DLH (DLHC) 10-Q 4 May 22 2022 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Apr. 30, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-18492
Entity Registrant Name	DLH HOLDINGS CORP.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NJ
Entity Tax Identification Number	22-1899798
Entity Address, Address Line One	3565 Piedmont Road,
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Building 3,
Entity Address, Address Line Three	Suite 700
Entity Address, City or Town	Atlanta,
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	30305
City Area Code	770
Local Phone Number	554-3545
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	DLHC
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,796,888
Entity Central Index Key	0000785557
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 108,699	$ 61,506	$ 261,500	$ 119,358
Contract costs	88,831	48,722	221,517	94,727
General and administrative costs	7,733	6,135	14,644	12,285
Depreciation and amortization	1,881	2,029	3,866	4,091
Total operating costs	98,445	56,886	240,027	111,103
Income from operations	10,254	4,620	21,473	8,255
Interest expense, net	554	1,004	1,226	2,084
Income before income taxes	9,700	3,616	20,247	6,171
Income tax expense	2,522	1,049	5,265	1,790
Net income	$ 7,178	$ 2,567	$ 14,982	$ 4,381
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.56	$ 0.20	$ 1.17	$ 0.35
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.19	$ 1.04	$ 0.32
Weighted average common stock outstanding
Basic (in shares)	12,778	12,544	12,763	12,521
Diluted (in shares)	14,442	13,570	14,368	13,568

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Current assets:
Cash	$ 359	$ 24,051
Accounts receivable	62,152	33,447
Other current assets	3,599	4,265
Total current assets	66,110	61,763
Equipment and improvements, net	1,427	1,912
Operating lease right-of-use assets	17,999	19,919
Goodwill	65,643	65,643
Intangible assets, net	44,177	47,469
Other long-term assets	398	464
Total assets	195,754	197,170
Current liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities - current	2,216	2,261
Accrued payroll	12,464	9,125
Deferred revenue	0	22,273
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities	44,317	32,717
Total current liabilities	58,997	66,376
Deferred taxes, net	1,176	1,176
Operating lease liabilities - long-term	17,582	19,374
Debt obligations - long-term, net of deferred financing costs	35,638	44,636
Total long-term liabilities	54,396	65,186
Total liabilities	113,393	131,562
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 40,000 shares; issued and outstanding 12,794 and 12,714 at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively	13	13
Additional paid-in capital	89,664	87,893
Accumulated deficit	(7,316)	(22,298)
Total shareholders’ equity	82,361	65,608
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 195,754	$ 197,170

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	12,794,000	12,714,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	12,794,000	12,714,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Operating activities
Net income	$ 14,982	$ 4,381
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,866	4,091
Amortization of deferred financing costs charged to interest expense	319	413
Stock-based compensation expense	1,309	844
Deferred taxes, net	0	1,512
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(28,705)	(9,134)
Other current assets	666	30
Accrued payroll	3,339	1,401
Deferred revenue	(22,273)	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities	11,600	2,245
Other long-term assets and liabilities	82	336
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(14,815)	6,119
Investing activities
Business acquisition adjustment, net of cash acquired	0	59
Purchase of equipment and improvements	(89)	(53)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(89)	6
Financing activities
Proceeds from debt obligations	13,500	18,950
Repayment of debt obligations	(22,750)	(26,200)
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	(43)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and warrants	462	231
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,788)	(7,062)
Net change in cash	(23,692)	(937)
Cash at beginning of period	24,051	1,357
Cash at end of period	359	420
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	896	1,639
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 3,482	$ 184

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020		12,404,000
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 53,437	$ 12	$ 85,868	$ (32,443)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Expense related to director restricted stock unit (in shares)		78,000
Expense related to director restricted stock units	232		232
Expense related to employee stock-based compensation	612		612
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		63,000
Exercise of stock options	231	$ 1	230
Net income	4,381			4,381
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021		12,545,000
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	58,893	$ 13	86,942	(28,062)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		12,544,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	55,935	$ 13	86,551	(30,629)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Expense related to director restricted stock units	116		116
Expense related to employee stock-based compensation	270		270
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		1,000
Exercise of stock options	5		5
Net income	2,567			2,567
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021		12,545,000
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 58,893	$ 13	86,942	(28,062)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021	12,714,000	12,714,000
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	$ 65,608	$ 13	87,893	(22,298)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Expense related to director restricted stock units	324		324
Expense related to employee stock-based compensation	$ 985		985
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	26,000	26,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 262		262
Exercise of stock warrants (in shares)		54,000
Exercise of stock warrants	200		200
Net income	$ 14,982			14,982
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2022	12,794,000	12,794,000
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2022	$ 82,361	$ 13	89,664	(7,316)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021		12,768,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	74,112	$ 13	88,593	(14,494)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Expense related to director restricted stock units	162		162
Expense related to employee stock-based compensation	647		647
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		26,000
Exercise of stock options	262		262
Net income	$ 7,178			7,178
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2022	12,794,000	12,794,000
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2022	$ 82,361	$ 13	$ 89,664	$ (7,316)

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DLH Holdings Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (together with its subsidiaries, "DLH" or the "Company" and also referred to as "we," "us" and "our"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the period ended March 31, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2022 or any future period. Amounts as of and for the periods ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 are unaudited. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2021.

Business Overview

Business Overview	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Overview	Business Overview The Company is a full-service provider of technology-enabled health and human services, providing solutions to three market focus areas: Defense and Veterans' Health Solutions, Human Solutions and Services, and Public Health and Life Sciences. The Company delivers domain-specific expertise, industry best-practices and innovations to customers across these markets leveraging seven core competencies: secure data analytics, clinical trials and laboratory services, case management, performance evaluation, system modernization, operational logistics and readiness, and strategic digital communications. The Company manages its operations from its principal executive offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and we have a complementary headquarters office in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Company employs over 2,300 skilled employees workin g in more than 30 locations throughout the United States and one location overseas. At present, the Company derives 99% of its revenue from agencies of the Federal government, primarily as a prime contractor but also as a subcontractor to other Federal prime contractors. A major customer is defined as a customer from whom we derive at least 10% of our revenues. Our largest customers are the Department of Veteran Affairs ("VA"), the Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS"), the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS"), and the Department of Defense ("DoD"). Our contracts with the state of Alaska were task orders awarded under our Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") contract vehicle within DHS. The following table summarizes the revenues by customer for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively: Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 (in thousands) Revenue Percent of total revenue Revenue Percent of total revenue Department of Homeland Security $ 131,306 50.2 % $ 339 0.3 % Department of Veterans Affairs 58,926 22.5 % 55,513 46.5 % Department of Health and Human Services 50,710 19.4 % 43,503 36.4 % Department of Defense 16,955 6.5 % 14,502 12.2 % Other customers with less than 10% share of total revenue 3,603 1.4 % 5,501 4.6 % Total Revenue $ 261,500 100.0 % $ 119,358 100.0 %

