Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 30, 2016	Mar. 09, 2017	Jul. 01, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Willdan Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001370450
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 82.6
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,414,122
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 22,668,000	$ 16,487,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $785,000 and $760,000 at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively	30,285,000	17,929,000
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	18,988,000	13,840,000
Other receivables	699,000	177,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,601,000	2,082,000
Total current assets	75,241,000	50,515,000
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	4,511,000	3,684,000
Goodwill	21,947,000	16,097,000
Other intangible assets, net	5,941,000	1,545,000
Other assets	707,000	504,000
Total assets	108,347,000	72,345,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,395,000	5,561,000
Accrued liabilities	19,049,000	10,334,000
Contingent consideration payable	1,925,000	1,420,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	8,377,000	6,218,000
Notes payable	3,972,000	4,039,000
Capital lease obligations	334,000	444,000
Total current liabilities	51,052,000	28,016,000
Contingent consideration payable	2,537,000	4,305,000
Notes payable	2,074,000	1,085,000
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	210,000	255,000
Deferred lease obligations	714,000	737,000
Deferred income taxes, net	1,842,000	331,000
Total liabilities	58,429,000	34,729,000
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 8,348,000 and 7,904,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively	83,000	79,000
Additional paid-in capital	42,376,000	38,377,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	7,459,000	(840,000)
Total stockholders' equity	49,918,000	37,616,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 108,347,000	$ 72,345,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$ 785,000	$ 760,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	8,348,000	7,904,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,348,000	7,904,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Contract revenue	$ 208,941,000	$ 135,103,000	$ 108,080,000
Direct costs of contract revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Salaries and wages	39,024,000	31,880,000	28,207,000
Subcontractor services and other direct costs	104,236,000	50,200,000	35,611,000
Total direct costs of contract revenue	143,260,000	82,080,000	63,818,000
General and administrative expenses:
Salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits	31,084,000	25,741,000	21,394,000
Facilities and facility related	4,085,000	4,246,000	4,371,000
Stock-based compensation	1,239,000	777,000	258,000
Depreciation and amortization	3,204,000	2,072,000	459,000
Lease abandonment, net			9,000
Other	14,525,000	12,657,000	9,462,000
Total general and administrative expenses	54,137,000	45,493,000	35,953,000
Income from operations	11,544,000	7,530,000	8,309,000
Other (expense) income:
Interest income			8,000
Interest expense	(179,000)	(207,000)	(16,000)
Other, net	2,000	18,000	125,000
Total other (expense) income, net	(177,000)	(189,000)	117,000
Income before income taxes	11,367,000	7,341,000	8,426,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,068,000	3,082,000	(990,000)
Net income	$ 8,299,000	$ 4,259,000	$ 9,416,000
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.01	$ 0.54	$ 1.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.97	$ 0.52	$ 1.22
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	8,219,000	7,834,000	7,488,000
Diluted (in shares)	8,565,000	8,113,000	7,739,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit.)	Total
Balances at Dec. 27, 2013	$ 74,000	$ 34,654,000	$ (14,515,000)	$ 20,213,000
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2013	7,375,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		76,000		76,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	12,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 2,000	448,000		450,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	248,000
Stock-based compensation expense		258,000		258,000
Net income			9,416,000	9,416,000
Balances at Jan. 02, 2015	$ 76,000	35,436,000	(5,099,000)	30,413,000
Balances (in shares) at Jan. 02, 2015	7,635,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		170,000		170,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	15,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 1,000	511,000		512,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	131,000
Stock issued to acquire business	$ 2,000	1,483,000		1,485,000
Stock issued to acquire business (in shares)	123,000
Stock-based compensation expense		777,000		777,000
Net income			4,259,000	4,259,000
Balances at Jan. 01, 2016	$ 79,000	38,377,000	(840,000)	$ 37,616,000
Balances (in shares) at Jan. 01, 2016	7,904,000			7,904,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan		209,000		$ 209,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	24,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 2,000	325,000		327,000
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	164,000
Stock issued to acquire business	$ 2,000	2,226,000		2,228,000
Stock issued to acquire business (in shares)	256,000
Stock-based compensation expense		1,239,000		1,239,000
Net income			8,299,000	8,299,000
Balances at Dec. 30, 2016	$ 83,000	$ 42,376,000	$ 7,459,000	$ 49,918,000
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2016	8,348,000			8,348,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 8,299,000	$ 4,259,000	$ 9,416,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,220,000	2,072,000	460,000
Deferred income taxes, net	1,225,000	1,758,000	(1,427,000)
Lease abandonment expense (recovery), net		(44,000)	9,000
Loss (gain) on sale/disposal of equipment	4,000	(37,000)	11,000
Provision for doubtful accounts	216,000	659,000	510,000
Stock-based compensation	1,239,000	777,000	258,000
Accretion and fair value adjustments of contingent consideration	21,000	547,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	1,288,000	(4,354,000)	(532,000)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	(4,057,000)	(1,180,000)	(2,535,000)
Other receivables	82,000	31,000	4,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(519,000)	203,000	133,000
Other assets	(169,000)	31,000	(202,000)
Accounts payable	206,000	1,842,000	(720,000)
Accrued liabilities	8,409,000	(1,320,000)	4,860,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	2,159,000	2,285,000	1,616,000
Deferred lease obligations	(23,000)	573,000	35,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	21,600,000	8,102,000	11,896,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements	(1,662,000)	(2,475,000)	(492,000)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	15,000	7,000	5,000
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(8,857,000)	(8,168,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(10,504,000)	(10,636,000)	(487,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on contingent consideration	(1,284,000)
Payments on notes payable	(4,378,000)	(2,090,000)	(162,000)
Proceeds from notes payable	733,000	2,606,000
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(522,000)	(350,000)	(261,000)
Proceeds from stock option exercise	327,000	512,000	450,000
Proceeds from sales of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	209,000	170,000	76,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(4,915,000)	848,000	103,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,181,000	(1,686,000)	11,512,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	16,487,000	18,173,000	6,661,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	22,668,000	16,487,000	18,173,000
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	179,000	203,000	16,000
Income taxes	1,875,000	949,000	134,000
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of notes payable related to business acquisitions	4,569,000	4,250,000
Issuance of common stock related to business acquisitions	2,228,000	1,485,000
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions		5,178,000
Equipment acquired under capital leases	$ 373,000	$ 420,000	$ 677,000

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY	12 Months Ended
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY	Dec. 30, 2016
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY	1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY Nature of Business Willdan Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Willdan Group” or the “Company”) is a provider of professional technical and consulting services, including comprehensive energy efficiency services, for utilities, private industry, and public agencies at all levels of government, primarily in California and New York. The Company also has operations in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Washington, D.C. The Company enables its clients to provide a wide range of specialized services without having to incur and maintain the overhead necessary to develop staffing in-house. The Company provides a broad range of complementary services including energy efficiency, engineering and planning, economic and financial consulting, and national preparedness and interoperability. The Company’s clients primarily consist of public and governmental agencies, including cities, counties, public utilities, redevelopment agencies, water districts, school districts and universities, state agencies, federal agencies, a variety of other special districts and agencies, private utilities and industry and tribal governments.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Willdan Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Willdan Energy Solutions, Willdan Engineering, Public Agency Resources, Willdan Financial Services and Willdan Homeland Solutions and their respective subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

As of December 30, 2016, the Company had one variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company manages the VIE and has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the joint venture’s performance, in addition to being obligated to absorb expected losses or receive benefits from the joint venture. Accordingly, the Company is the primary beneficiary of this VIE and consolidates the entity.

The Company accounts for variable interest entities in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). Under ASC 810, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) is created when: (a) the equity investment at risk in the entity is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by other parties, including the equity holders; (b) the entity’s equity holders as a group either (i) lack the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity, (ii) are not obligated to absorb expected losses of the entity or (iii) do not have the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the entity’s equity holders have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests, and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of the equity holder with disproportionately few voting rights. If an entity is deemed to be a VIE pursuant to ASC 810, the enterprise that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or right to receive benefits from the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company performs ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

Fiscal Years

The Company operates and reports its annual financial results based on 52 or 53-week periods ending on the Friday closest to December 31, with consideration of business days. The Company operates and reports its quarterly financial results based on the 13-week period ending on the Friday closest to March 31, June 30 and September 30 and the 13 or 14-week period ending on the Friday closest to December 31, as applicable, with consideration of business days. Fiscal years 2016 and 2015 contained 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2014 contained 53 weeks. All references to years in the notes to consolidated financial statements represent fiscal years.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Liquid Investments

All highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following:


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
BMO Harris Bank Master Control Operating Account	$	22,658,000	$	16,438,000
Cash on hand in business checking accounts		10,000		49,000
	$	22,668,000	$	16,487,000

The Company from time to time may be exposed to credit risk with its bank deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limits and with uninsured money market investments. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

As of December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, other receivables, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts, approximate their fair values because of the relatively short period of time between the origination of these instruments and their expected realization or payment. The carrying amounts of debt obligations approximate their fair values since the terms are comparable to terms currently offered by local lending institutions for loans of similar terms to companies with comparable credit risk.

Segment Information

Willdan Group, Inc. (“WGI”) is a holding company with six wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company presents segment information externally consistent with the manner in which the Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews information to assess performance and allocate resources. WGI performs administrative functions on behalf of its subsidiaries, such as treasury, legal, accounting, information systems, human resources and certain business development activities, and earns revenue that is only incidental to the activities of the enterprise. As a result, WGI does not meet the definition of an operating segment. Three of the six WGI subsidiaries are aggregated into one reportable segment as they have similar economic characteristics including the nature of services, the methods used to provide services and the type of customers. The remaining three subsidiaries each comprise separate reporting segments. See Note 13.

Off‑Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than operating lease commitments, the Company does not have any off‑balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities. In addition, the Company’s policy is not to enter into derivative instruments, futures or forward contracts. Finally, the Company does not have any majority‑owned subsidiaries or any interests in, or relationships with, any special‑purpose entities that are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

Contract Accounting

The Company enters into contracts with its clients that contain various types of pricing provisions, including fixed price, time-and-materials, unit-based and service-related provisions. The following table reflects the Company’s four reportable segments and the types of contracts that each most commonly enters into for revenue generating activities.


	Types of Contract
Segment	(Revenue Recognition Method)
Energy Efficiency Services	Time-and-materials, unit-based and fixed price (percentage-of-completion method)
Engineering Services	Time-and-materials, unit-based and fixed price (percentage-of-completion method)
Public Finance Services	Service-related contracts (proportional performance method)
Homeland Security Services	Service-related contracts (proportional performance method)

Revenue on fixed price contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based generally on the ratio of direct costs (primarily exclusive of depreciation and amortization costs) incurred to date to estimated total direct costs at completion. Many of our fixed price contracts involve a high degree of subcontracted fixed price effort and are relatively short in duration, thereby lowering the risks of not properly estimating the percent complete. Revenue on time-and-materials and unit-based contracts is recognized as the work is performed in accordance with the specific rates and terms of the contract. The Company recognizes revenues for time-and-material contracts based upon the actual hours incurred during a reporting period at contractually agreed upon rates per hour and also includes in revenue all reimbursable costs incurred during a reporting period for which the Company has risk or on which the fee was based at the time of bid or negotiation. Certain of the Company’s time-and-material contracts are subject to maximum contract values and, accordingly, revenue under these contracts is generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, consistent with fixed priced contracts. Revenue on contracts that are not subject to maximum contract values is recognized based on the actual number of hours the Company spends on the projects plus any actual out-of-pocket costs of materials and other direct incidental expenditures that the Company incurs on the projects. In addition, revenue from overhead percentage recoveries and earned fees are included in revenue. Revenue is recognized as the related costs are incurred. For unit-based contracts, the Company recognizes the contract price of units of a basic production product as revenue when the production product is delivered during a period. Revenue for amounts that have been billed but not earned is deferred and such deferred revenue is referred to as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Adjustments to contract cost estimates are made in the periods in which the facts requiring such revisions become known. When the revised estimate, for contracts that are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, indicates a loss, such loss is provided for currently in its entirety. Claims revenue is recognized to the extent such claims appear to be more-likely-than-not to be granted based on management’s evaluation of each claim. Change orders in dispute are evaluated as claims. Costs related to un-priced change orders are expensed when incurred and recognition of the related contract revenue is based on an evaluation of the probability of recovery of the costs. Estimated profit is recognized for un-priced change orders if realization of the expected price of the change order is probable.

