	17.80	$ 16.87
Vested (in dollars per share)	19.89	18.86	17.80
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 19.89	$ 18.16	$ 15.48
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding	4 years 8 months 4 days	5 years 5 months 4 days	6 years 21 days	6 years 7 months 13 days
Vested	4 years 8 months 4 days	5 years 5 months 4 days	6 years 21 days
Exercisable	4 years 8 months 4 days	5 years 3 months 21 days	5 years 8 months 4 days

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Nonvested

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Nonvested Option Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Nonvested Options
Nonvested outstanding (in shares)	52,000	166,000	414,000
Granted (in shares)	0
Vested (in shares)	(52,000)	(114,000)	(242,000)
Forfeited (in shares)			(6,000)
Nonvested outstanding (in shares)		52,000	166,000
Nonvested Options, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested (in dollars per share)	$ 31.73	$ 12.15	$ 8.69
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 31.73	30.97	9.43
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			10.87
Nonvested (in dollars per share)		$ 31.73	$ 12.15

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Restricte

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018
Unrecognized compensation expense
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options	$ 0	$ 0.4	$ 1.5
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Unrecognized compensation expense
Awards granted that were immediately vested (in shares)	0	0	0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Unrecognized compensation expense
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock other than options	$ 3.3	$ 3.6	$ 1.5
Restricted Stock [Member] | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]
Restricted Stock
Outstanding (in shares)	128,000	58,000	64,000
Awarded (in shares)	63,000	99,000	37,000
Vested (in shares)	(75,000)	(29,000)	(43,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(6,000)
Outstanding (in shares)	110,000	128,000	58,000	64,000
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 33.21	$ 33.33	$ 22.28
Awarded (in dollars per share)	41.02	32.89	35.60
Vested (in dollars per share)	32.09	32.35	18.90
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	36.69
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 38.30	$ 33.21	$ 33.33	$ 22.28
Performance Shares
Unrecognized compensation expense
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock other than options	$ 2.2	$ 13.2	$ 21.5
Weighted-average period for Recognition of unrecognized compensation expense		2 months 4 days	2 months 4 days	2 months 4 days
Performance Shares | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]
Restricted Stock
Outstanding (in shares)	379,000	431,000	280,000
Awarded (in shares)	270,000	413,000	329,000
Vested (in shares)	(411,000)	(447,000)	(175,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(26,000)	(18,000)	(3,000)
Outstanding (in shares)	212,000	379,000	431,000	280,000
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 20.68	$ 20.68	$ 21.94
Awarded (in dollars per share)	34.84	29.22	28.99
Vested (in dollars per share)	29.08	28.26	38.20
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	29.93	28.62	27.28
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 31.31	$ 20.68	$ 20.68	$ 21.94

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Assumptio

SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY - Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019	Dec. 28, 2018
Amended And Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ESPP [Member]
Assumptions
Expected volatility (as a percent)	31.90%	30.30%	35.60%
Expected dividends (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	6 months	6 months	6 months
Risk-free rate (as a percent)	0.10%	0.90%	2.30%
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 40.21	$ 28.39	$ 33.01
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Assumptions
Expected volatility (as a percent)	34.00%
Expected dividends (as a percent)	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	6 years
Risk-free rate (as a percent)	2.49%
Granted (in shares)	0
Restricted Stock [Member] | Performance Incentive Plan 2008 [Member]
Assumptions
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Performance Shares | Performance Metrics - EBITDA [Member]
Assumptions
Performance period	1 year	2 years	2 years	4 years
Vesting percentage	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Performance Shares | Performance Metrics - Net Revenue [Member]
Assumptions
Performance period	1 year
Vesting percentage	50.00%
Performance Shares | Performance Metrics - Earnings per Share [Member]
Assumptions
Performance period		2 years	2 years	4 years
Vesting percentage		50.00%	50.00%	50.00%