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020 and January 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” and ASU No. 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope,” respectively (collectively, “Topic 848”). Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The optional expedients and exceptions provided by Topic 848 can be applied for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently assessing the impact of electing this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and does not expect the impact to be material.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, interest rate swaps, stock-based compensation, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, valuation allowances established against accounts receivable and deferred tax assets, and measurement of loss development on workers’ compensation claims. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current and expected future outcomes, third-party evaluations and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. We revise material accounting estimates if changes occur, such as more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained, or there is new information on which an estimate was or can be based. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In particular, a material reduction in the fair value of goodwill could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. We account for the effect of a change in accounting estimate during the period in which the change occurs. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of the Company's cash, accounts receivable, accrued expenses, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The face values of the Company's debt instruments approximated fair value because the underlying interest rates approximate market rates that the Company could obtain for similar instruments at the balance sheet dates. Long-lived Assets Our long-lived assets include equipment and improvements, intangible assets, right-of-use assets, and goodwill. The Company continues to review long-lived assets for possible impairment or loss of value at least annually, or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit's carrying amount is greater than its fair value. Equipment and improvements are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives (3 to 7 years) and the shorter of the initial lease term or estimated useful life for leasehold improvements. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are originally recorded at fair value and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. Right-of-use assets are measured at the present value of future minimum lease payments, including all probable renewals, plus lease payments made to the lessor before or at lease commencement and indirect costs paid, less incentives received. Our right-of-use assets include long-term leases for facilities and equipment and are amortized over their respective lease terms. Goodwill At September 30, 2021, we performed a goodwill impairment evaluation on the year-end carrying value of approximately $65.6 million. We performed a qualitative assessment of factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform the goodwill impairment test. Based on the results of the work performed, the Company has concluded that no impairment loss was warranted at September 30, 2021. For the six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company determined that no change in business conditions occurred which would have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill. Our assessment incorporated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is not expected to have a meaningful impact on our financial results. Notwithstanding this evaluation, factors including non-renewal of a major contract or other substantial changes in business conditions could have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill in future periods and the resulting charge could be material to future periods’ results of operations. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will be realized. This guidance also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is "more-likely-than-not" that the position will be sustained upon examination. We had no uncertain tax positions at either March 31, 2022 or September 30, 2021. We report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, we recognized no interest and no penalties related to income taxes. Stock-based Equity Compensation The Company uses the fair value-based method for stock-based equity compensation. Options issued are designated as either an incentive stock option or a non-statutory stock option. No option may be granted with a term of more than 10 years from the date of grant. Option awards may depend on achievement of certain performance measures determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board. Shares issued upon option exercise are newly issued common shares. All awards to employees and non-employees are recorded at fair value on the date of the grant and expensed over the period of vesting. The Company uses Monte Carlo binomial option pricing models, as appropriate to estimate the fair value of each stock option at the date of grant. Any consideration paid by the option holders to purchase shares is credited to common stock. Cash We maintain cash balances of $0.4 million and $24.1 million at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively, at financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. Deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the $250,000 limit. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding and restricted stock grants that vested or are likely to vest during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding, adjusted to reflect potentially dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. Preferred Stock Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the Company had not issued any preferred stock. Interest Rate Swap The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk associated with its variable-rate debt. The Company's objective in using these interest rate derivatives is to manage its exposure to interest rate movements and reduce volatility of interest expense. The gains and losses due to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements completely offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt. Offsetting changes in fair value of both the interest rate swaps and the hedged portion of the underlying debt both are recognized in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not hold or issue any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Risks & Uncertainties Management continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, primarily through the introduction of additional regulations and restrictions. While it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company's financial position and the results of its operations, we expect that impact to be largely mitigated by the nature of our work and our ability to modify performance to accommodate those restrictions.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue over time when there is a continuous transfer of control to our customer. For our U.S. government contracts, this continuous transfer of control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contract that allow the U.S. government to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay us for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. When control is transferred over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For services contracts, we satisfy our performance obligations as services are rendered. We use cost-based input and time-based output methods to measure progress. Contract costs include labor, material, and allocable indirect expenses. For time-and-material contracts, we bill the customer per labor hour and per material, and revenue is recognized in the amount invoiced since the amount corresponds directly to the value of our performance to date. We consider control to transfer when we have a present right to payment. Essentially, all of our contracts satisfy their performance obligations over time. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. Contract modifications impact performance obligations when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and our measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue and profit cumulatively. Furthermore, a significant change in one or more estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts. We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on contracts in the period identified. For time-and-materials contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of billable rates times hours delivered plus materials and other reimbursable costs incurred. Revenue for cost-reimbursable contracts is recorded as reimbursable costs are incurred, including an estimated share of the applicable contractual fees earned. For firm-fixed-price contracts, the consideration received for our performance is set at a predetermined price. Revenue for our firm-fixed-price contracts is recognized over time using a straight-line measure of progress or using the percentage-of-completion method whereby progress toward completion is based on a comparison of actual costs incurred to total estimated costs to be incurred over the contract term. Contract costs are expensed as incurred. Estimated losses are recognized when identified. Contract assets - Amounts are invoiced as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms. In part, revenue recognition occurs before we have the right to bill, resulting in contract assets. These contract assets are reported within receivables on our consolidated balance sheets and are invoiced in accordance with payment terms defined in each contract. Period end balances will vary from period to period due to agreed-upon contractual terms. Contract liabilities - Amounts are a result of billings in excess of costs incurred. The following table summarizes the contract balances recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Contract assets $ 19,321 $ 7,307 Contract liabilities (a) $ 200 $ 22,473 Ref (a): Contract liabilities are primarily due to contract start up funding provided under a contract awarded at the end of fiscal year 2021, which were performed by March 31, 2022. Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers We disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by customer, contract type, as well as whether the Company acts as prime contractor or subcontractor. We believe these categories best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The following tables present our revenue disaggregated by these categories: Revenue by customer (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Department of Homeland Security $ 39,978 $ 167 $ 131,306 $ 339 Department of Veterans Affairs 30,733 27,871 58,926 55,513 Department of Health and Human Services 27,584 23,341 50,710 43,503 Department of Defense 8,460 7,522 16,955 14,502 Other 1,944 2,605 3,603 5,501 Total Revenue $ 108,699 $ 61,506 $ 261,500 $ 119,358 Revenue by contract type (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Time and Materials $ 85,860 $ 46,508 $ 218,400 $ 90,702 Cost Reimbursable 12,275 12,005 22,385 23,726 Firm Fixed Price 10,564 2,993 20,715 4,930 Total Revenue $ 108,699 $ 61,506 $ 261,500 $ 119,358 Revenue by whether the Company acts as a prime contractor or a subcontractor (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Prime Contractor $ 100,012 $ 53,888 $ 246,119 $ 105,652 Subcontractor 8,687 7,618 15,381 13,706 Total Revenue $ 108,699 $ 61,506 $ 261,500 $ 119,358