The Company considers whether its contracts require combining for revenue recognition purposes. If certain criteria are met, revenues for related contracts may be recognized on a combined basis. With respect to the Company’s contracts, it is rare that such criteria are present. The Company may enter into certain contracts which include separate phases or elements. If each phase or element is negotiated separately based on the technical resources required and/or the supply and demand for the services being provided, the Company evaluates if the contracts should be segmented. If certain criteria are met, the contracts would be segmented which could result in revenues being assigned to the different elements or phases with different rates of profitability based on the relative value of each element or phase to the estimated total contract revenue.

Applying the percentage-of-completion method of recognizing revenue requires the Company to estimate the outcome of its long-term contracts. The Company forecasts such outcomes to the best of its knowledge and belief of current and expected conditions and its expected course of action. Differences between the Company's estimates and actual results often occur resulting in changes to reported revenue and earnings. Such changes could have a material effect on future consolidated financial statements. The Company did not have material revisions in estimates for contracts recognized using the percentage-of-completion method for any of the periods presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Service-related contracts, including operations and maintenance services and a variety of technical assistance services, are accounted for over the period of performance, in proportion to the costs of performance. Award and incentive fees are recorded when they are fixed and determinable and consider customer contract terms.

Direct costs of contract revenue consist primarily of that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages that has been incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue also include production expenses, subcontractor services and other expenses that are incurred in connection with revenue producing projects.

Direct costs of contract revenue exclude that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages related to marketing efforts, vacations, holidays and other time not spent directly generating revenue under existing contracts. Such costs are included in general and administrative expenses. Additionally, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations since no allocation of these costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. No allocation of facilities costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. Other companies may classify as direct costs of contract revenue some of the costs that the Company classifies as general and administrative costs. The Company expenses direct costs of contract revenue when incurred.

Included in revenue and costs are all reimbursable costs for which the Company has the risk or on which the fee was based at the time of bid or negotiation. No revenue or cost is recorded for costs in which the Company acts solely in the capacity of an agent and has no risks associated with such costs.

Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based upon a review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis. Management determines allowances for doubtful accounts through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience. The Company’s credit risk is minimal with governmental entities and large public utilities, but disputes may arise related to these receivable amounts. Accounts receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivables previously written off are recorded when received.

Retainage is included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Retainage represents the billed amount that is retained by the customer, in accordance with the terms of the contract, generally until performance is substantially complete. At December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, the Company had retained accounts receivable of approximately $5.2 million and $748,000, respectively.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include the costs of the marketing and support staff, other marketing expenses, management and administrative personnel costs, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefits for all of the Company’s employees and the portion of salaries and wages not allocated to direct costs of contract revenue for those employees who provide the Company’s services. General and administrative expenses also include facility costs, depreciation and amortization, professional services, legal and accounting fees and administrative operating costs. Within general and administrative expenses, “Other” includes expenses such as provision for billed or unbilled receivables, professional services, legal and accounting, computer costs, travel and entertainment, marketing costs and acquisition costs. The Company expenses general and administrative costs when incurred.

Leases

All of the Company’s office leases are classified as operating leases and rent expense is included in facilities expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Some of the lease terms include rent concessions and rent escalation clauses, all of which are taken into account in computing minimum lease payments. Minimum lease payments are recognized on a straight‑line basis over the minimum lease term. The excess of rent expense recognized over the amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases is reflected as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The cost of improvements that the Company makes to the leased office space is capitalized as leasehold improvements. The Company is subject to non‑cancellable leases for offices or portions of offices for which use has ceased. For each of these abandoned leases, the present value of the future lease payments, net of estimated sublease payments, along with any unamortized tenant improvement costs, are recognized as lease abandonment expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of the minimum lease payments as of the acquisition date. Depreciation and amortization on equipment are calculated using the straight‑line method over estimated useful lives of two to five years. Leasehold improvements and assets under capital leases are amortized using the straight‑line method over the shorter of estimated useful lives or the term of the related lease.

Following are the estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation and amortization:


Category	Estimated Useful Life
Furniture and fixtures	5	years
Computer hardware	2	years
Computer software	3	years
Automobiles and trucks	3	years
Field equipment	5	years

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, such as equipment, leasehold improvements and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of the assets acquired. The Company completes its annual testing of goodwill as of the last day of the first month of its fourth fiscal quarter each year to determine whether there is impairment. Goodwill, which has an indefinite useful life, is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Impairment losses for reporting units are recognized to the extent that a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

Accounting for Claims Against the Company

The Company accrues an undiscounted liability related to claims against it for which the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses the amount accrued and an estimate of any reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for its financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not accrue liabilities related to claims when the likelihood that a loss has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. Losses related to recorded claims are included in general and administrative expenses.

Determining probability and estimating claim amounts is highly judgmental. Initial accruals and any subsequent changes in the Company’s estimates could have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Stock Options

The Company accounts for stock options under the fair value recognition provisions of the accounting standard entitled “Compensation—Stock Compensation.” This standard requires the measurement of compensation cost at the grant date, based upon the estimated fair value of the award, and requires amortization of the related expense over the employee’s requisite service period.

Business Combinations

The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations requires the Company to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the Company may adjust the provisional amounts recognized for a business combination based upon new information about facts that existed on the business combination date).

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company recognizes separately from goodwill the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interests in an acquiree, at the acquisition date fair value. The Company measures goodwill as of the acquisition date as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs that the Company incurs to complete the business combination such as investment banking, legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration. The Company charges these acquisition costs to general and administrative expense as they are incurred.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities, subject to a judgmental assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that some of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Significant judgment is applied when assessing the need for valuation allowances. Areas of estimation include the Company’s consideration of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the utilization of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company would adjust the related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to income.

During each fiscal year, management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize existing deferred tax assets. For fiscal years 2016 and 2015, the Company ultimately determined that it was more-likely-than-not that the entire California net operating loss will not be utilized prior to expiration. Significant pieces of objective evidence evaluated included the Company’s history of utilization of California net operating losses in prior years for each of the Company’s subsidiaries, as well as the Company’s forecasted amount of net operating loss utilization for certain members of the combined group. As a result, we recorded a valuation allowance in the amount of $72,000 and $73,000 at the end of fiscal year 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to California net operating losses. As of the end of fiscal year 2014, based on management’s evaluation of the Company’s ability to utilize the existing deferred tax assets, the Company reversed a $4.6 million valuation allowance previously accrued on its deferred tax assets.

For acquired business entities, if the Company identifies changes to acquired deferred tax asset valuation allowances or liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the measurement period and they relate to new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, those changes are considered a measurement period adjustment and the Company records the offset to goodwill. The Company records all other changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in current period income tax expense.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Operating Cycle

In accordance with industry practice, amounts realizable and payable under contracts that extend beyond one year are included in current assets and liabilities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Technical Corrections and Improvements

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-19, Technical Corrections and Improvements (“ASU 2016-19”), which clarifies existing accounting literature including simplification and minor improvements to topics on insurance and troubled debt restructuring. The Company does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Clarification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”), which eliminates the diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows, by adding or clarifying guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-15 provides for retrospective application for all periods presented. The Company does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which clarifies existing accounting literature relating to how and when revenue is recognized by an entity. ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, an entity will need to exercise a greater degree of judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. In August 2015, the FASB issued Update 2015-14, which defers the implementation of ASU 2014-09 for one year from the initial effective date. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied either retrospectively or using the cumulative effect transition method, with early adoption not permitted. The Company will adopt the requirements of the new standard effective January 1, 2018, and the Company has not yet selected a transition method.

In December 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-20, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which further clarifies the current revenue recognition guidance. This update is intended to increase stakeholders’ awareness of the proposals and to expedite improvements to Update 2014-09. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact that the new standard will have on the contract portfolio. The Company’s approach will include a detailed review of contracts and comparing historical accounting policies and practices to the new standard. Because the standard may impact the Company’s business processes, systems and controls, the Company will also develop a comprehensive change management plan to guide the implementation as needed. The Company will adopt the requirements of the new standard effective December 30, 2017 and the Company has not yet selected a transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Consolidations

In February 2015, the FASB issued Update 2015-02, which amends the consolidation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 810 and changes the consolidation analysis required under GAAP. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-02 which did not have a material impact for year ended December 30, 2016.

Stock Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which amends the current stock compensation guidance. The amendments simplify the accounting for the taxes related to stock based compensation, including adjustments to how excess tax benefits and a company's payments for tax withholdings should be classified. The standard is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company has elected to early adopt ASU 2016-09 on a prospective basis, which resulted in a decrease to tax expense of approximately $194,000 for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016.

Debt Issuance

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, this new guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance will become effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 which did not have a material impact for the year ended December 30, 2016.

Business Combinations

In September 2015, the FASB issued Update 2015-16, which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer must record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Update 2015-16 further requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes, the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard in fiscal year 2015.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805),” which specifies the definition of a business that affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The Company does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The FASB issued this update to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the update is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this update on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Proposed Accounting Standards

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently being studied by standard-setting organizations and certain regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of such proposed standards, the Company have not yet determined the effect, if any, that the implementation of such proposed standards would have on its consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On March 4, 2016, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Willdan Energy Solutions (“WES”) acquired substantially all of the assets of Genesys Engineering P.C. (“Genesys”) and assumed certain specified liabilities of Genesys (collectively, the “Purchase”) pursuant to an Asset Purchase and Merger Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2016 (the “Agreement”), by and among Willdan Group, Inc., WES, WESGEN (as defined below), Genesys and Ronald W. Mineo (“Mineo”) and Robert J. Braun (“Braun” and, together with Mineo, the “Genesys Shareholders”). On March 5, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, WESGEN, Inc., a non-affiliated corporation (“WESGEN”), merged (the “Merger” and, together with the Purchase, the “Acquisition”) with Genesys, with Genesys remaining as the surviving corporation. Genesys was acquired to strengthen the Company’s power engineering capability in the northeastern U.S., and also to increase client exposure and experience with universities.

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, WES or WESGEN, as applicable, paid the Genesys Shareholders an aggregate purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) of approximately $15.1 million, including post-closing working capital and tax adjustments. The Purchase Price consisted of (i) $6.0 million in cash, paid at closing, and $2.9 million paid in cash after closing for working capital and tax adjustments, (ii) 255,808 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), with a fair value on the date of closing of $2.2 million, (iii) $4.6 million in cash, payable in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments beginning on March 26, 2016 (the “Installment Payments”), and (iv) offset by a $0.6 million receivable due to WES for working capital adjustments. Until the third anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Closing Date”), the Genesys Shareholders are prohibited from transferring or disposing of any Common Stock received in connection with the Acquisition.

The Agreement contains customary representations and warranties regarding the Company, WES, WESGEN, Genesys and the Genesys Shareholders, indemnification provisions and other provisions customary for transactions of this nature. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company and WES also provided guarantees to the Genesys Shareholders which guarantee certain of WESGEN’s and Genesys’ obligations under the Agreement, including the Installment Payments.

The Company used cash on hand to pay the $8.9 million due to the Genesys Shareholders at closing.

Genesys continues to be a professional corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York, wholly-owned by one or more licensed engineers. Pursuant to New York law, the Company does not own capital stock of Genesys. The Company has entered into an agreement with the post-Closing Date owners of Genesys pursuant to which such owners will be prohibited from selling, transferring or encumbering their ownership interest in Genesys without the Company’s consent. Notwithstanding the Company’s rights regarding the transfer of Genesys’ stock, the Company does not have control over the professional decision making of Genesys’ engineering services. The Company has entered into an administrative services agreement with Genesys pursuant to which WES will provide Genesys with ongoing administrative, operational and other non-professional support services.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805. Under ASC 805, the Company recorded the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at their estimated fair value with the excess allocated to goodwill. Goodwill represents the value the Company expects to achieve through the operational synergies and the expansion into new markets. The Company estimates that the entire $6.2 million of goodwill resulting from the acquisition will be tax deductible. Consideration for the acquisition includes the following:


	Genesys
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$	8,857,000
Other receivable for working capital adjustment		(604,000)
Issuance of common stock		2,228,000
Deferred purchase price, payable in 24 monthly installments		4,569,000
Total consideration	$	15,050,000

The following table summarizes the amounts for the acquired assets recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date:


	Genesys
Current assets	$	14,952,000
Non-current assets		36,000
Cash		101,000
Property, plant and equipment		117,000
Liabilities		(12,643,000)
Customer relationships		3,260,000
Backlog		1,050,000
Tradename		1,690,000
Non-compete agreements		320,000
Goodwill		6,167,000
Net assets acquired	$	15,050,000

As of December 30, 2016, the Company obtained further information on the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Genesys and, in accordance with the authoritative guidance for business combinations, recorded purchase price adjustments as of the acquisition date to increase the fair values of intangible assets by $3.3 million and decrease other receivables by $0.3 million. These adjustments to the provisional purchase price allocations decreased goodwill by $3.0 million.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 assumes the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Genesys occurred on January 2, 2015 as follows:


	Year Ended
	December 30,		January 1,
In thousands (except per share data)	2016		2016
Pro forma revenue	$	222,914	$	167,479

Pro forma income from operations		12,504		7,755
Pro forma net income	$	8,907	$	4,498

This pro forma supplemental information does not purport to be indicative of what the company’s operating results would have been had these transactions occurred on January 2, 2015 and may not be indicative of future operating results.