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Detai

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Oct. 01, 2021	Jul. 02, 2021	Apr. 02, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Oct. 02, 2020	Jul. 03, 2020	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Income taxes
Valuation reserve related to California net operating losses	$ 1,200,000				$ 86,000				$ 1,200,000	$ 86,000	$ 86,000
U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent)									21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Change in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets									$ 1,105,000
Valuation allowance	1,191,000				86,000			$ 86,000	1,191,000	$ 86,000	$ 86,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,370,000	$ (236,000)	$ (3,663,000)	$ (1,458,000)	(1,892,000)	$ (1,586,000)	$ (90,000)	$ (1,605,000)	(3,987,000)	(5,173,000)	$ (185,000)
Tax expense (benefit) related to CARES Act									(579,000)
Income tax receivable related to the net operating loss provisions	1,500,000								1,500,000
Operating Loss Carryforward Indefinitely [Member]
Income taxes
Operating loss carryovers	12,500,000								12,500,000
Federal
Income taxes
Operating loss carryovers	85,300,000								85,300,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income taxes
Operating loss carryovers	79,500,000								79,500,000
Valuation reserve related to California net operating losses	$ 1,100,000				$ 86,000				$ 1,100,000	$ 86,000

INCOME TAXES - Provision for In

INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Oct. 01, 2021	Jul. 02, 2021	Apr. 02, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Oct. 02, 2020	Jul. 03, 2020	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Provision for income taxes
Current federal taxes									$ (1,606)	$ (592)	$ (548)
Current state taxes									530	166	551
Current foreign taxes										18
Deferred federal taxes									(2,656)	(2,939)	(159)
Deferred state taxes									(255)	(1,826)	(29)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 1,370	$ (236)	$ (3,663)	$ (1,458)	$ (1,892)	$ (1,586)	$ (90)	$ (1,605)	$ (3,987)	$ (5,173)	$ (185)

INCOME TAXES - Sources and Tax

INCOME TAXES - Sources and Tax Effects (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Oct. 01, 2021	Jul. 02, 2021	Apr. 02, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Oct. 02, 2020	Jul. 03, 2020	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
INCOME TAXES
U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent)									21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Sources and tax effects of the differences
Computed "expected" federal income tax expense									$ (2,605,000)	$ (4,130,000)	$ 977,000
Permanent differences									18,000	122,000	163,000
Nondeductible Executive Compensation									1,349,000	1,386,000	688,000
Stock options and disqualifying dispositions									(1,276,000)	4,000	(731,000)
Energy efficient building deduction									(558,000)	(738,000)	(1,291,000)
Current and deferred state income tax expense, net of federal benefit									(660,000)	(1,205,000)	466,000
Federal deferred tax adjustments											231,000
Adjustment for uncertain tax positions										(142,000)	(282,000)
Research and development tax credit									(761,000)	(527,000)	(510,000)
Federal Rate Differential on NOL Carryback									(579,000)
Change in Valuation Allowance									1,105,000
Other									(20,000)	57,000	27,000
True up income tax accounts											77,000
Total provision for income taxes	$ 1,370,000	$ (236,000)	$ (3,663,000)	$ (1,458,000)	$ (1,892,000)	$ (1,586,000)	$ (90,000)	$ (1,605,000)	$ (3,987,000)	$ (5,173,000)	$ (185,000)

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Ass

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 27, 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 308,000	$ 199,000
Other accrued liabilities	1,638,000	1,676,000
Federal and state net operating losses	22,645,000	18,854,000
Lease Liability	4,523,000	5,856,000
Stock compensation	3,291,000	3,063,000
Adjustments to fair value of assets		56,000
Credit Carryforwards	1,345,000	496,000
Other	683,000	211,000
Total deferred tax assets	34,433,000	30,411,000
Valuation allowance	(1,191,000)	(86,000)	$ (86,000)	$ (86,000)
Net deferred tax assets	33,242,000	30,325,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred revenue	(1,164,000)	(2,999,000)
Fixed assets	(2,875,000)	(732,000)
Intangible assets	(5,790,000)	(6,796,000)
Lease Right Of Use Asset	(4,202,000)	(5,484,000)
Deferred labor costs	(2,362,000)
Other		(203,000)
Deferred tax liability	(16,393,000)	(16,214,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Total	$ 16,849,000	$ 14,111,000