Leases

Leases	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases We have leases for facilities and office equipment. Our lease liabilities are recognized as the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Our right-of-use assets are recognized as the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term plus lease payments made to the lessor before or at lease commencement less unamortized lease incentives and the balance remaining in deferred rent liability under ASC 840. Our lease payments consist of fixed and in-substance fixed amounts attributable to the use of the underlying asset over the lease term. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index rate or are not in-substance fixed payments are excluded in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and are expensed in the period incurred. The incremental borrowing rate on our credit facility was used in determining the present value of future minimum lease payments. Some of our lease agreements include options to extend the lease term or terminate the lease. These options are accounted for in our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities when it is reasonably certain that the Company will extend the lease term or terminate the lease. The Company does not have any finance leases. As of March 31, 2022, operating leases for facilities and equipment have remaining lease terms of 0.7 to 9.0 years. The following table summarizes lease balances in our consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 (in thousands): March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 17,999 $ 19,919 Operating lease liabilities, current $ 2,216 $ 2,261 Operating lease liabilities - long-term 17,582 19,374 Total operating lease liabilities $ 19,798 $ 21,635 The Company subleases a portion of one of its leased facilities. The sublease is classified as an operating lease with respect to the underlying asset. The sublease term is 5 years and includes two additional 1-year term extension options. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, total lease costs for our operating leases are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Operating $ 863 $ 890 $ 1,815 $ 1,860 Short-term 25 42 52 71 Variable 27 25 45 30 Sublease income (50) (92) (119) (187) Total lease costs $ 865 $ 865 $ 1,793 $ 1,774 The Company's future minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2022 are as follows: For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, (in thousands) 2022 (remaining) $ 1,682 2023 3,299 2024 3,156 2025 2,995 2026 3,092 Thereafter 11,000 Total future lease payments 25,224 Less: imputed interest (5,426) Present value of future minimum lease payments 19,798 Less: current portion of operating lease liabilities (2,216) Long-term operating lease liabilities $ 17,582 At March 31, 2022, the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate are 7.9 years and 6%, respectively. The calculation of the weighted-average discount rate was determined based on borrowing terms from our senior credit facility. Other information related to our leases is as follows: Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 1,729 $ 1,667

Supporting Financial Informatio

Supporting Financial Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supporting Financial Information	Supporting Financial Information Accounts receivable (in thousands) March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Billed receivables $ 42,831 $ 26,140 Contract assets 19,321 7,307 Total accounts receivable $ 62,152 $ 33,447 Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing, unsecured and carried at net realizable value. We evaluate our receivables on a quarterly basis and determine whether an allowance is appropriate based on specific collection issues. No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at either March 31, 2022 or September 30, 2021. Other current assets (in thousands) March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Prepaid insurance and benefits $ 180 $ 655 Other receivables 1,147 995 Other prepaid expenses 2,272 2,615 Other current assets $ 3,599 $ 4,265 Equipment and improvements, net (in thousands) March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Furniture and equipment $ 958 $ 958 Computer equipment 1,329 1,262 Computer software 4,375 4,353 Leasehold improvements 1,595 1,595 Total equipment and improvements 8,257 8,168 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (a) (6,830) (6,256) Equipment and improvements, net $ 1,427 $ 1,912 Ref (a): Depreciation expense was $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $0.6 million and $0.8 million, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Intangible assets (in thousands) March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Intangible assets (a) Customer contracts and related customer relationships $ 62,281 $ 62,281 Covenants not to compete 522 522 Trade name 3,051 3,051 Total intangible assets 65,854 65,854 Less accumulated amortization Customer contracts and related customer relationships (20,492) (17,378) Covenants not to compete (290) (264) Trade name (895) (743) Total accumulated amortization (21,677) (18,385) Intangible assets, net $ 44,177 $ 47,469 Ref (a): Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are subject to amortization. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. The total amount of amortization expense was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 and $3.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Estimated amortization expense for the following fiscal years ending September 30: (in thousands) 2022 (remaining) $ 3,293 2023 6,585 2024 6,585 2025 6,585 2026 5,851 Thereafter 15,278 Total amortization expense $ 44,177 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities (in thousands) March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Accounts payable $ 27,300 $ 16,684 Accrued benefits 4,257 2,916 Accrued bonus and incentive compensation 1,800 2,381 Accrued workers' compensation insurance 5,100 7,014 Other accrued expenses 5,860 3,722 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities $ 44,317 $ 32,717 Debt obligations (in thousands) March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Bank term loan $ 37,500 $ 46,750 Less: unamortized deferred financing costs (1,862) (2,114) Long-term portion of bank debt obligations, net of deferred financing costs (a) $ 35,638 $ 44,636 Ref (a): As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, we had no outstanding balance on our revolving line of credit and have satisfied mandatory principal payments covering the following twelve months. Interest income (expense) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, (in thousands) Ref 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest expense (a) $ (386) $ (801) $ (907) $ (1,671) Amortization of deferred financing costs (b) (168) (203) (319) (413) Interest expense, net $ (554) $ (1,004) $ (1,226) $ (2,084) Ref (a): Interest expense on borrowing Ref (b): Amortization of expenses related to term loan and revolving line of credit

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facilities	Credit Facilities A summary of our loan facility as of March 31, 2022, is as follows: ($ in thousands) As of March 31, 2022 Lender Arrangement Loan Balance Interest Maturity Date First National Bank of Pennsylvania ("FNB") Secured term loan (a) $ 37,500 LIBOR* + 2.5% 09/30/2025 First National Bank of Pennsylvania ("FNB") Secured revolving line of credit (b) $ — LIBOR* + 2.5% 09/30/2025 *LIBOR rate as of March 31, 2022 was 0.46%. As of March 31, 2022, our LIBOR rate is subject to a minimum floor of 0.5%. (a) Represents the principal amounts payable on our term loan, which is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company. The principal of the term loan is payable in quarterly installments with the remaining balance due on September 30, 2025. The Credit Agreement requires compliance with a number of financial covenants and contains restrictions on our ability to engage in certain transactions. Among other matters, we must comply with limitations on the following: granting liens; incurring other indebtedness; maintenance of assets; investments in other entities and extensions of credit; mergers and consolidations; and changes in nature of business. The loan agreement also requires us to comply with certain quarterly financial covenants including: (i) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00, and (ii) a Funded Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA ratio not exceeding the ratio of 3.75:1.0 to 2.75:1.0 through maturity. Adjusted EBITDA ratio is calculated by dividing the Company's total interest-bearing debt by net income adjusted to exclude (i) interest and other expenses, (ii) provision for or benefit from income taxes, if any, (iii) depreciation and amortization, and (iv) non-recurring charges, losses or expenses to include transaction and non-cash equity expense. The term loan has an interest rate spread range from 2.5% to 4.5% depending on the funded indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA ratio. We are in compliance with all loan covenants and restrictions. We are required to pay quarterly amortization payments, which commenced in December 2020. The annual amortization amounts are $7.0 million each for fiscal years 2021 and 2022, $8.75 million each for fiscal years 2023 through 2025, with the remaining unpaid loan balance due at maturity in September 2025. The quarterly payments are equal installments. The Company made voluntary prepayments of term debt of approximately $5.4 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 bringing the total amount paid on the secured term loan to $32.5 million. We have satisfied mandatory principal amortization until December 31, 2024. In addition to quarterly payments of the outstanding indebtedness, the loan agreement also requires annual payments of a percentage of excess cash flow, as defined in the loan agreement. The loan agreement states that an excess cash flow recapture payment must be made equal to (a) 75% of the excess cash flow for the immediately preceding fiscal year in which indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA ratio is greater than or equal to 2.50:1.0; (b) 50% of the excess cash flow for the immediately preceding fiscal year in which the funded indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA Ratio is less than 2.50:1.0 but greater than or equal to 1.5:1.0; or (c) 0% of the excess cash flow for the immediately preceding fiscal year in which the funded indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA Ratio is less than 1.5:1.0. In addition, the Company must make additional mandatory prepayment of amounts outstanding based on proceeds received from asset sales and sales of certain equity securities or other indebtedness. For additional information regarding the schedule of future payment obligations, please refer to Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies . On September 30, 2019, we executed a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with First National Bank ("FNB") as counter party. The notional amount in the floating-to-fixed interest rate swap as of March 31, 2022 is $22.8 million and matures in 2024. The remaining outstanding balance of our term loan is subject to interest rate fluctuations. On the notional amount, the Company pays a base fixed rate of 1.61%, plus applicable credit spread. As a result, for the six months ended March 31, 2022, interest expense has been increased by approximately $0.2 million. (b) The secured revolving line of credit has a ceiling of up to $25.0 million; as of March 31, 2022 we had unused borrowing capacity of $23.0 million, which is net of outstanding letters of credit. Borrowing on the line of credit is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Company accessed funds from the revolving credit facility during the quarter, but had no outstanding balance at March 31, 2022. The Company's total borrowing availability, based on eligible accounts receivables at March 31, 2022, was $25.0 million. As part of the revolving credit facility, the lenders agreed to a sublimit of $5 million for letters of credit for the account of the Company, subject to applicable procedures.