During the year ended December 30, 2016, the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Genesys contributed $48.6 million in revenue and $0.9 million of income from operations.

Acquisition related costs of $71,000 and $0.2 million are included in other general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.

On January 15, 2015, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willdan Energy Solutions (“WES”) completed two separate acquisitions. The Company and WES acquired all of the outstanding shares of Abacus, an Oregon-based energy engineering company. In addition, the Company and WES separately acquired substantially all of the assets of 360 Energy, a Kansas-based energy and engineering energy management consulting company.

Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2015, by and between the Company, WES, Abacus and the selling shareholders of Abacus (the “Abacus Shareholders”), WES will pay the Abacus Shareholders a maximum purchase price of $6.1 million, consisting of (i) $2.5 million in cash which was paid at closing, with the balance of $0.6 million paid after closing, (ii) 75,758 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”) with a fair value of $0.9 million which were issued at closing, (iii) $1.25 million aggregate principal amount of promissory notes issued to the Abacus Shareholders at closing and (iv) up to $0.8 million in cash, based on the achievement of certain financial targets by Abacus at the end of the Company’s 2015 and 2016 fiscal years. As of December 30, 2016, Abacus did not meet its financial targets, and therefore, the Company was not required to pay the additional $0.8 million in cash.

Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 15, 2015, by and between the Company, WES and 360 Energy, WES agreed to pay 360 Energy a maximum purchase price of $15.0 million, consisting of (i) $4.9 million in cash which was paid at closing, (ii) 47,348 shares of Common Stock with a fair value of $0.6 million which were issued at closing, (iii) $3.0 million aggregate principal amount of promissory note issued to 360 Energy at closing and (iv) up to $6.5 million in cash, based on the achievement of certain financial targets by WES’s division made up of the assets acquired from, and the former employees of 360 Energy at the end of the Company’s 2015, 2016 and 2017 fiscal years. The Company also provided a guaranty to 360 Energy which guarantees WES’s obligations under the promissory note issued to 360 Energy. The Company later amended the Asset Purchase Agreement with 360 Energy to extend the term of the three-year performance goal for an additional year to the end of the Company’s 2018 fiscal year to allow 360 Energy to expand into additional geographical territories. As a result of this amendment, the Company increased contingent consideration by $0.3 million. As of December 30, 2016, 360 Energy has earned $1.1 million based on achieving some of its financial targets.

The fair value of the 75,758 and 47,348 shares of common stock issued as part of the consideration paid for Abacus ($0.9 million) and 360 Energy ($0.6 million) respectively, was determined on the basis of the price of the Company’s common shares on the acquisition date.

To finance the acquisitions of Abacus and substantially all of the assets of 360 Energy, the Company borrowed $2.0 million under its prior delayed draw term loan facility. The Company used cash on hand to pay the remaining $5.4 million due at closing.

On April 3, 2015, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Willdan Financial Services (“WFS”) acquired substantially all of the assets of Economists.com, LLC (“Economists LLC”), a Texas-based economic analysis and financial solutions firm serving the municipal and public sectors. Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 3, 2015, by and between WFS and Economists LLC, WFS will pay Economists LLC a maximum purchase price of $1.1 million, consisting of (i) $0.5 million in cash which was paid at closing and (ii) up to $0.6 million in cash, based on the achievement of certain financial targets by the WFS division made up of the assets acquired from, and the former employees of Economists LLC at the end of the Company’s 2015, 2016 and 2017 fiscal years. The Company used cash on hand to pay the $0.5 million due at closing. As of December 30, 2016, Economists LLC has earned $0.2 million based on achieving some of its financial targets.

The acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations in accordance with ASC 805. Under ASC 805, the Company recorded the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at their estimated fair value with the excess allocated to goodwill. Goodwill represents the value the Company expects to achieve through the operational synergies and the expansion of the Company into new markets. The Company estimates that the entire $16.1 million of goodwill resulting from the acquisitions will be tax deductible. Consideration for the acquisitions includes the following:



	360 Energy		Abacus		Economists, LLC		Total

Cash paid	$	4,875,000	$	3,136,000	$	490,000	$	8,501,000
Issuance of common stock		571,000		913,000		—		1,484,000
Issuance of notes payable		3,000,000		1,250,000		—		4,250,000
Contingent consideration		4,221,000		589,000		368,000		5,178,000
Total consideration	$	12,667,000	$	5,888,000	$	858,000	$	19,413,000

The following table summarizes the amounts for the acquired assets and liabilities recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date:


	360 Energy		Abacus		Economists, LLC		Total

Cash acquired	$	—	$	332,000	$	—	$	332,000
Property, plant and equipment		166,000		78,000		—		244,000
Liabilities		—		(512,000)		—		(512,000)
License to bid		—		308,000		—		308,000
Backlog		158,000		161,000		29,000		348,000
Tradename		669,000		323,000		57,000		1,049,000
Non-compete agreements		860,000		128,000		23,000		1,011,000
Other assets, net		41,000		495,000		—		536,000
Goodwill		10,773,000		4,575,000		749,000		16,097,000
Net assets acquired	$	12,667,000	$	5,888,000	$	858,000	$	19,413,000

The acquisition date fair value of the intangible asset relating to tradenames was estimated using discounted cash flows based on the relief from royalty method. The liabilities assumed were measured based on the estimated costs related to the remediation of an environmental liability associated with one of the construction projects that was acquired on the date of acquisition in accordance with ASC 450. These assets are deemed to have a finite life. As of December 30, 2016, the Company has contingent consideration payable of $4.5 million related to these acquisitions, which includes $21,000 of accretion (net of fair value adjustments) related to the contingent consideration. Contingent consideration is subject to change for each reporting period through settlement. The Company measures the contingent earn-out liabilities at fair value on the date of acquisition and on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company uses a probability-weighted discounted income approach as a valuation technique to convert future estimated cash flows to a single present value amount. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements are operating income projections over the earn-out period, and the probability outcome percentages assigned to each scenario. Significant increases or decreases to either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower liability, with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent earn-out obligation. Ultimately, the liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate and amount paid will be recorded in earnings. There were no changes to the ranges of estimated payments or discount rates.

Acquisition related costs of $0.2 million and $0.3 million are included in other general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, respectively.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015 assumes the acquisitions of Abacus and substantially all of the assets of 360 Energy occurred on December 28, 2013 as follows:


	Year Ended
	January 1,		January 2,
In thousands (except per share data)	2016		2015
Pro forma revenue	$	135,576	$	130,181

Pro forma income from operations		8,204		12,162
Pro forma net income	$	4,759	$	12,162

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.61	$	1.62
Diluted	$	0.59	$	1.57

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,834		7,488
Diluted		8,113		7,739

This pro forma supplemental information does not purport to be indicative of what the Company’s operating results would have been had these transactions occurred on December 28, 2013 and may not be indicative of future operating results.

During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2016, the acquisitions of Abacus, Economists LLC, and substantially all of the assets of 360 Energy contributed $23.8 million in revenue and $1.3 million of income from operations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 4
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73530397&loc=d3e4845-128472

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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

As of December 30, 2016, the Company had $21.9 million of goodwill, which primarily relates to the Energy Efficiency Services reporting segment and the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Genesys and 360 Energy and the acquisition of Abacus. The remaining goodwill is contained in the Public Finance Services reporting segment as a result of the acquisition of Economists, LLC. The Company had goodwill outstanding in the amount of $16.1 million as of January 1, 2016. The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit for the year ended December 30, 2016 were as follows:


	January 1,						December 30,
	2016		Acquisitions		Adjustments		2016

Reporting Unit:
Energy Efficiency Services	$	15,348,000	$	6,167,000	$	(317,000)	$	21,198,000
Public Finance Services		749,000		—		—		749,000
	$	16,097,000	$	6,167,000	$	(317,000)	$	21,947,000

The gross amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company’s acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives as of December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, included in other intangible assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, were as follows:


	December 30, 2016				January 1, 2016
	Gross		Accumulated		Gross		Accumulated		Amortization
	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization		Period (yrs)
Backlog	$	1,398,000	$	639,000	$	348,000	$	340,000	5
Tradename		2,739,000		1,142,000		1,049,000		329,000	2.5 - 3.5
Non-compete agreements		1,331,000		463,000		1,011,000		194,000	4 - 5
License to bid		308,000		308,000		308,000		308,000	1
Customer relationships		3,260,000		543,000		—		—	5
	$	9,036,000	$	3,095,000	$	2,716,000	$	1,171,000

The Company’s amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives was $1.9 million for the year ended December 30, 2016, and $1.2 million and $0 for the years ended January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets for fiscal year 2017 and the succeeding years is as follows:


Fiscal year:
2017	$	2,120,000
2018		1,951,000
2019		1,087,000
2020		674,000
2021		109,000
	$	5,941,000

At the time of acquisition, the Company estimates the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets based upon the facts and circumstances related to the particular intangible asset. Inherent in such estimates are judgments and estimates of future revenue, profitability, cash flows and appropriate discount rates for any present value calculations. The Company preliminarily estimates the value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets and then finalizes the estimated fair values during the purchase allocation period, which does not extend beyond 12 months from the date of acquisition.

The Company tests its goodwill at least annually for possible impairment. The Company completes its annual testing of goodwill as of the last day of the first month of its fourth fiscal quarter each year to determine whether there is impairment. In addition to the Company’s annual test, it regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that may indicate a potential impairment of goodwill. No impairment was recorded during the three-year period ended December 30, 2016.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted‑average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted‑average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares for the period. Potential common shares include the weighted‑average dilutive effects of outstanding stock options using the treasury stock method.

The following table sets forth the number of weighted‑average shares used to compute basic and diluted EPS:


	Fiscal Year

	2016		2015		2014
Net income	$	8,299,000	$	4,259,000	$	9,416,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding		8,219,000		7,834,000		7,488,000
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards		346,000		279,000		251,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted		8,565,000		8,113,000		7,739,000
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.01	$	0.54	$	1.26
Diluted	$	0.97	$	0.52	$	1.22

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016, 322,200 options were excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares, compared to 314,500 and 251,000 options, for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. These options were not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares because the assumed proceeds per share exceeded the average market price per share for the respective periods. Accordingly, the inclusion of these options would have been anti‑dilutive.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

6. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable consisted of the following at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016:


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Billed	$	25,909,000	$	17,941,000
Unbilled (1)		18,988,000		13,840,000
Contract retentions		5,161,000		748,000
		50,058,000		32,529,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(785,000)		(760,000)
	$	49,273,000	$	31,769,000

(1)

Unbilled portion represents costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts which is presented separately from accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.

The movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014:


	Fiscal Year
	2016		2015		2014
Balance as of the beginning of the year	$	760,000	$	662,000	$	385,000
Provision for doubtful accounts		216,000		586,000		486,000
Write-offs of uncollectible accounts		(191,000)		(488,000)		(209,000)
Balance as of the end of the year	$	785,000	$	760,000	$	662,000

Billed accounts receivable represent amounts billed to clients that have yet to be collected. Unbilled accounts receivable represent revenue recognized but not yet billed pursuant to contract terms or accounts billed after the period end. Substantially all unbilled receivables as of December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 are or were expected to be billed and collected within twelve months of such date. Contract retentions represent amounts invoiced to clients where payments have been withheld pending the completion of certain milestones, other contractual conditions or upon the completion of the project. These retention agreements vary from project to project and could be outstanding for several months.

Allowances for doubtful accounts have been determined through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write‑offs, plus a non‑specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience.

