ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Description and Formation of the Business
Alion Science and Technology Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “Alion”, “we,” “us,” or “our”) provide advanced engineering, information technology and operational solutions to strengthen national security and drive business results. Alion’s engineered solutions support smarter decision-making and enhanced readiness in rapidly-changing environments. Alion was formed in October 2001, to purchase substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of IIT Research Institute in December 2002. Alion Science and Technology Corporation is fully owned by Alion Holding Corporation which is fully owned by Alion Holding, LLC, a limited liability company.
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, on the accrual basis of accounting. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
On August 1, 2019, Alion divested all assets and liabilities of its Naval Systems Business Unit (NSBU). As a result of the divestiture, the Company reported the results of operations of NSBU as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company presented combined consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2019 and presented components of cash flows from discontinued operations in Note 3. Reclassifications related to discontinued operations of certain prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation.
Fiscal, Quarter and Interim Periods
Alion’s fiscal year ends on September 30. The Company operates based on a three-month quarter, four-quarter fiscal year with quarters ending December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30.
Use of Accounting Estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Due to inherent uncertainty in making those assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates, but management does not believe such differences will materially affect the consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Alion recognizes revenue based on a five-step model whereby revenue is recognized as performance obligations within the contract are satisfied. Under the five-step model, we recognize revenue from contracts with customers where Alion and the customer are committed, our rights and those of the customer are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of consideration is reasonably assured. At the inception of the contract, we identify the distinct goods or services promised in the contract as a performance obligation. For most of our agreements, the contract represents the base period or option year within the contract or task order.
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