Stock-based Compensation and Eq

Stock-based Compensation and Equity Grants	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation and Equity Grants	Stock-Based Compensation and Equity Grants Stock-based compensation expense Options issued under equity incentive plans were designated as either incentive stock or non-statutory stock options. No option is granted with a term of more than 10 years from the date of grant. Exercisability of option awards may depend on achievement of certain performance measures determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board. Shares issued upon option exercise are newly issued shares. As of March 31, 2022, there were 1.4 million options available for grant. Stock-based compensation expense, shown in the table below, is recorded in general and administrative expenses included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Ref March 31, March 31, (in thousands) 2022 2021 2022 2021 DLH employees (a) $ 647 $ 270 $ 985 $ 612 Non-employee directors (b) 162 116 324 232 Total stock option expense $ 809 $ 386 $ 1,309 $ 844 Ref (a): Included in this amount are equity grants of restricted stock units to Named Executive Officers ("NEO"), which were issued in accordance with the DLH long-term incentive compensation policy in this fiscal year, and stock option grants to NEO and non-NEO company employees. The restricted stock units totaled 161,485 restricted stock units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022. Ref (b): Equity grants of restricted stock units were made in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors and a total of 53,510 restricted stock units were issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) March 31, Ref 2022 Unrecognized expense for DLH employees (a) $ 5,982 Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors 324 Total unrecognized expense $ 6,306 Ref (a): The remaining compensation expense is recognized as the requisite service is rendered. The compensation expense for that portion of awards has been based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated for recognition purposes under applicable guidance. For options that vest based on the Company's common stock achieving and maintaining defined market prices, the Company values the awards with a Monte Carlo binomial model that utilizes various probability factors and other criterion in establishing fair value of the grant. The related compensation expense is recognized over the derived service period determined in the valuation. On a weighted average basis, this expense is expected to be recognized within the next 4.39 years. Stock option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2022 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their in the money options on those dates. This amount will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock. (in years) Weighted Weighted Average (in thousands) (in thousands) Average Remaining Aggregate Number of Exercise Contractual Intrinsic Shares Price Term Value Options outstanding, September 30, 2021 2,374 $ 5.60 5.6 $ 15,899 Exercised (26) $ 10.08 — — Granted 250 $ 16.01 — $ — Options outstanding, March 31, 2022 2,598 $ 6.56 5.5 $ 32,159 Stock options shares outstanding, vested and unvested for the periods ended (in thousands): Number of Shares March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Vested and exercisable (a) 2,348 1,662 Unvested (b) 250 712 Options outstanding 2,598 2,374 Ref (a): Weighted average exercise price of vested and exercisable shares was $5.55 and $3.91 at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value was approximately $31.4 million and $13.9 million at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Weighted average contractual term remaining was 5.1 years and 4.0 years at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Ref (b): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and restricted stock grants that vested or are likely to vest during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding, adjusted to reflect potentially dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. (In thousands) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Numerator: Net income $ 7,178 $ 2,567 $ 14,982 $ 4,381 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 12,778 12,544 12,763 12,521 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock 1,664 1,026 1,605 1,047 Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 14,442 13,570 14,368 13,568 Net income per share - basic $ 0.56 $ 0.20 $ 1.17 $ 0.35 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.50 $ 0.19 $ 1.04 $ 0.32