As of December 30, 2016, two clients accounted for 20% and 19%, respectively, of outstanding receivables, as compared to one client accounting for 15% of the Company’s outstanding receivables as of January 1, 2016. For the fiscal year 2016, Consolidated Edison and DASNY represented 21% and 22%, respectively, of our consolidated contract revenue.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

+ References + Details

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

7. EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Equipment and leasehold improvements consisted of the following at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016:


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Furniture and fixtures	$	2,353,000	$	2,270,000
Computer hardware and software		7,686,000		6,496,000
Leasehold improvements		1,094,000		1,072,000
Equipment under capital leases		1,076,000		1,266,000
Automobiles, trucks, and field equipment		1,446,000		984,000
		13,655,000		12,088,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(9,144,000)		(8,404,000)
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	4,511,000	$	3,684,000

Included in accumulated depreciation and amortization is $745,000 and $259,000 of amortization expense related to equipment held under capital leases in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively.

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

8. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016:


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Accrued bonuses	$	2,090,000	$	922,000
Accrued interest		1,000		4,000
Paid leave bank		2,129,000		1,710,000
Compensation and payroll taxes		2,006,000		1,494,000
Accrued legal		177,000		523,000
Accrued workers’ compensation insurance		81,000		268,000
Accrued rent		166,000		169,000
Employee withholdings		1,337,000		942,000
Client deposits		139,000		106,000
Unvouchered accounts payable		8,100,000		3,061,000
Other		2,823,000		1,135,000
Total accrued liabilities	$	19,049,000	$	10,334,000

EQUITY PLANS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

EQUITY PLANS

EQUITY PLANS

9. EQUITY PLANS

As of December 30, 2016, the Company had two share‑based compensation plans, which are described below. The Company may no longer grant awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The compensation expense that has been recognized for stock options issued under these plans was $1,239,000, $777,000 and $258,000 for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

In June 2006, the Company’s board of directors adopted the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) and it received stockholder approval. The Company re‑submitted the 2006 Plan to its stockholders for post‑IPO approval at the 2007 annual meeting of the stockholders and it was approved. The 2006 Plan terminated in June 2016 and no additional awards were granted under the 2006 Plan after the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Plan (as defined below) in June 2008. The 2006 Plan had 300,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance to the Company’s directors, executives, officers, employees, consultants and advisors. Approximately 70,333 shares that were available for award grant purposes under the 2006 Plan have become available for grant under the 2008 Plan following shareholder approval of the 2008 Plan. Options granted under the 2006 Plan could be “non‑statutory stock options” which expire no more than ten years from the date of grant or “incentive stock options” as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Upon exercise of non‑statutory stock options, the Company is generally entitled to a tax deduction on the exercise of the option for an amount equal to the excess over the exercise price of the fair market value of the shares at the date of exercise. The Company is generally not entitled to any tax deduction on the exercise of an incentive stock option. As of December 30, 2016, options granted, net of forfeitures and expirations, under the 2006 Plan consisted of 148,000 shares and 4,000 shares for incentive stock options and non‑statutory stock options, respectively.

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2008 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN

In March 2008, the Company’s board of directors adopted the 2008 Performance Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”), and it received stockholder approval at the 2008 annual meeting of the stockholders in June 2008. The 2008 Plan will currently terminate on March 8, 2026. The 2008 Plan initially had 450,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance (not counting any shares originally available under the 2006 Plan that “poured over.”) At the 2010, 2012 and 2016 annual meetings of the stockholders, the stockholders approved 350,000, 500,000 and 500,000 share increases, respectively, to the 2008 Plan. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued or transferred pursuant to awards under the 2008 Plan can also be increased by any shares subject to stock options granted under the 2006 Plan and outstanding as of June 9, 2008 which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after June 9, 2008 without being exercised. The 2008 Plan currently has 218,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance. Awards authorized by the 2008 Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock bonuses, stock units, performance stock, and other share‑based awards. The maximum number of shares that may be delivered pursuant to “full value” awards, other than stock options and stock appreciation rights, is 1,250,000 shares of common stock. No participant may be granted an option to purchase more than 200,000 shares in any fiscal year. Options generally may not be granted with exercise prices less than fair market value at the date of grant, with vesting provisions and contractual terms determined by the compensation committee of the board of directors on a grant-by-grant basis. Options granted under the 2008 Plan may be “nonqualified stock options” or “incentive stock options” as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The maximum term of each option shall be 10 years. Upon exercise of nonqualified stock options, the Company is generally entitled to a tax deduction on the exercise of the option for an amount equal to the excess over the exercise price of the fair market value of the shares at the date of exercise. The Company is generally not entitled to any tax deduction on the exercise of an incentive stock option. For awards other than stock options, the Company is generally entitled to a tax deduction at the time the award holder recognizes income with respect to the award equal to the amount of compensation income recognized by the award holder. Option and other awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the 2008 Plan) and the outstanding awards are not substituted or assumed in connection with the transaction. Through December 30, 2016, awards granted, net of forfeitures and exercises, under the 2008 Plan consisted of 575,000 shares, 567,000 shares and 38,000 shares for incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and restricted stock grants, respectively.

The fair value of each option is calculated using the Black‑Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based upon historical volatility of “guideline companies” since the length of time the Company’s shares have been publicly traded is shorter than the expected or contractual term of the options. The expected term of the option, taking into account both the contractual term of the option and the effects of employees’ expected exercise and expected post‑vesting termination behavior is estimated based upon the simplified method. Under this approach, the expected term is presumed to be the mid‑point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term. The risk‑free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The assumptions are as follows:


	2016					2015					2014
Expected volatility	39	%	-	41	%	38	%	-	42	%	38	%	-	40	%
Expected dividends				0	%				0	%				0	%
Expected term (in years)				6					6					6
Risk-free rate	1.2	%	-	1.84	%	1.33	%	-	1.75	%	1.63	%	-	1.73	%

The Company’s restricted stock awards are valued on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and typically vest over a three-year period.

Summary of Stock Option Activity

A summary of option activity under the 2006 Plan and 2008 Plan as of December 30, 2016 and changes during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015 is presented below. The intrinsic value of the fully‑vested options is $10,773,000, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $22.59 on December 30, 2016.


				Weighted-
		Weighted-		Average
		Average		Remaining
		Exercise		Contractual
	Options	Price		Term (Years)
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	964,000	$	7.22	6.04
Granted	440,000		15.28	—
Exercised	(75,000)		4.41	—
Forfeited or expired	(18,000)		9.81	—
Outstanding at December 30, 2016	1,311,000	$	10.15	6.69
Vested at December 30, 2016	658,000	$	6.21	4.21
Exercisable at December 30, 2016	658,000	$	6.21	4.21


				Weighted-
		Weighted-		Average
		Average		Remaining
		Exercise		Contractual
	Options	Price		Term (Years)
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	926,000	$	5.84	6.44
Granted	165,000		12.33	—
Exercised	(103,000)		3.72	—
Forfeited or expired	(24,000)		3.94	—
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	964,000	$	7.22	6.04
Vested at January 1, 2016	624,000	$	5.24	4.53
Exercisable at January 1, 2016	624,000	$	5.24	4.53


				Weighted-
		Weighted-		Average
		Average		Remaining
		Exercise		Contractual
	Options	Price		Term (Years)
Outstanding at December 27, 2013	978,000	$	3.95	3.35
Granted	235,000		10.23	—
Exercised	(198,000)		2.24	—
Forfeited or expired	(89,000)		3	—
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	926,000	$	5.84	6.44
Vested at January 2, 2015	595,000	$	4.47	4.92
Exercisable at January 2, 2015	595,000	$	4.47	4.92

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options and changes in nonvested options during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, is presented below:


		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Options	Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2016	340,000	$	3.77
Granted	440,000		6.15
Vested	(109,000)		7.82
Forfeited	(18,000)		9.81
Nonvested at December 30, 2016	653,000		4.75


		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Options	Fair Value
Nonvested at January 2, 2015	331,000	$	3.37
Granted	165,000		4.92
Vested	(132,000)		3.67
Forfeited	(24,000)		3.94
Nonvested at January 1, 2016	340,000		3.77


		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Options	Fair Value
Nonvested at December 27, 2013	207,000	$	3.55
Granted	235,000		4.15
Vested	(108,000)		3.41
Forfeited	(3,000)		3.85
Nonvested at January 2, 2015	331,000		3.37

Summary of Restricted Stock Activity

A summary of restricted stock activity under the 2008 Plan as of December 30, 2016 and changes during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, is presented below. The intrinsic value of the fully-vested restricted stock is $207,000 and $354,000, based on the Company’s average grant date price of $10.89 and $13.91 for fiscal years ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.


		Weighted-
		Average
	Restricted Stock	Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	38,000	$	11.66
Awarded	82,000		10.89
Vested	(21,000)		9.89
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at December 30, 2016	99,000	$	11.37

Outstanding at January 2, 2015	38,000	$	5.74
Awarded	25,000		13.91
Vested	(25,000)		5.05
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	38,000	$	11.66

Outstanding at December 27, 2013	25,000	$	2.96
Awarded	25,000		7.13
Vested	(12,000)		2.96
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	38,000	$	5.74

The total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was $3,101,000, $1,280,000 and $422,000 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock grants was $874,000, $322,000 and $142,000 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, respectively. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.39 years. There were no options granted that were immediately vested during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015.

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2006 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

The Company adopted its Amended and Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to allow eligible employees the right to purchase shares of common stock, at semi‑annual intervals, with their accumulated payroll deductions. The plan received stockholder approval in June 2006. The Company re‑submitted the plan to its stockholders for post‑IPO approval at the 2007 annual stockholders’ meeting where approval was obtained. A total of 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the plan, with no more than 100,000 shares being issuable in any one calendar year.

The plan has semi‑annual periods beginning on each January 1 and ending on each June 30 and beginning on each July 1 and ending on each December 31. The first offering period commenced on February 10, 2007 and ended on June 30, 2007. Participants make contributions under the plan only by means of payroll deductions each payroll period. The accumulated contributions are applied to the purchase of shares. Shares are purchased under the plan on or as soon as practicable after, the last day of the offering period. The purchase price per share equals 85% of the fair market value of a share on the lesser price of the share on the first day or last day of the offering period.

The Company’s Amended and Restated 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a non‑compensatory plan. As a result, stock‑based compensation expense is not recognized in relation to this plan. As of December 30, 2016, there were 42,716 shares available for issuance under the plan.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References + Details

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

10. DEBT OBLIGATIONS

Debt obligations, excluding obligations under capital leases (note 11), consist of the following:


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Outstanding borrowings on delayed draw term loan	$	1,500,000	$	1,850,000
Notes payable for 360 Energy Engineers, LLC, bearing interest at 4%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $88,752 through November 2017.		1,031,000		2,033,000
Notes payable for Abacus, bearing interest at 4%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $54,281 through January 2017.		54,000		690,000
Notes payable for insurance, bearing interest at 2.773%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $55,868 through October 2016.		599,000		551,000
Notes payable for Genesys, bearing interest at .650%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $191,667 through March 2018.		2,862,000		—
		6,046,000		5,124,000
Less current portion		3,972,000		4,039,000
Debt obligations, less current portion	$	2,074,000	$	1,085,000

The following table summarizes the combined principal installments for the Company’s debt obligations, excluding capital leases, over the next five years and beyond, as of December 30, 2016:


Fiscal Year:
2017	$	3,972,000
2018		574,000
2019		—
2020		1,500,000
	$	6,046,000

To finance the acquisitions of Abacus and substantially all of the assets of 360 Energy, the Company borrowed $2.0 million under its delayed draw term loan facility pursuant to the BMO Credit Agreement described below. The term loan bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 2.25% and 2.75%, set at the LIBOR rate plus 2.50% as of December 30, 2016, and matures on March 24, 2017. Interest on the term loan is payable quarterly, beginning April 13, 2015. Principal on the term loan was payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December in each year. All of the remaining outstanding principal amount is due on March 24, 2017. The term loan is governed by the terms of the BMO Credit Agreement.

On January 15, 2015, in connection with the completion of the acquisition of Abacus, WES issued promissory notes to Mark Kinzer (the “Kinzer Note”) and Steve Rubbert (the “Rubbert Note” and, together with the Kinzer Note, the “Abacus Notes”). The initial outstanding principal amounts of the Kinzer Note and the Rubbert Note were $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Abacus Notes provide for a fixed interest rate of 4% per annum. The Abacus Notes are fully amortizing and payable in equal monthly installments between January 15, 2015 and their January 15, 2017 maturity date. The Abacus Notes contain events of default provisions customary for documents of this nature. Mr. Kinzer and Mr. Rubbert have entered into a Subordination Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2015, in favor of BMO, pursuant to which any indebtedness under the Abacus Notes is subordinated to any indebtedness under the BMO Credit Agreement. From issuance through December 30, 2016, the Company had made payments of approximately $0.6 million on each of the Abacus Notes and as of December 30, 2016, the outstanding balance was $27,000 on each of the Abacus Notes.