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Detai

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Oct. 01, 2021	Jul. 02, 2021	Apr. 02, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Oct. 02, 2020	Jul. 03, 2020	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Net income (loss)	$ (890)	$ 840	$ (4,601)	$ (3,766)	$ (3,997)	$ 2,640	$ (4,985)	$ (8,154)	$ (8,417)	$ (14,496)	$ 4,841
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	12,660,000	12,606,000	12,421,000	12,147,000	12,011,000	11,992,000	11,682,000	11,510,000	12,458,000	11,793,000	11,162,000
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards (in shares)											604,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	12,660,000	13,141,000	12,421,000	12,147,000	12,011,000	12,417,000	11,682,000	11,510,000	12,458,000	11,793,000	11,766,000
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Basic	$ (0.07)	$ 0.07	$ (0.37)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.33)	$ 0.22	$ (0.43)	$ (0.71)	$ (0.68)	$ (1.23)	$ 0.43
Diluted	$ (0.07)	$ 0.06	$ (0.37)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.33)	$ 0.21	$ (0.43)	$ (0.71)	$ (0.68)	$ (1.23)	$ 0.41
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per share
Number of awards excluded from calculation of dilutive potential common shares (in shares)											155,300

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI_3

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Oct. 01, 2021	Jul. 02, 2021	Apr. 02, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Oct. 02, 2020	Jul. 03, 2020	Apr. 03, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Dec. 27, 2019
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Contract revenue	$ 92,218	$ 98,297	$ 84,154	$ 79,086	$ 96,897	$ 104,508	$ 83,549	$ 106,026	$ 353,755	$ 390,980	$ 443,099
Income (loss) from operations	1,127	1,443	(7,072)	(4,189)	(5,718)	1,601	(3,841)	(8,269)	(8,691)	(16,227)	9,363
Income tax (benefit) expense	1,370	(236)	(3,663)	(1,458)	(1,892)	(1,586)	(90)	(1,605)	(3,987)	(5,173)	(185)
Net income (loss)	$ (890)	$ 840	$ (4,601)	$ (3,766)	$ (3,997)	$ 2,640	$ (4,985)	$ (8,154)	$ (8,417)	$ (14,496)	$ 4,841
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Basic	$ (0.07)	$ 0.07	$ (0.37)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.33)	$ 0.22	$ (0.43)	$ (0.71)	$ (0.68)	$ (1.23)	$ 0.43
Diluted	$ (0.07)	$ 0.06	$ (0.37)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.33)	$ 0.21	$ (0.43)	$ (0.71)	$ (0.68)	$ (1.23)	$ 0.41
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	12,660	12,606	12,421	12,147	12,011	11,992	11,682	11,510	12,458	11,793	11,162
Diluted	12,660	13,141	12,421	12,147	12,011	12,417	11,682	11,510	12,458	11,793	11,766

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 10, 2022	Mar. 08, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity			$ 4.1
Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum capital expenditure, debt covenant		$ 20
Borrowings outstanding		$ 20
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.00%
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount available for borrowing	$ 50
Repayment of debt	$ 5
Minimum [Member] | Letters of Credit | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.84%
Minimum [Member] | Letters of Credit | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.84%
Minimum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.15%
Minimum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.15%
Minimum [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.10%
Minimum [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.10%
Minimum [Member] | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		1.125%
Minimum [Member] | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		1.125%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.125%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.125%
Maximum [Member] | Letters of Credit | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		1.875%
Maximum [Member] | Letters of Credit | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		1.688%
Maximum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.45%
Maximum [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.40%
Maximum [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.15%
Maximum [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		0.15%
Maximum [Member] | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		2.50%
Maximum [Member] | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		2.25%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		1.50%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event | After the Initial Covenant Relief Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)		1.25%