Commitment and Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Contractual obligations as of March 31, 2022 (in thousands): Payments Due Per Fiscal Year (Remaining) Total 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 37,500 $ — $ — $ — $ 37,500 $ — $ — Facility operating leases 25,047 1,640 3,216 3,104 2,995 3,092 11,000 Equipment operating leases 177 42 83 52 — — — Total contractual obligations $ 62,724 $ 1,682 $ 3,299 $ 3,156 $ 40,495 $ 3,092 $ 11,000 Worker's Compensation We accrue worker's compensation expense based on claims submitted, applying actuarial loss development factors to estimate the costs incurred but not yet recorded. Our accrued liability for claims development as of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was $5.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Legal Proceedings As a commercial enterprise and employer, the Company is subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. These matters can include professional liability, workers’ compensation, tax, payroll and employee-related matters, other commercial disputes arising in the course of its business, and inquiries and investigations by governmental agencies regarding our employment practices or other matters. The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation that it believes is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party TransactionsThe Company has determined that as of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 there were no significant related party transactions that have occurred which require disclosure through the date that these consolidated financial statements were issued.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020 and January 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” and ASU No. 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope,” respectively (collectively, “Topic 848”). Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The optional expedients and exceptions provided by Topic 848 can be applied for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently assessing the impact of electing this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and does not expect the impact to be material.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of the Company's cash, accounts receivable, accrued expenses, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The face values of the Company's debt instruments approximated fair value because the underlying interest rates approximate market rates that the Company could obtain for similar instruments at the balance sheet dates.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-lived Assets Our long-lived assets include equipment and improvements, intangible assets, right-of-use assets, and goodwill. The Company continues to review long-lived assets for possible impairment or loss of value at least annually, or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit's carrying amount is greater than its fair value. Equipment and improvements are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives (3 to 7 years) and the shorter of the initial lease term or estimated useful life for leasehold improvements. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
Leases	Right-of-use assets are measured at the present value of future minimum lease payments, including all probable renewals, plus lease payments made to the lessor before or at lease commencement and indirect costs paid, less incentives received. Our right-of-use assets include long-term leases for facilities and equipment and are amortized over their respective lease terms. We have leases for facilities and office equipment. Our lease liabilities are recognized as the present value of the future minimum lease payments
Goodwill	GoodwillAt September 30, 2021, we performed a goodwill impairment evaluation on the year-end carrying value of approximately $65.6 million. We performed a qualitative assessment of factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform the goodwill impairment test. Based on the results of the work performed, the Company has concluded that no impairment loss was warranted at September 30, 2021. For the six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company determined that no change in business conditions occurred which would have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill. Our assessment incorporated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is not expected to have a meaningful impact on our financial results. Notwithstanding this evaluation, factors including non-renewal of a major contract or other substantial changes in business conditions could have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill in future periods and the resulting charge could be material to future periods’ results of operations.
Income Taxes	Income TaxesThe Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will be realized. This guidance also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is "more-likely-than-not" that the position will be sustained upon examination.
Stock-based Equity Compensation	Stock-based Equity Compensation The Company uses the fair value-based method for stock-based equity compensation. Options issued are designated as either an incentive stock option or a non-statutory stock option. No option may be granted with a term of more than 10 years from the date of grant. Option awards may depend on achievement of certain performance measures determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board. Shares issued upon option exercise are newly issued common shares. All awards to employees and non-employees are recorded at fair value on the date of the grant and expensed over the period of vesting. The Company uses Monte Carlo binomial option pricing models, as appropriate to estimate the fair value of each stock option at the date of grant. Any consideration paid by the option holders to purchase shares is credited to common stock.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash We maintain cash balances of $0.4 million and $24.1 million at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively, at financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. Deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the $250,000 limit.
Earnings per Share	Earnings Per ShareBasic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding and restricted stock grants that vested or are likely to vest during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding, adjusted to reflect potentially dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method.
Treasury Stock and Preferred Stock	Preferred StockOur certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
Interest Rate Swap	Interest Rate Swap The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk associated with its variable-rate debt. The Company's objective in using these interest rate derivatives is to manage its exposure to interest rate movements and reduce volatility of interest expense. The gains and losses due to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements completely offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt. Offsetting changes in fair value of both the interest rate swaps and the hedged portion of the underlying debt both are recognized in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not hold or issue any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue over time when there is a continuous transfer of control to our customer. For our U.S. government contracts, this continuous transfer of control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contract that allow the U.S. government to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay us for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. When control is transferred over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For services contracts, we satisfy our performance obligations as services are rendered. We use cost-based input and time-based output methods to measure progress. Contract costs include labor, material, and allocable indirect expenses. For time-and-material contracts, we bill the customer per labor hour and per material, and revenue is recognized in the amount invoiced since the amount corresponds directly to the value of our performance to date. We consider control to transfer when we have a present right to payment. Essentially, all of our contracts satisfy their performance obligations over time. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. Contract modifications impact performance obligations when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and our measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue and profit cumulatively. Furthermore, a significant change in one or more estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts. We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on contracts in the period identified. For time-and-materials contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of billable rates times hours delivered plus materials and other reimbursable costs incurred. Revenue for cost-reimbursable contracts is recorded as reimbursable costs are incurred, including an estimated share of the applicable contractual fees earned. For firm-fixed-price contracts, the consideration received for our performance is set at a predetermined price. Revenue for our firm-fixed-price contracts is recognized over time using a straight-line measure of progress or using the percentage-of-completion method whereby progress toward completion is based on a comparison of actual costs incurred to total estimated costs to be incurred over the contract term. Contract costs are expensed as incurred. Estimated losses are recognized when identified. Contract assets - Amounts are invoiced as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms. In part, revenue recognition occurs before we have the right to bill, resulting in contract assets. These contract assets are reported within receivables on our consolidated balance sheets and are invoiced in accordance with payment terms defined in each contract. Period end balances will vary from period to period due to agreed-upon contractual terms. Contract liabilities - Amounts are a result of billings in excess of costs incurred. Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers

Business Overview (Tables)

Business Overview (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedules of Revenues by Customer	The following table summarizes the revenues by customer for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively: Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 (in thousands) Revenue Percent of total revenue Revenue Percent of total revenue Department of Homeland Security $ 131,306 50.2 % $ 339 0.3 % Department of Veterans Affairs 58,926 22.5 % 55,513 46.5 % Department of Health and Human Services 50,710 19.4 % 43,503 36.4 % Department of Defense 16,955 6.5 % 14,502 12.2 % Other customers with less than 10% share of total revenue 3,603 1.4 % 5,501 4.6 % Total Revenue $ 261,500 100.0 % $ 119,358 100.0 %

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Contract Balances Recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table summarizes the contract balances recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Contract assets $ 19,321 $ 7,307 Contract liabilities (a) $ 200 $ 22,473
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue From Contracts with Customers	The following tables present our revenue disaggregated by these categories: Revenue by customer (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Department of Homeland Security $ 39,978 $ 167 $ 131,306 $ 339 Department of Veterans Affairs 30,733 27,871 58,926 55,513 Department of Health and Human Services 27,584 23,341 50,710 43,503 Department of Defense 8,460 7,522 16,955 14,502 Other 1,944 2,605 3,603 5,501 Total Revenue $ 108,699 $ 61,506 $ 261,500 $ 119,358 Revenue by contract type (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Time and Materials $ 85,860 $ 46,508 $ 218,400 $ 90,702 Cost Reimbursable 12,275 12,005 22,385 23,726 Firm Fixed Price 10,564 2,993 20,715 4,930 Total Revenue $ 108,699 $ 61,506 $ 261,500 $ 119,358 Revenue by whether the Company acts as a prime contractor or a subcontractor (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Prime Contractor $ 100,012 $ 53,888 $ 246,119 $ 105,652 Subcontractor 8,687 7,618 15,381 13,706 Total Revenue $ 108,699 $ 61,506 $ 261,500 $ 119,358

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Summarized Lease Balances in Consolidated Balance Sheet	The following table summarizes lease balances in our consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 (in thousands): March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 17,999 $ 19,919 Operating lease liabilities, current $ 2,216 $ 2,261 Operating lease liabilities - long-term 17,582 19,374 Total operating lease liabilities $ 19,798 $ 21,635
Schedule of Lease Costs and Other Information Related to Leases	For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, total lease costs for our operating leases are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Operating $ 863 $ 890 $ 1,815 $ 1,860 Short-term 25 42 52 71 Variable 27 25 45 30 Sublease income (50) (92) (119) (187) Total lease costs $ 865 $ 865 $ 1,793 $ 1,774 Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 1,729 $ 1,667
Schedule of Company's Future Lease Payments	The Company's future minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2022 are as follows: For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, (in thousands) 2022 (remaining) $ 1,682 2023 3,299 2024 3,156 2025 2,995 2026 3,092 Thereafter 11,000 Total future lease payments 25,224 Less: imputed interest (5,426) Present value of future minimum lease payments 19,798 Less: current portion of operating lease liabilities (2,216) Long-term operating lease liabilities $ 17,582