On January 15, 2015, in connection with the completion of the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of 360 Energy, WES issued a promissory note to 360 Energy (the “360 Energy Note”). The initial outstanding principal amount of the 360 Energy Note was $3.0 million. The 360 Energy Note provides for a fixed interest rate of 4% per annum. The 360 Energy Note is fully amortizing and payable in equal monthly installments between January 15, 2015 and its December 31, 2017 maturity date. The 360 Energy Note contains events of default provisions customary for documents of this nature. 360 Energy has entered into a Subordination Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2015, in favor of BMO Harris, pursuant to which any indebtedness under the 360 Energy Note is subordinated to any indebtedness under the BMO Credit Agreement. From issuance through December 30, 2016, the Company had made payments of approximately $2.0 million on the 360 Energy Note and the outstanding balance was $1.0 million as of December 30, 2016.

BMO Credit Facility. On March 24, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a credit agreement (as amended, the “BMO Credit Agreement”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO”), that provides for a revolving line of credit of up to $7.5 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation, and a delayed draw term loan facility of up to $3.0 million. The $7.5 million revolving credit facility includes a $5.0 million standby letter of credit sub-facility. As of December 30, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit, approximately $1.0 million in letters of credit were issued under the standby letter of credit sub-facility and approximately $1.5 million in loans were outstanding under the term loan facility. After considering the BMO Credit Agreement’s borrowing base calculation and debt covenants (each as described below), $6.5 million under the revolving line of credit and $1.5 million under the delayed draw term loan facility were available for borrowing. We refinanced this BMO Credit Agreement in January 2017 and entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with BMO. See Note 16 “—Subsequent Events.”

The term loan bears interest, at the Company’s option, at (a) the base rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.25% and 1.75%, or (b) the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 2.25% and 2.75%. Borrowings under the revolving line of credit bear interest, at the Company’s option, at (a) the base rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 0.75% and 1.25%, or (b) the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.75% and 2.25%. The applicable margin is determined based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. Interest on the term loan is payable quarterly, beginning April 13, 2015 and was 3.5% as of December 30, 2016. Principal on the term loan is payable on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in each year, with the amount of each such principal installment equal to: (i) $75,000 on the last day of March, June, September and December 2016, and (ii) all of the remaining outstanding principal amount on March 24, 2017. The term loan is governed by the terms of the BMO Credit Agreement.

All borrowings under the revolving line of credit are limited to a borrowing base equal to roughly 75% of the eligible accounts receivable plus 50% of the lower of cost or market value of the Company’s eligible inventory, each term as defined in the BMO Credit Agreement. Under the BMO Credit Agreement, as of December 30, 2016, no cash amounts are restricted. The revolving line of credit matures on March 24, 2017 and term loans can be requested at any time prior to February 22, 2017, which would mature March 24, 2017.

Borrowings under the term loan facility and the revolving line of credit are guaranteed by all of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) and secured by all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ accounts receivable and other rights to payment, general intangibles, inventory and equipment. Pursuant to the BMO Credit Agreement, the Company also must pay a fee of up to 0.3% on unused commitments and customary fees on any letters of credit drawn under the facility.

The BMO Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative covenants, including financial covenants that require the Company to maintain (i) a maximum total leverage ratio, measured as total funded debt (measured as the sum of all obligations for borrowed money, including subordinated debt, plus all capital lease obligations) plus capital leases plus financial letters of credit divided by a trailing twelve month EBITDA (as defined in the BMO Credit Agreement) measured on a rolling basis of not more than 2.25 for the first four fiscal quarters after January 2015, and not more than 2.0 thereafter; (ii) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (measured as the sum of EBITDA plus rent expense less unfinanced capital expenditures divided by the sum of rent expense plus principal payments plus cash taxes plus cash interest plus restricted payments plus distributions) of not less than 1.25; and (iii) a minimum tangible net worth of at least the sum of (a) the Company’s tangible net worth as of December 31, 2015, plus (b) 50% of net income (only if positive) for each fiscal quarter ending after February 29, 2016, plus (c) the aggregate proceeds received by the Company from the issuance or sale of equity interests in the Company after February 29, 2016, minus (d) the aggregate dollar amount of stock repurchases after February 29, 2016, plus or minus, as applicable, (e) 80% of any adjustments to tangible net worth of the Company arising as a result of certain acquisitions identified to BMO.

The BMO Credit Agreement also includes customary negative covenants, including (i) restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness by the Company or the Guarantors other than indebtedness existing on the date of the BMO Credit Agreement, (ii) restrictions on the total consideration for all permitted acquisitions (including potential future earn-out obligations) shall not exceed $1.5 million during the term of the agreement and the total consideration for any individual permitted acquisition shall not exceed $750,000 without BMO’s consent, and (iii) limitations on asset sales, mergers and acquisitions. In addition, the credit agreement includes customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the interest rate may be increased by 2.0%, BMO has the option to make any loans then outstanding under the BMO Credit Agreement immediately due and payable, and BMO is no longer obligated to extend further credit to us under the BMO Credit Agreement. As of December 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the BMO Credit Agreement.

Insurance Premiums. The Company has also financed, from time to time, insurance premiums by entering into unsecured notes payable with insurance companies. During the Company’s annual insurance renewals in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ended December 30, 2016, the Company elected to finance its insurance premiums for the upcoming fiscal year. The unpaid balance of the financed premiums totaled $599,000 and $551,000 for fiscal years ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.

COMMITMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

COMMITMENTS

COMMITMENTS

11. COMMITMENTS

Leases

The Company is obligated under capital leases for certain furniture and office equipment that expire at various dates through 2019.

The Company also leases certain office facilities under non‑cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2023.

Future minimum rental payments under capital and non‑cancelable operating leases are summarized as follows:


	Capital		Operating
Fiscal year:
2017	$	340,000		2,735,000
2018		189,000		2,146,000
2019		22,000		1,423,000
2020		—		720,000
2021		—		651,000
2022		—		579,000
2023		—		90,000
Total future minimum lease payments		551,000	$	8,344,000
Amount representing interest (at rates ranging from 3.25% to 3.75%)		(7,000)
Present value of net minimum lease payments under capital leases		544,000
Less current portion		334,000
	$	210,000

During the fiscal year ended January 2, 2015, the Company moved certain offices to new locations and closed certain virtual offices. As a result of the office closures and relocations, the Company recorded lease abandonment expense, net, of $9,000. This expense includes future rental obligations and other costs associated with the leased space net of the fair value of subleases.

Rent expense and related charges for common area maintenance for all facility operating leases for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $3,215,000, $2,842,000 and $3,004,000, respectively.

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has a qualified profit sharing plan pursuant to Code Section 401(a) and qualified cash or deferred arrangement pursuant to Code Section 401(k) covering substantially all employees. Employees may elect to contribute up to 50% of their compensation limited to the amount allowed by tax laws. Company contributions are made solely at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. The Company made matching contributions of approximately $900,000, $777,000 and $624,000 during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Company has a discretionary bonus plan for regional managers, division managers and others as determined by the chief executive officer or Company president. Bonuses are awarded if certain financial goals are achieved. The financial goals are not stated in the plan; rather they are judgmentally determined each year. In addition, the board of directors may declare discretionary bonuses to key employees and all employees are eligible for additional “on the spot” awards for outstanding performance. The Company’s compensation committee of the board of directors determines the compensation of the president and chief executive officer. Bonus expense for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled approximately $2,709,000, $1,268,000 and $1,500,000, respectively, of which approximately $2,090,000 and $922,000 is included in accrued liabilities at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.

Post employment health benefits

In May 2006, the Company’s board of directors approved providing lifetime health insurance coverage for Win Westfall, the Company’s former chief executive officer and current director, and his spouse and for Linda Heil, the widow of the Company’s former chief executive officer, Dan Heil. These benefits relate to past services provided to the Company. Accordingly, there is no unamortized compensation cost for the benefits.

Included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets related to this obligation is the present value of expected payments for health insurance coverage, $110,000 as of December 30, 2016 and $126,000 as of January 1, 2016.

INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

12. INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of:


	Fiscal Year
	2016		2015		2014
Current federal taxes	$	1,441,000	$	983,000	$	274,000
Current state taxes		402,000		340,000		164,000
Deferred federal taxes (benefit)		900,000		1,295,000		(782,000)
Deferred state taxes (benefit)		325,000		464,000		(646,000)
	$	3,068,000	$	3,082,000	$	(990,000)

The provision (benefit) for income taxes reconciles to the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate of 34% to the Company’s income before income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:


	2016		2015		2014
Computed “expected” federal income tax expense	$	3,865,000	$	2,496,000	$	2,864,000
Permanent differences		86,000		90,000		139,000
Stock options and disqualifying dispositions		(232,000)		205,000		—
Energy efficient building deduction		(912,000)		(281,000)		—
Current and deferred state income tax expense, net of federal benefit		481,000		482,000		586,000
Change in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets		(1,000)		73,000		(4,576,000)
Other		(219,000)		17,000		(3,000)
	$	3,068,000	$	3,082,000	$	(990,000)

Differences between the Company’s effective income tax rate and what would be expected if the federal statutory rate was applied to income before income tax from continuing operations are primarily due to permanent tax adjustments such as energy efficient building deduction, current and deferred state income tax expenses, and stock options and disqualifying dispositions.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$	316,000	$	303,000
Other accrued liabilities		2,450,000		1,618,000
Federal and state net operating losses		109,000		156,000
Intangible assets		3,268,000		3,891,000
Other		671,000		224,000
		6,814,000		6,192,000
Valuation allowance		(72,000)		(73,000)
Net deferred tax assets		6,742,000		6,119,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred revenue		(7,637,000)		(5,510,000)
Fixed assets		(632,000)		(696,000)
Other		(315,000)		(244,000)
		(8,584,000)		(6,450,000)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(1,842,000)	$	(331,000)

At December 30, 2016, the Company had state operating loss carryovers of $2.0 million. The carryovers expire through 2035.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amendments in this update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The Company has adopted ASU 2015-17 on January 1, 2016 and retrospectively applied ASU 2015-17 to all periods presented.

Management believes that there are no material uncertain tax positions that would impact the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015, there were no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company may be subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for calendar years 2013 through 2016. The Company may also be subject to examination on certain state and local jurisdictions for the years 2012 through 2016. The Company is currently under examination by the state of New York for the years 2012 through 2014. The Company is unable to determine the outcome at this time.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

13. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has four reporting segments: Energy Efficiency Services, Engineering Services, Public Finance Services and Homeland Security Services. The Engineering Services segment consists of Willdan Engineering and Public Agency Resources. The Energy Efficiency Services segment, which consists of Willdan Energy Solutions, provides energy efficiency consulting services to utilities, state agencies, municipalities, private industry and non-profit organizations. The Engineering Services segment offers a broad range of engineering and planning services to the Company’s public and private sector clients. The Public Finance Services segment, which consists of Willdan Financial Services, provides expertise and support for the various financing techniques employed by public agencies to finance their operations and infrastructure along with the mandated reporting and other requirements associated with these financings. The Homeland Security Services segment, which consists of Willdan Homeland Solutions, provides national preparedness, homeland security consulting, public safety and emergency response services to cities, related municipal service agencies and other entities.

The accounting policies applied to determine the segment information are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. There were no intersegment sales in any of the three fiscal years ended December 30, 2016. Management evaluates the performance of each segment based upon income or loss from operations before income taxes. Certain segment asset information including expenditures for long‑lived assets has not been presented as it is not reported to or reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. In addition, enterprise‑wide service line contract revenue is not included as it is impracticable to report this information for each group of similar services.