Supporting Financial Informat_2

Supporting Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable (in thousands) March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Billed receivables $ 42,831 $ 26,140 Contract assets 19,321 7,307 Total accounts receivable $ 62,152 $ 33,447 Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing, unsecured and carried at net realizable value. We evaluate our receivables on a quarterly basis and determine whether an allowance is appropriate based on specific collection issues. No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at either March 31, 2022 or September 30, 2021.
Schedule of Other Current Assets	Other current assets (in thousands) March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Prepaid insurance and benefits $ 180 $ 655 Other receivables 1,147 995 Other prepaid expenses 2,272 2,615 Other current assets $ 3,599 $ 4,265
Schedule of Equipment and Improvements, Net	Equipment and improvements, net (in thousands) March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Furniture and equipment $ 958 $ 958 Computer equipment 1,329 1,262 Computer software 4,375 4,353 Leasehold improvements 1,595 1,595 Total equipment and improvements 8,257 8,168 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (a) (6,830) (6,256) Equipment and improvements, net $ 1,427 $ 1,912 Ref (a): Depreciation expense was $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $0.6 million and $0.8 million, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets (in thousands) March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Intangible assets (a) Customer contracts and related customer relationships $ 62,281 $ 62,281 Covenants not to compete 522 522 Trade name 3,051 3,051 Total intangible assets 65,854 65,854 Less accumulated amortization Customer contracts and related customer relationships (20,492) (17,378) Covenants not to compete (290) (264) Trade name (895) (743) Total accumulated amortization (21,677) (18,385) Intangible assets, net $ 44,177 $ 47,469 Ref (a): Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are subject to amortization. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. The total amount of amortization expense was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 and $3.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Schedule of Estimated Amortization of Intangible Assets	Estimated amortization expense for the following fiscal years ending September 30: (in thousands) 2022 (remaining) $ 3,293 2023 6,585 2024 6,585 2025 6,585 2026 5,851 Thereafter 15,278 Total amortization expense $ 44,177
Schedule of Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities (in thousands) March 31, September 30, 2022 2021 Accounts payable $ 27,300 $ 16,684 Accrued benefits 4,257 2,916 Accrued bonus and incentive compensation 1,800 2,381 Accrued workers' compensation insurance 5,100 7,014 Other accrued expenses 5,860 3,722 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities $ 44,317 $ 32,717
Schedule of Debt Obligations	Debt obligations (in thousands) March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Bank term loan $ 37,500 $ 46,750 Less: unamortized deferred financing costs (1,862) (2,114) Long-term portion of bank debt obligations, net of deferred financing costs (a) $ 35,638 $ 44,636 Ref (a): As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, we had no outstanding balance on our revolving line of credit and have satisfied mandatory principal payments covering the following twelve months.
Schedule of Interest Expense	Interest income (expense) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, (in thousands) Ref 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest expense (a) $ (386) $ (801) $ (907) $ (1,671) Amortization of deferred financing costs (b) (168) (203) (319) (413) Interest expense, net $ (554) $ (1,004) $ (1,226) $ (2,084) Ref (a): Interest expense on borrowing Ref (b): Amortization of expenses related to term loan and revolving line of credit

Credit Facilities (Tables)

Credit Facilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Loan Facility	A summary of our loan facility as of March 31, 2022, is as follows: ($ in thousands) As of March 31, 2022 Lender Arrangement Loan Balance Interest Maturity Date First National Bank of Pennsylvania ("FNB") Secured term loan (a) $ 37,500 LIBOR* + 2.5% 09/30/2025 First National Bank of Pennsylvania ("FNB") Secured revolving line of credit (b) $ — LIBOR* + 2.5% 09/30/2025

Stock-based Compensation and _2

Stock-based Compensation and Equity Grants (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense	Stock-based compensation expense, shown in the table below, is recorded in general and administrative expenses included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Ref March 31, March 31, (in thousands) 2022 2021 2022 2021 DLH employees (a) $ 647 $ 270 $ 985 $ 612 Non-employee directors (b) 162 116 324 232 Total stock option expense $ 809 $ 386 $ 1,309 $ 844 Ref (a): Included in this amount are equity grants of restricted stock units to Named Executive Officers ("NEO"), which were issued in accordance with the DLH long-term incentive compensation policy in this fiscal year, and stock option grants to NEO and non-NEO company employees. The restricted stock units totaled 161,485 restricted stock units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022. Ref (b): Equity grants of restricted stock units were made in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors and a total of 53,510 restricted stock units were issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) March 31, Ref 2022 Unrecognized expense for DLH employees (a) $ 5,982 Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors 324 Total unrecognized expense $ 6,306 Ref (a): The remaining compensation expense is recognized as the requisite service is rendered. The compensation expense for that portion of awards has been based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated for recognition purposes under applicable guidance. For options that vest based on the Company's common stock achieving and maintaining defined market prices, the Company values the awards with a Monte Carlo binomial model that utilizes various probability factors and other criterion in establishing fair value of the grant. The related compensation expense is recognized over the derived service period determined in the valuation. On a weighted average basis, this expense is expected to be recognized within the next 4.39 years.
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their in the money options on those dates. This amount will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock. (in years) Weighted Weighted Average (in thousands) (in thousands) Average Remaining Aggregate Number of Exercise Contractual Intrinsic Shares Price Term Value Options outstanding, September 30, 2021 2,374 $ 5.60 5.6 $ 15,899 Exercised (26) $ 10.08 — — Granted 250 $ 16.01 — $ — Options outstanding, March 31, 2022 2,598 $ 6.56 5.5 $ 32,159
Schedule of Option Shares Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest	Stock options shares outstanding, vested and unvested for the periods ended (in thousands): Number of Shares March 31, September 30, Ref 2022 2021 Vested and exercisable (a) 2,348 1,662 Unvested (b) 250 712 Options outstanding 2,598 2,374 Ref (a): Weighted average exercise price of vested and exercisable shares was $5.55 and $3.91 at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value was approximately $31.4 million and $13.9 million at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Weighted average contractual term remaining was 5.1 years and 4.0 years at March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Ref (b): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Diluted Earnings per Share	(In thousands) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Numerator: Net income $ 7,178 $ 2,567 $ 14,982 $ 4,381 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 12,778 12,544 12,763 12,521 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock 1,664 1,026 1,605 1,047 Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 14,442 13,570 14,368 13,568 Net income per share - basic $ 0.56 $ 0.20 $ 1.17 $ 0.35 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.50 $ 0.19 $ 1.04 $ 0.32

Commitment and Contingencies (T

Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Contractual Obligations	Contractual obligations as of March 31, 2022 (in thousands): Payments Due Per Fiscal Year (Remaining) Total 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Debt obligations $ 37,500 $ — $ — $ — $ 37,500 $ — $ — Facility operating leases 25,047 1,640 3,216 3,104 2,995 3,092 11,000 Equipment operating leases 177 42 83 52 — — — Total contractual obligations $ 62,724 $ 1,682 $ 3,299 $ 3,156 $ 40,495 $ 3,092 $ 11,000

Business Overview - Narrative (

Business Overview - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022employeebusiness_areamarketlocation	Mar. 31, 2021
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of market focus areas | business_area	3
Number of market leveraging core competencies | market	7
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of total revenue	100.00%	100.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration | Federal Government
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of total revenue	99.00%
U.S.
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees | employee	2,300
Number of locations in which entity operates	30
Overseas
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of locations in which entity operates	1

Business Overview - Revenues by

Business Overview - Revenues by Customer (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 108,699	$ 61,506	$ 261,500	$ 119,358
Department of Homeland Security
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	39,978	167
Department of Veterans Affairs
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	30,733	27,871
Department of Health and Human Services
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	27,584	23,341
Department of Defense
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	8,460	7,522
Other customers with less than 10% share of total revenue
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,944	$ 2,605
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 261,500	$ 119,358
Percent of total revenue			100.00%	100.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration | Department of Homeland Security
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 131,306	$ 339
Percent of total revenue			50.20%	0.30%
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration | Department of Veterans Affairs
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 58,926	$ 55,513
Percent of total revenue			22.50%	46.50%
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration | Department of Health and Human Services
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 50,710	$ 43,503
Percent of total revenue			19.40%	36.40%
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration | Department of Defense
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 16,955	$ 14,502
Percent of total revenue			6.50%	12.20%
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration | Other customers with less than 10% share of total revenue
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 3,603	$ 5,501
Percent of total revenue			1.40%	4.60%

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful live of intangible assets			10 years
Goodwill	$ 65,643,000		$ 65,643,000		$ 65,643,000
Goodwill impairment					0
Uncertain tax positions	0		0		0
Income tax interest expense	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Income tax penalties expense	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Cash balances	359,000		359,000		$ 24,051,000
Cash, FDIC insured amount	$ 250,000		$ 250,000
Preferred shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000		5,000,000
Preferred stock issued (in shares)	0		0		0
Employee Stock Option
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of awards authorized for issuance (in shares)	0		0
Expiration term of share-based compensation plan			10 years
Minimum
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful of long-lived assets			3 years
Maximum
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful of long-lived assets			7 years

Revenue Recognition - Contract

Revenue Recognition - Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 19,321	$ 7,307
Contract liabilities	$ 200	$ 22,473

Revenue Recognition - Disaggreg

Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 108,699	$ 61,506	$ 261,500	$ 119,358
Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue			261,500	119,358
Prime Contractor
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	100,012	53,888	246,119	105,652
Subcontractor
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	8,687	7,618	15,381	13,706
Time and Materials
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	85,860	46,508	218,400	90,702
Cost Reimbursable
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	12,275	12,005	22,385	23,726
Firm Fixed Price
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	10,564	2,993	20,715	4,930
Department of Homeland Security
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	39,978	167
Department of Homeland Security | Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue			131,306	339
Department of Veterans Affairs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	30,733	27,871
Department of Veterans Affairs | Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue			58,926	55,513
Department of Health and Human Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	27,584	23,341
Department of Health and Human Services | Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue			50,710	43,503
Department of Defense
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	8,460	7,522
Department of Defense | Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue			16,955	14,502
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 1,944	$ 2,605
Other | Revenue from Contract with Customer | Customer concentration
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue			$ 3,603	$ 5,501

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022subleasesublease_option
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of facilities subleased | sublease	1
Sublease term	5 years
Sublease number of additional extension options | sublease_option	2
Sublease extension option period	1 year
Weighted-average remaining lease term	7 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-average discount rate	6.00%
Facilities and Equipment | Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	8 months 12 days
Facilities and Equipment | Maximum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	9 years

Leases - Summary of Lease Balan

Leases - Summary of Lease Balances in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 17,999	$ 19,919
Operating lease liabilities - current	2,216	2,261
Operating lease liabilities - long-term	17,582	19,374
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 19,798	$ 21,635

Leases - Lease Costs (Details)

Leases - Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Operating	$ 863	$ 890	$ 1,815	$ 1,860
Short-term	25	42	52	71
Variable	27	25	45	30
Sublease income	(50)	(92)	(119)	(187)
Total lease costs	$ 865	$ 865	$ 1,793	$ 1,774

Leases - Company's Future Minim

Leases - Company's Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
2022 (remaining)	$ 1,682
2023	3,299
2024	3,156
2025	2,995
2026	3,092
Thereafter	11,000
Total future lease payments	25,224
Less: imputed interest	(5,426)
Total operating lease liabilities	19,798	$ 21,635
Less: current portion of operating lease liabilities	(2,216)	(2,261)
Long-term operating lease liabilities	$ 17,582	$ 19,374

Leases - Other Information Rela

Leases - Other Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$ 1,729	$ 1,667

Supporting Financial Informat_3

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Billed receivables	$ 42,831,000	$ 26,140,000
Contract assets	19,321,000	7,307,000
Total accounts receivable	62,152,000	33,447,000
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	$ 62,152,000	$ 33,447,000

Supporting Financial Informat_4

Supporting Financial Information - Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Prepaid insurance and benefits	$ 180	$ 655
Other receivables	1,147	995
Other prepaid expenses	2,272	2,615
Other current assets	$ 3,599	$ 4,265

Supporting Financial Informat_5

Supporting Financial Information - Equipment and Improvements, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Furniture and equipment	$ 958		$ 958		$ 958
Computer equipment	1,329		1,329		1,262
Computer software	4,375		4,375		4,353
Leasehold improvements	1,595		1,595		1,595
Total equipment and improvements	8,257		8,257		8,168
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(6,830)		(6,830)		(6,256)
Equipment and improvements, net	1,427		1,427		$ 1,912
Depreciation expense	$ 200	$ 400	$ 600	$ 800

Supporting Financial Informat_6

Supporting Financial Information - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, gross	$ 65,854		$ 65,854	$ 65,854
Total accumulated amortization	(21,677)		(21,677)	(18,385)
Intangible assets, net	44,177		$ 44,177	47,469
Estimated useful live of intangible assets			10 years
Amortization expense of intangible assets	1,600	$ 1,600	$ 3,300
Customer contracts and related customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, gross	62,281		62,281	62,281
Total accumulated amortization	(20,492)		(20,492)	(17,378)
Covenants not to compete
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, gross	522		522	522
Total accumulated amortization	(290)		(290)	(264)
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, gross	3,051		3,051	3,051
Total accumulated amortization	$ (895)		$ (895)	$ (743)

Supporting Financial Informat_7

Supporting Financial Information - Estimated Future Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
2022 (remaining)	$ 3,293
2023	6,585
2024	6,585
2025	6,585
2026	5,851
Thereafter	15,278
Intangible assets, net	$ 44,177	$ 47,469