Financial information with respect to the reportable segments and reconciliation to the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements follows:


	Energy				Public		Homeland
	Efficiency		Engineering		Finance		Security		Unallocated				Consolidated
	Services		Services		Services		Services		Corporate		Intersegment		Total

Fiscal Year 2016
Contract revenue	$	141,888,000	$	52,292,000	$	12,386,000	$	2,375,000	$	—	$	—	$	208,941,000
Depreciation and amortization		2,511,000		466,000		187,000		40,000		—		—		3,204,000
Interest (expense) income		(163,000)		(12,000)		(3,000)		(1,000)		—		—		(179,000)
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense		5,895,000		6,319,000		520,000		48,000		(1,415,000)		—		11,367,000
Income tax (benefit) expense		1,591,000		1,706,000		140,000		13,000		(382,000)		—		3,068,000
Net income (loss)		4,304,000		4,614,000		379,000		35,000		(1,033,000)		—		8,299,000
Segment assets(1)		63,140,000		12,962,000		6,549,000		589,000		48,237,000		(23,130,000)		108,347,000
Fiscal Year 2015
Contract revenue	$	74,123,000	$	45,997,000	$	11,857,000	$	3,126,000	$	—	$	—	$	135,103,000
Depreciation and amortization		1,525,000		359,000		159,000		29,000		—		—		2,072,000
Interest (expense) income		(194,000)		(10,000)		(2,000)		(1,000)		—		—		(207,000)
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense		2,499,000		4,666,000		1,148,000		418,000		(1,390,000)		—		7,341,000
Income tax (benefit) expense		1,049,000		1,959,000		482,000		176,000		(584,000)		—		3,082,000
Net income (loss)		1,450,000		2,707,000		666,000		242,000		(806,000)		—		4,259,000
Segment assets(1)		34,686,000		13,641,000		5,377,000		894,000		40,877,000		(23,130,000)		72,345,000
Fiscal Year 2014
Contract revenue	$	52,941,000	$	40,783,000	$	10,630,000	$	3,726,000	$	—	$	—	$	108,080,000
Depreciation and amortization		212,000		191,000		39,000		18,000		—				459,000
Interest (expense) income		(33,000)		17,000		2,000		(2,000)		—				(16,000)
Segment profit before income tax expense		4,814,000		4,008,000		661,000		443,000		(1,500,000)		—		8,426,000
Income tax expense (benefit)		(599,000)		(454,000)		(64,000)		(49,000)		176,000		—		(990,000)
Net income		5,413,000		4,462,000		725,000		492,000		(1,676,000)		—		9,416,000
Segment assets(1)		11,769,000		11,166,000		3,944,000		708,000		44,873,000		(23,130,000)		49,330,000

(1)

Segment assets are presented net of intercompany receivables.

The following sets forth the assets that are included in Unallocated Corporate as of December 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 2, 2015.


	2016		2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22,660,000	$	14,385,000
Accounts Receivable, net		(590,000)		—
Prepaid expenses		1,017,000		758,000
Intercompany receivables		112,837,000		82,845,000
Goodwill		(3,000)		—
Other receivables		55,000		49,000
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net		1,869,000		2,231,000
Investments in subsidiaries		23,130,000		23,130,000
Other		99,000		53,000
	$	161,074,000	$	123,451,000

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
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+ Details

CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
CONTINGENCIES	Dec. 30, 2016
CONTINGENCIES
CONTINGENCIES	14. CONTINGENCIES Claims and Lawsuits The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits from time to time, including those alleging professional errors or omissions that arise in the ordinary course of business against firms, like the Company, that operate in the engineering and consulting professions. The Company carries professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, for such claims as they arise and may from time to time establish reserves for litigation that is considered probable of a loss. In accordance with accounting standards regarding loss contingencies, the Company accrues an undiscounted liability for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, and discloses the amount accrued and an estimate of any reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for the Company’s financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. Because litigation outcomes are inherently unpredictable, the Company’s evaluation of legal proceedings often involves a series of complex assessments by management about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. If the assessments indicate that loss contingencies that could be material to any one of the Company’s financial statements are not probable, but are reasonably possible, or are probable, but cannot be estimated, then the Company will disclose the nature of the loss contingencies, together with an estimate of the possible loss or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. While the consequences of certain unresolved proceedings are not presently determinable, and a reasonable estimate of the probable and reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts accrued for such proceedings cannot be made, an adverse outcome from such proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings in any given reporting period. However, in the opinion of the Company’s management, after consulting with legal counsel, and taking into account insurance coverage, the ultimate liability related to current outstanding claims and lawsuits is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements. City of Glendale v. Willdan Financial Services, Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County A complaint was filed against the Company on July 16, 2014 relating to a project performed by Willdan Financial Services to prepare a Cost of Services Analysis (a “COSA”) for the Department of Water and Power of the City of Glendale, California (the “City of Glendale”). The purpose of the COSA was to assist the City of Glendale in setting water rates for property owners. The lawsuit alleges that the City of Glendale suffered damages due to mistakes in the COSA, as follows: the City of Glendale received less revenue than anticipated in an amount exceeding $9,000,000; the City of Glendale was required to retain another consultant to prepare a new COSA at the cost of $130,000; and the City of Glendale incurred costs associated with noticing and conducting public hearings at a cost of $83,052. The City of Glendale is seeking monetary damages. The Company denies the allegations asserted in the lawsuit and will vigorously defend against the claims. Additionally, this matter is covered under the Company’s professional liability insurance policy.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016.


	Fiscal Three Months Ended
	April 1,		July 1,		September 30,		December 30,
	2016		2016		2016		2016
	(in thousands except per share amounts)
Contract revenue	$	33,915	$	58,941	$	58,660	$	57,425
Income from operations		1,838		3,964		3,053		2,689
Income tax expense		711		731		548		1,078
Net income		1,078		3,190		2,462		1,569
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.13	$	0.39	$	0.30	$	0.19
Diluted	$	0.13	$	0.37	$	0.28	$	0.18
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,996		8,207		8,308		8,334
Diluted		8,244		8,530		8,720		8,959


	Fiscal Three Months Ended
	April 3,		July 3,		October 2,		January 1,
	2015		2015		2015		2016
	(in thousands except per share amounts)
Contract revenue	$	33,297	$	36,773	$	33,511	$	31,522
Income from operations		2,629		2,804		1,641		456
Income tax expense (benefit)		1,138		1,108		626		210
Net income		1,495		1,602		782		380
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.19	$	0.20	$	0.10	$	0.05
Diluted	$	0.18	$	0.20	$	0.10	$	0.05
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,765		7,824		7,862		7,888
Diluted		8,103		8,136		8,102		8,132

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	Dec. 30, 2016
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Refinancing of Credit Facility. On January 20, 2017, Willdan Group, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO”), as lender. The Credit Agreement amends and extends the Company’s prior credit agreement with BMO, which was set to mature on March 24, 2017. The Credit Agreement provides for a $35.0 million revolving line of credit, including a $10.0 million standby letter of credit sub-facility, and matures on January 20, 2020. Subject to satisfying certain conditions described in the Credit Agreement, the Company may request that BMO increase the aggregate amount under the revolving line of credit by up to $25.0 million, for a total facility size of $60.0 million; however, BMO is not obligated to do so. Unlike the prior credit agreement with BMO, the revolving line of credit is no longer subject to a borrowing base limitation and the Credit Agreement no longer includes a delayed draw term loan facility. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to either, at the Company’s option, (i) the highest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1% (the “Base Rate”) or (ii) LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% with respect to Base Rate borrowings and 1.25% to 2.00% with respect to LIBOR borrowings. The applicable margin will be based upon the consolidated leverage ratio of the Company. The Company will also be required to pay a commitment fee for the unused portion of the revolving line of credit, which will range from 0.20% to 0.35% per annum, and fees on any letters of credit drawn under the facility, which will range from 0.94% to 1.50%, in each case, depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Borrowings under the revolving line of credit are guaranteed by all of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ assets. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative covenants, including certain notice and financial reporting requirements. The Credit Agreement also requires compliance with financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The Credit Agreement includes customary negative covenants, including (i) restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness by the Company or the Guarantors and the incurrence of additional liens on property, (ii) restrictions on permitted acquisitions, including that the total consideration payable for all permitted acquisitions (including potential future earn-out obligations) shall not exceed $20.0 million during the term of the Credit Agreement and the total consideration for any individual permitted acquisition shall not exceed $10.0 million without BMO’s consent, and (iii) limitations on asset sales, mergers and acquisitions. Further, the Credit Agreement limits the payment of future dividends and distributions and share repurchases by the Company; however, the Company is permitted to repurchase up to $8.0 million of shares of common stock under certain conditions, including that, at the time of any such repurchase, (a) the Company is able to meet the financial covenant requirements under the Credit Agreement after giving effect to the share repurchase, (b) the Company has at least $5.0 million of liquidity (unrestricted cash or undrawn availability under the revolving line of credit), and (c) no default exists or would arise under the Credit Agreement after giving effect to such repurchase. In addition, the Credit Agreement includes customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the interest rate will be increased by 2.0%, BMO has the option to make any loans then outstanding under the Credit Agreement immediately due and payable, and BMO is no longer obligated to extend further credit to the Company under the Credit Agreement.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

Fiscal Years

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Liquid Investments

All highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following:


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
BMO Harris Bank Master Control Operating Account	$	22,658,000	$	16,438,000
Cash on hand in business checking accounts		10,000		49,000
	$	22,668,000	$	16,487,000

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Segment Information

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Off‑Balance Sheet Arrangements

Contract Accounting


	Types of Contract
Segment	(Revenue Recognition Method)
Energy Efficiency Services	Time-and-materials, unit-based and fixed price (percentage-of-completion method)
Engineering Services	Time-and-materials, unit-based and fixed price (percentage-of-completion method)
Public Finance Services	Service-related contracts (proportional performance method)
Homeland Security Services	Service-related contracts (proportional performance method)

General and Administrative Expenses

Leases

Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Following are the estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation and amortization:


Category	Estimated Useful Life
Furniture and fixtures	5	years
Computer hardware	2	years
Computer software	3	years
Automobiles and trucks	3	years
Field equipment	5	years

Long-lived assets

Goodwill

Accounting for Claims Against the Company

Stock Options

Business Combinations

Income Taxes

Operating Cycle

In accordance with industry practice, amounts realizable and payable under contracts that extend beyond one year are included in current assets and liabilities.

Use of Estimates

New Accounting Pronouncements

Technical Corrections and Improvements

Statement of Cash Flows

Revenue Recognition

Consolidations

Stock Compensation

Debt Issuance

Business Combinations

Leases

Proposed Accounting Standards

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Schedule of cash and cash equivalents


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
BMO Harris Bank Master Control Operating Account	$	22,658,000	$	16,438,000
Cash on hand in business checking accounts		10,000		49,000
	$	22,668,000	$	16,487,000

Schedule of contracts by reportable segment and type of contract


	Types of Contract
Segment	(Revenue Recognition Method)
Energy Efficiency Services	Time-and-materials, unit-based and fixed price (percentage-of-completion method)
Engineering Services	Time-and-materials, unit-based and fixed price (percentage-of-completion method)
Public Finance Services	Service-related contracts (proportional performance method)
Homeland Security Services	Service-related contracts (proportional performance method)

Schedule of the estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation and amortization


Category	Estimated Useful Life
Furniture and fixtures	5	years
Computer hardware	2	years
Computer software	3	years
Automobiles and trucks	3	years
Field equipment	5	years

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

Schedule of consideration for the acquisitions



	360 Energy		Abacus		Economists, LLC		Total

Cash paid	$	4,875,000	$	3,136,000	$	490,000	$	8,501,000
Issuance of common stock		571,000		913,000		—		1,484,000
Issuance of notes payable		3,000,000		1,250,000		—		4,250,000
Contingent consideration		4,221,000		589,000		368,000		5,178,000
Total consideration	$	12,667,000	$	5,888,000	$	858,000	$	19,413,000

Schedule of preliminary amounts for the acquired assets recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date


	360 Energy		Abacus		Economists, LLC		Total

Cash acquired	$	—	$	332,000	$	—	$	332,000
Property, plant and equipment		166,000		78,000		—		244,000
Liabilities		—		(512,000)		—		(512,000)
License to bid		—		308,000		—		308,000
Backlog		158,000		161,000		29,000		348,000
Tradename		669,000		323,000		57,000		1,049,000
Non-compete agreements		860,000		128,000		23,000		1,011,000
Other assets, net		41,000		495,000		—		536,000
Goodwill		10,773,000		4,575,000		749,000		16,097,000
Net assets acquired	$	12,667,000	$	5,888,000	$	858,000	$	19,413,000

Genesys

Schedule of consideration for the acquisitions


	Genesys
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$	8,857,000
Other receivable for working capital adjustment		(604,000)
Issuance of common stock		2,228,000
Deferred purchase price, payable in 24 monthly installments		4,569,000
Total consideration	$	15,050,000

Schedule of preliminary amounts for the acquired assets recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date


	Genesys
Current assets	$	14,952,000
Non-current assets		36,000
Cash		101,000
Property, plant and equipment		117,000
Liabilities		(12,643,000)
Customer relationships		3,260,000
Backlog		1,050,000
Tradename		1,690,000
Non-compete agreements		320,000
Goodwill		6,167,000
Net assets acquired	$	15,050,000

Schedule of unaudited pro forma financial information

wear
	Year Ended
	December 30,		January 1,
In thousands (except per share data)	2016		2016
Pro forma revenue	$	222,914	$	167,479

Pro forma income from operations		12,504		7,755
Pro forma net income	$	8,907	$	4,498

Abacus and 360 Energy

Schedule of unaudited pro forma financial information


	Year Ended
	January 1,		January 2,
In thousands (except per share data)	2016		2015
Pro forma revenue	$	135,576	$	130,181

Pro forma income from operations		8,204		12,162
Pro forma net income	$	4,759	$	12,162

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.61	$	1.62
Diluted	$	0.59	$	1.57

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,834		7,488
Diluted		8,113		7,739

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Schedule of changes in carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit


	January 1,						December 30,
	2016		Acquisitions		Adjustments		2016

Reporting Unit:
Energy Efficiency Services	$	15,348,000	$	6,167,000	$	(317,000)	$	21,198,000
Public Finance Services		749,000		—		—		749,000
	$	16,097,000	$	6,167,000	$	(317,000)	$	21,947,000

Schedule of gross amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives


	December 30, 2016				January 1, 2016
	Gross		Accumulated		Gross		Accumulated		Amortization
	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization		Period (yrs)
Backlog	$	1,398,000	$	639,000	$	348,000	$	340,000	5
Tradename		2,739,000		1,142,000		1,049,000		329,000	2.5 - 3.5
Non-compete agreements		1,331,000		463,000		1,011,000		194,000	4 - 5
License to bid		308,000		308,000		308,000		308,000	1
Customer relationships		3,260,000		543,000		—		—	5
	$	9,036,000	$	3,095,000	$	2,716,000	$	1,171,000

Schedule of estimated amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets


Fiscal year:
2017	$	2,120,000
2018		1,951,000
2019		1,087,000
2020		674,000
2021		109,000
	$	5,941,000

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Schedule of number of weighted-average shares used to compute basic and diluted EPS


	Fiscal Year

	2016		2015		2014
Net income	$	8,299,000	$	4,259,000	$	9,416,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding		8,219,000		7,834,000		7,488,000
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards		346,000		279,000		251,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted		8,565,000		8,113,000		7,739,000
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.01	$	0.54	$	1.26
Diluted	$	0.97	$	0.52	$	1.22

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Schedule of accounts receivable


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Billed	$	25,909,000	$	17,941,000
Unbilled (1)		18,988,000		13,840,000
Contract retentions		5,161,000		748,000
		50,058,000		32,529,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(785,000)		(760,000)
	$	49,273,000	$	31,769,000

(1)

Unbilled portion represents costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts which is presented separately from accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.

Schedule of the movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts


	Fiscal Year
	2016		2015		2014
Balance as of the beginning of the year	$	760,000	$	662,000	$	385,000
Provision for doubtful accounts		216,000		586,000		486,000
Write-offs of uncollectible accounts		(191,000)		(488,000)		(209,000)
Balance as of the end of the year	$	785,000	$	760,000	$	662,000

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Schedule of equipment and leasehold improvements


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Furniture and fixtures	$	2,353,000	$	2,270,000
Computer hardware and software		7,686,000		6,496,000
Leasehold improvements		1,094,000		1,072,000
Equipment under capital leases		1,076,000		1,266,000
Automobiles, trucks, and field equipment		1,446,000		984,000
		13,655,000		12,088,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(9,144,000)		(8,404,000)
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	4,511,000	$	3,684,000

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Schedule of accrued liabilities


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Accrued bonuses	$	2,090,000	$	922,000
Accrued interest		1,000		4,000
Paid leave bank		2,129,000		1,710,000
Compensation and payroll taxes		2,006,000		1,494,000
Accrued legal		177,000		523,000
Accrued workers’ compensation insurance		81,000		268,000
Accrued rent		166,000		169,000
Employee withholdings		1,337,000		942,000
Client deposits		139,000		106,000
Unvouchered accounts payable		8,100,000		3,061,000
Other		2,823,000		1,135,000
Total accrued liabilities	$	19,049,000	$	10,334,000

EQUITY PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

EQUITY PLANS

Schedule of assumptions


	2016					2015					2014
Expected volatility	39	%	-	41	%	38	%	-	42	%	38	%	-	40	%
Expected dividends				0	%				0	%				0	%
Expected term (in years)				6					6					6
Risk-free rate	1.2	%	-	1.84	%	1.33	%	-	1.75	%	1.63	%	-	1.73	%

Summary of option activity and changes during the period


				Weighted-
		Weighted-		Average
		Average		Remaining
		Exercise		Contractual
	Options	Price		Term (Years)
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	964,000	$	7.22	6.04
Granted	440,000		15.28	—
Exercised	(75,000)		4.41	—
Forfeited or expired	(18,000)		9.81	—
Outstanding at December 30, 2016	1,311,000	$	10.15	6.69
Vested at December 30, 2016	658,000	$	6.21	4.21
Exercisable at December 30, 2016	658,000	$	6.21	4.21


				Weighted-
		Weighted-		Average
		Average		Remaining
		Exercise		Contractual
	Options	Price		Term (Years)
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	926,000	$	5.84	6.44
Granted	165,000		12.33	—
Exercised	(103,000)		3.72	—
Forfeited or expired	(24,000)		3.94	—
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	964,000	$	7.22	6.04
Vested at January 1, 2016	624,000	$	5.24	4.53
Exercisable at January 1, 2016	624,000	$	5.24	4.53


				Weighted-
		Weighted-		Average
		Average		Remaining
		Exercise		Contractual
	Options	Price		Term (Years)
Outstanding at December 27, 2013	978,000	$	3.95	3.35
Granted	235,000		10.23	—
Exercised	(198,000)		2.24	—
Forfeited or expired	(89,000)		3	—
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	926,000	$	5.84	6.44
Vested at January 2, 2015	595,000	$	4.47	4.92
Exercisable at January 2, 2015	595,000	$	4.47	4.92

Summary of the status of the nonvested options and changes in nonvested options


		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Options	Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2016	340,000	$	3.77
Granted	440,000		6.15
Vested	(109,000)		7.82
Forfeited	(18,000)		9.81
Nonvested at December 30, 2016	653,000		4.75


		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Options	Fair Value
Nonvested at January 2, 2015	331,000	$	3.37
Granted	165,000		4.92
Vested	(132,000)		3.67
Forfeited	(24,000)		3.94
Nonvested at January 1, 2016	340,000		3.77


		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Options	Fair Value
Nonvested at December 27, 2013	207,000	$	3.55
Granted	235,000		4.15
Vested	(108,000)		3.41
Forfeited	(3,000)		3.85
Nonvested at January 2, 2015	331,000		3.37

Summary of restricted stock activity


		Weighted-
		Average
	Restricted Stock	Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	38,000	$	11.66
Awarded	82,000		10.89
Vested	(21,000)		9.89
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at December 30, 2016	99,000	$	11.37

Outstanding at January 2, 2015	38,000	$	5.74
Awarded	25,000		13.91
Vested	(25,000)		5.05
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at January 1, 2016	38,000	$	11.66

Outstanding at December 27, 2013	25,000	$	2.96
Awarded	25,000		7.13
Vested	(12,000)		2.96
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	38,000	$	5.74

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

Schedule of debt obligations, excluding obligations under capital leases


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Outstanding borrowings on delayed draw term loan	$	1,500,000	$	1,850,000
Notes payable for 360 Energy Engineers, LLC, bearing interest at 4%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $88,752 through November 2017.		1,031,000		2,033,000
Notes payable for Abacus, bearing interest at 4%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $54,281 through January 2017.		54,000		690,000
Notes payable for insurance, bearing interest at 2.773%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $55,868 through October 2016.		599,000		551,000
Notes payable for Genesys, bearing interest at .650%, payable in monthly principal and interest installments of $191,667 through March 2018.		2,862,000		—
		6,046,000		5,124,000
Less current portion		3,972,000		4,039,000
Debt obligations, less current portion	$	2,074,000	$	1,085,000

Schedule of principal installments for the Company’s debt obligations excluding capital leases

The following table summarizes the combined principal installments for the Company’s debt obligations, excluding capital leases, over the next five years and beyond, as of December 30, 2016:


Fiscal Year:
2017	$	3,972,000
2018		574,000
2019		—
2020		1,500,000
	$	6,046,000

COMMITMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

COMMITMENTS

Summary of future minimum rental payments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases


	Capital		Operating
Fiscal year:
2017	$	340,000		2,735,000
2018		189,000		2,146,000
2019		22,000		1,423,000
2020		—		720,000
2021		—		651,000
2022		—		579,000
2023		—		90,000
Total future minimum lease payments		551,000	$	8,344,000
Amount representing interest (at rates ranging from 3.25% to 3.75%)		(7,000)
Present value of net minimum lease payments under capital leases		544,000
Less current portion		334,000
	$	210,000

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

INCOME TAXES

Schedule of provision (benefit) for income taxes


	Fiscal Year
	2016		2015		2014
Current federal taxes	$	1,441,000	$	983,000	$	274,000
Current state taxes		402,000		340,000		164,000
Deferred federal taxes (benefit)		900,000		1,295,000		(782,000)
Deferred state taxes (benefit)		325,000		464,000		(646,000)
	$	3,068,000	$	3,082,000	$	(990,000)

Schedule of sources and tax effects of the differences


	2016		2015		2014
Computed “expected” federal income tax expense	$	3,865,000	$	2,496,000	$	2,864,000
Permanent differences		86,000		90,000		139,000
Stock options and disqualifying dispositions		(232,000)		205,000		—
Energy efficient building deduction		(912,000)		(281,000)		—
Current and deferred state income tax expense, net of federal benefit		481,000		482,000		586,000
Change in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets		(1,000)		73,000		(4,576,000)
Other		(219,000)		17,000		(3,000)
	$	3,068,000	$	3,082,000	$	(990,000)

Schedule of the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities


	December 30,		January 1,
	2016		2016
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$	316,000	$	303,000
Other accrued liabilities		2,450,000		1,618,000
Federal and state net operating losses		109,000		156,000
Intangible assets		3,268,000		3,891,000
Other		671,000		224,000
		6,814,000		6,192,000
Valuation allowance		(72,000)		(73,000)
Net deferred tax assets		6,742,000		6,119,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred revenue		(7,637,000)		(5,510,000)
Fixed assets		(632,000)		(696,000)
Other		(315,000)		(244,000)
		(8,584,000)		(6,450,000)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(1,842,000)	$	(331,000)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Schedule of financial information with respect to the reportable segments


	Energy				Public		Homeland
	Efficiency		Engineering		Finance		Security		Unallocated				Consolidated
	Services		Services		Services		Services		Corporate		Intersegment		Total

Fiscal Year 2016
Contract revenue	$	141,888,000	$	52,292,000	$	12,386,000	$	2,375,000	$	—	$	—	$	208,941,000
Depreciation and amortization		2,511,000		466,000		187,000		40,000		—		—		3,204,000
Interest (expense) income		(163,000)		(12,000)		(3,000)		(1,000)		—		—		(179,000)
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense		5,895,000		6,319,000		520,000		48,000		(1,415,000)		—		11,367,000
Income tax (benefit) expense		1,591,000		1,706,000		140,000		13,000		(382,000)		—		3,068,000
Net income (loss)		4,304,000		4,614,000		379,000		35,000		(1,033,000)		—		8,299,000
Segment assets(1)		63,140,000		12,962,000		6,549,000		589,000		48,237,000		(23,130,000)		108,347,000
Fiscal Year 2015
Contract revenue	$	74,123,000	$	45,997,000	$	11,857,000	$	3,126,000	$	—	$	—	$	135,103,000
Depreciation and amortization		1,525,000		359,000		159,000		29,000		—		—		2,072,000
Interest (expense) income		(194,000)		(10,000)		(2,000)		(1,000)		—		—		(207,000)
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense		2,499,000		4,666,000		1,148,000		418,000		(1,390,000)		—		7,341,000
Income tax (benefit) expense		1,049,000		1,959,000		482,000		176,000		(584,000)		—		3,082,000
Net income (loss)		1,450,000		2,707,000		666,000		242,000		(806,000)		—		4,259,000
Segment assets(1)		34,686,000		13,641,000		5,377,000		894,000		40,877,000		(23,130,000)		72,345,000
Fiscal Year 2014
Contract revenue	$	52,941,000	$	40,783,000	$	10,630,000	$	3,726,000	$	—	$	—	$	108,080,000
Depreciation and amortization		212,000		191,000		39,000		18,000		—				459,000
Interest (expense) income		(33,000)		17,000		2,000		(2,000)		—				(16,000)
Segment profit before income tax expense		4,814,000		4,008,000		661,000		443,000		(1,500,000)		—		8,426,000
Income tax expense (benefit)		(599,000)		(454,000)		(64,000)		(49,000)		176,000		—		(990,000)
Net income		5,413,000		4,462,000		725,000		492,000		(1,676,000)		—		9,416,000
Segment assets(1)		11,769,000		11,166,000		3,944,000		708,000		44,873,000		(23,130,000)		49,330,000

(1)

Segment assets are presented net of intercompany receivables.