Supporting Financial Informat_8

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Payable, Accrued Expense and Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 27,300	$ 16,684
Accrued benefits	4,257	2,916
Accrued bonus and incentive compensation	1,800	2,381
Accrued workers' compensation insurance	5,100	7,014
Other accrued expenses	5,860	3,722
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities	$ 44,317	$ 32,717

Supporting Financial Informat_9

Supporting Financial Information - Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Bank term loan	$ 37,500	$ 46,750
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs	(1,862)	(2,114)
Long-term portion of bank debt obligations, net of deferred financing costs	$ 35,638	$ 44,636

Supporting Financial Informa_10

Supporting Financial Information - Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ (386)	$ (801)	$ (907)	$ (1,671)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	(168)	(203)	(319)	(413)
Interest expense, net	$ (554)	$ (1,004)	$ (1,226)	$ (2,084)

Credit Facilities - Summary of

Credit Facilities - Summary of Loan Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 37,500	$ 46,750
Secured Debt | Term Loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 37,500
Secured Debt | Term Loans | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate percentage	0.025%
Interest rate spread	0.46%
Interest rate floor	0.50%
Secured Debt | Revolving Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0
Secured Debt | Revolving Line of Credit | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate percentage	0.025%
Interest rate spread	0.46%
Interest rate floor	0.50%

Credit Facilities - Narrative (

Credit Facilities - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt amortization fiscal year 2021	$ 0	$ 0
Debt amortization fiscal year 2022	0	0
Debt amortization fiscal year 2023	37,500,000	37,500,000
Debt amortization fiscal year 2024	0	0
Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 22,800,000	$ 22,800,000
Derivative fixed interest rate	1.61%	1.61%
Interest expense increase (less than)		$ 200,000
Secured Debt | Term Loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio		1.25
Ratio of funded indebtedness to EBITDA through maturity		2.75
Debt amortization fiscal year 2021	$ 7,000,000	$ 7,000,000
Debt amortization fiscal year 2022	7,000,000	7,000,000
Debt amortization fiscal year 2023	8,750,000	8,750,000
Debt amortization fiscal year 2024	8,750,000	8,750,000
Debt amortization fiscal year 2025	8,750,000	8,750,000
Voluntary principal amortization of term debt	$ 5,400,000	$ 32,500,000
Secured Debt | Term Loans | Excess Cash Flows Greater Than Or Equal to 2.50
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of excess cash flow for each year of funded indebtedness to EBDTA		75.00%
Ratio of funded indebtedness to adjusted EBDTA, actual		2.50
Secured Debt | Term Loans | Excess Cash Flows Less Than 2.50
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of excess cash flow for each year of funded indebtedness to EBDTA		50.00%
Secured Debt | Term Loans | Excess Cash Flows Equal to 1.50
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of funded indebtedness to adjusted EBDTA, actual		1.5
Secured Debt | Term Loans | Excess Cash Flows Less Than 1.50
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of excess cash flow for each year of funded indebtedness to EBDTA		0.00%
Ratio of funded indebtedness to adjusted EBDTA, actual		1.5
Secured Debt | Term Loans | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of funded indebtedness to EBITDA through maturity		3.75
Interest rate spread	4.50%	4.50%
Secured Debt | Term Loans | Maximum | Excess Cash Flows Less Than 2.50
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of funded indebtedness to adjusted EBDTA, actual		2.50
Secured Debt | Term Loans | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate spread	2.50%	2.50%
Secured Debt | Term Loans | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate spread	0.46%	0.46%
Secured Debt | Revolving Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Line of credit, unused borrowing capacity	23,000,000	23,000,000
Line of credit outstanding balance	0	0
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity	$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Secured Debt | Revolving Line of Credit | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate spread	0.46%	0.46%
Secured Debt | Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity	$ 5,000,000	$ 5,000,000

Stock-based Compensation and _3

Stock-based Compensation and Equity Grants - Narrative (Details) - Employee Stock Option	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of awards authorized for issuance (in shares)	0
Expiration term of share-based compensation plan	10 years
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)	1,400,000

Stock-based Compensation and _4

Stock-based Compensation and Equity Grants - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total unrecognized expense	$ 6,306		$ 6,306
DLH employees
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total unrecognized expense	5,982		$ 5,982
Weighted average share based compensation expense recognition period			4 years 4 months 20 days
Non-employee directors
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total unrecognized expense	324		$ 324
Non-employee directors | Restricted Stock Units
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock units granted (in shares)			53,510
NEO | Restricted Stock Units
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock units granted (in shares)			161,485
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock option expense	809	$ 386	$ 1,309	$ 844
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | DLH employees
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock option expense	647	270	985	612
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Non-employee directors
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock option expense	$ 162	$ 116	$ 324	$ 232

Stock-based Compensation and _5

Stock-based Compensation and Equity Grants - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Number of Shares
Options outstanding, September 30, 2021 (in shares)	2,374,000
Granted (in shares)	250,000
Options outstanding, December 31, 2021 (in shares)	2,598,000	2,374,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding, September 30, 2021 (in dollars per share)	$ 5.60
Exercised (in dollars per share)	10.08
Granted (in dollars per share)	16.01
Options outstanding, December 31, 2021 (in dollars per share)	$ 6.56	$ 5.60
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 6 months	5 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at September 30, 2021	$ 15,899
Options outstanding at December 31, 2021	$ 32,159	$ 15,899

Stock-based Compensation and _6

Stock-based Compensation and Equity Grants - Stock Options Outstanding, Vested and Unvested (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Vested and exercisable (in shares)	250	712
Unvested (in shares)	2,348	1,662
Option outstanding (in shares)	2,598	2,374
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 5.55	$ 3.91
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 31.4	$ 13.9
Weighted average remaining term	5 years 1 month 6 days	4 years

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Numerator:
Net income	$ 7,178	$ 2,567	$ 14,982	$ 4,381
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (in shares)	12,778	12,544	12,763	12,521
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	1,664	1,026	1,605	1,047
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (in shares)	14,442	13,570	14,368	13,568
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.56	$ 0.20	$ 1.17	$ 0.35
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.19	$ 1.04	$ 0.32

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Contractual Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt obligations
Debt obligations	$ 37,500	$ 46,750
2022 (remaining)	0
2023	0
2024	0
2025	37,500
2026	0
Thereafter	0
Operating Leases
Total future lease payments	25,224
2022 (remaining)	1,682
2023	3,299
2024	3,156
2025	2,995
2026	3,092
Thereafter	11,000
Total Contractual Obligations
Total Obligations	62,724
2022 (remaining)	1,682
2023	3,299
2024	3,156
2025	40,495
2026	3,092
Thereafter	11,000
Facility operating leases
Operating Leases
Total future lease payments	25,047
2022 (remaining)	1,640
2023	3,216
2024	3,104
2025	2,995
2026	3,092
Thereafter	11,000
Equipment operating leases
Operating Leases
Total future lease payments	177
2022 (remaining)	42
2023	83
2024	52
2025	0
2026	0
Thereafter	$ 0

Commitment and Contingencies -

Commitment and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued workers' compensation insurance	$ 5,100	$ 7,014