Schedule of assets included in Unallocated Corporate


	2016		2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22,660,000	$	14,385,000
Accounts Receivable, net		(590,000)		—
Prepaid expenses		1,017,000		758,000
Intercompany receivables		112,837,000		82,845,000
Goodwill		(3,000)		—
Other receivables		55,000		49,000
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net		1,869,000		2,231,000
Investments in subsidiaries		23,130,000		23,130,000
Other		99,000		53,000
	$	161,074,000	$	123,451,000

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2016

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Schedule of selected quarterly information


	Fiscal Three Months Ended
	April 1,		July 1,		September 30,		December 30,
	2016		2016		2016		2016
	(in thousands except per share amounts)
Contract revenue	$	33,915	$	58,941	$	58,660	$	57,425
Income from operations		1,838		3,964		3,053		2,689
Income tax expense		711		731		548		1,078
Net income		1,078		3,190		2,462		1,569
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.13	$	0.39	$	0.30	$	0.19
Diluted	$	0.13	$	0.37	$	0.28	$	0.18
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,996		8,207		8,308		8,334
Diluted		8,244		8,530		8,720		8,959


	Fiscal Three Months Ended
	April 3,		July 3,		October 2,		January 1,
	2015		2015		2015		2016
	(in thousands except per share amounts)
Contract revenue	$	33,297	$	36,773	$	33,511	$	31,522
Income from operations		2,629		2,804		1,641		456
Income tax expense (benefit)		1,138		1,108		626		210
Net income		1,495		1,602		782		380
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.19	$	0.20	$	0.10	$	0.05
Diluted	$	0.18	$	0.20	$	0.10	$	0.05
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,765		7,824		7,862		7,888
Diluted		8,103		8,136		8,102		8,132

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Fiscal Years (Details) - entity	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of VIE		1
Length of fiscal period		364 days	364 days	371 days
Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Length of fiscal period	91 days	364 days
Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Length of fiscal period	98 days	371 days

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Liquid Investments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($) subsidiary segment	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2013 USD ($)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Liquid Investments
Cash and cash equivalents \| $	$ 22,668,000	$ 16,487,000	$ 18,173,000	$ 6,661,000
Segment Information
Number of wholly owned subsidiaries \| subsidiary	6
Number of subsidiaries aggregated as one reporting segment \| subsidiary	3
Number of reportable segments into which three of the six subsidiaries are aggregated \| segment	1
Number of subsidiaries each of which comprise separate reporting segments \| subsidiary	3
BMO Harris Bank Master Control Operating Account
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Liquid Investments
Cash and cash equivalents \| $	$ 22,658,000	16,438,000
Cash on hand in business checking accounts
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Liquid Investments
Cash and cash equivalents \| $	$ 10,000	$ 49,000

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accounting for Contracts (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($) segment	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2015 USD ($)
Accounting for Contracts
Number of reportable segments \| segment	4
Costs of contract revenue
Payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel	$ 31,084,000	$ 25,741,000	$ 21,394,000
Facilities costs	4,085,000	4,246,000	$ 4,371,000
Revenue of the entity recorded in which it acts solely in the capacity of an agent	0
Costs recorded for costs to the entity in which it acts solely in the capacity of an agent	0
Accounts receivable
Costs of contract revenue
Retained accounts receivable	5,200,000	748,000
Cost of Sales
Costs of contract revenue
Payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel	0	0
Facilities costs	$ 0	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Estimated Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016
Equipment \| Minimum
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	2 years
Equipment \| Maximum
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	5 years
Furniture and fixtures
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	5 years
Computer hardware
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	2 years
Computer software
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	3 years
Automobiles and trucks
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	3 years
Field equipment
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful life	5 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Income Taxes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015	Jan. 01, 2016
Income Taxes
Valuation reserve related to California net operating losses	$ 72,000		$ 73,000
Reversal of valuation allowance		$ 4,600,000
Early adoption effect \| ASU 2016-09
Income Taxes
Decrease to tax expense	$ 194,000

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details)				12 Months Ended
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details)	Jul. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 04, 2016 shares	Feb. 26, 2016 USD ($) installment $ / shares	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($) installment $ / shares	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares	Jan. 02, 2015 $ / shares
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Purchase price					$ 19,413,000
Cash paid at closing					$ 8,501,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares				$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Genesys
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Purchase price			$ 15,100,000	$ 15,050,000
Cash paid at closing	$ 2,900,000		$ 6,000,000
Receivable for working capital				$ 604,000
Common stock shares issued \| shares		255,808
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 0.01
Common stock value			$ 2,200,000
Cash payable in installments			$ 4,600,000
Number of monthly installments \| installment			24	24

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Acquisitions) (Details)						3 Months Ended								5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Acquisitions) (Details)	Jul. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 04, 2016 USD ($) shares	Feb. 26, 2016 USD ($) installment	Apr. 03, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2015 USD ($) shares	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2015 USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2015 USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2015 USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($) installment	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 02, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Fair values of intangible assets															$ 3,300,000	$ (317,000)
Decreased other receivables															300,000
Contingent consideration										$ 5,178,000							$ 5,178,000
Decrease in goodwill															$ 3,000,000
Consideration for acquisitions
Cash paid at closing																	8,501,000
Cash paid, net of cash acquired																8,857,000	8,168,000
Issuance of common stock																	1,484,000
Issuance of notes payable																	4,250,000
Contingent consideration										5,178,000							5,178,000
Deferred purchase price, payable in 24 monthly installments																	4,250,000
Short term contingent consideration reversal						$ 1,925,000				1,420,000						1,925,000	1,420,000
Total consideration																	19,413,000
Allocation of acquired assets
Cash acquired										332,000							332,000
Property, plant and equipment										244,000							244,000
Liabilities										(512,000)							(512,000)
Other assets, net										536,000							536,000
Goodwill						21,947,000				16,097,000						21,947,000	16,097,000
Net assets acquired										19,413,000							19,413,000
Unaudited pro forma financial information
Pro forma revenue																222,914,000	167,479
Pro forma income from operations																12,504,000	7,755,000
Pro forma net income																8,907,000	4,498,000
Revenue and Income from operations
Revenues						57,425,000	$ 58,660,000	$ 58,941,000	$ 33,915,000	31,522,000	$ 33,511,000	$ 36,773,000	$ 33,297,000			208,941,000	135,103,000	$ 108,080,000
Operating Income (Loss)						2,689,000	$ 3,053,000	$ 3,964,000	$ 1,838,000	456,000	$ 1,641,000	$ 2,804,000	2,629,000			11,544,000	7,530,000	8,309,000
General and Administrative Expense
Revenue and Income from operations
Acquisition costs																71,000	200,000	300,000
License to bid
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										308,000							308,000
Backlog
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										348,000							348,000
Tradename
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										1,049,000							1,049,000
Non-compete agreements
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										1,011,000							1,011,000
Genesys
Consideration for acquisitions
Cash paid at closing	$ 2,900,000		$ 6,000,000
Cash paid, net of cash acquired																8,857,000
Other receivable for working capital receivable						(604,000)										(604,000)
Issuance of common stock																2,228,000
Issuance of notes payable																4,569,000
Deferred purchase price, payable in 24 monthly installments																4,569,000
Total consideration			$ 15,100,000													$ 15,050,000
Common stock shares issued \| shares		255,808
Tax deductible goodwill		$ 6,200,000
Number of monthly installments \| installment			24													24
Allocation of acquired assets
Current assets						14,952,000										$ 14,952,000
Non-current assets						36,000										36,000
Cash acquired						101,000										101,000
Property, plant and equipment						117,000										117,000
Liabilities						(12,643,000)										(12,643,000)
Goodwill						6,167,000										6,167,000
Net assets acquired						15,050,000										15,050,000
Revenue and Income from operations
Revenues																48,600,000
Operating Income (Loss)																900,000
Genesys \| Customer relationships
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets						3,260,000										3,260,000
Genesys \| Backlog
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets						1,050,000										1,050,000
Genesys \| Tradename
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets						1,690,000										1,690,000
Genesys \| Non-compete agreements
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets						320,000										320,000
Abacus, 360 Energy and Economist, LLC
Consideration for acquisitions
Contingent consideration including accretion related to contingent consideration						4,500,000										4,500,000
Accretion of contingent consideration																21,000
Tax deductible goodwill										16,100,000							16,100,000
Revenue and Income from operations
Revenues																23,800,000
Operating Income (Loss)																1,300,000
360 Energy
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Maximum contingent consideration to be paid					$ 6,500,000	1,100,000										$ 1,100,000
Increased contingent consideration					$ 300,000
Contingent consideration										4,221,000							4,221,000
Term of performance goal																3 years
Consideration for acquisitions
Cash paid at closing																	4,875,000
Issuance of common stock																	571,000
Issuance of notes payable																	3,000,000
Contingent consideration										4,221,000							4,221,000
Deferred purchase price, payable in 24 monthly installments																	3,000,000
Total consideration																	12,667,000
Allocation of acquired assets
Property, plant and equipment										166,000							166,000
Other assets, net										41,000							41,000
Goodwill										10,773,000							10,773,000
Net assets acquired										12,667,000							12,667,000
360 Energy \| Common Stock
Consideration for acquisitions
Common stock shares issued \| shares					47,348,000
360 Energy \| Maximum
Consideration for acquisitions
Total consideration					$ 15,000,000
360 Energy \| Backlog
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										158,000							158,000
360 Energy \| Tradename
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										669,000							669,000
360 Energy \| Non-compete agreements
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										860,000							860,000
Abacus
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Maximum contingent consideration to be paid					800,000
Amount of contingent consideration not liable to pay																$ 800,000
Contingent consideration										589,000							589,000
Consideration for acquisitions
Cash paid at closing					$ 2,500,000									$ 600,000			3,136,000
Issuance of common stock																	913,000
Issuance of notes payable																	1,250,000
Contingent consideration										589,000							589,000
Deferred purchase price, payable in 24 monthly installments																	1,250,000
Total consideration																	5,888,000
Allocation of acquired assets
Cash acquired										332,000							332,000
Property, plant and equipment										78,000							78,000
Liabilities										(512,000)							(512,000)
Other assets, net										495,000							495,000
Goodwill										4,575,000							4,575,000
Net assets acquired										5,888,000							5,888,000
Abacus \| Common Stock
Consideration for acquisitions
Common stock shares issued \| shares					75,758,000
Abacus \| Maximum
Consideration for acquisitions
Total consideration					$ 6,100,000
Abacus \| License to bid
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										308,000							308,000
Abacus \| Backlog
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										161,000							161,000
Abacus \| Tradename
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										323,000							323,000
Abacus \| Non-compete agreements
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										128,000							128,000
Economists LLC
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Maximum contingent consideration to be paid				$ 600,000		200,000							$ 600,000			200,000
Contingent consideration										368,000							368,000
Consideration for acquisitions
Cash paid at closing				500,000													490,000
Contingent consideration										368,000							368,000
Total consideration																	858,000
Allocation of acquired assets
Goodwill										749,000							749,000
Net assets acquired										858,000							858,000
Economists LLC \| Maximum
Consideration for acquisitions
Total consideration				$ 1,100,000
Economists LLC \| Backlog
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										29,000							29,000
Economists LLC \| Tradename
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										57,000							57,000
Economists LLC \| Non-compete agreements
Allocation of acquired assets
Intangible assets										$ 23,000							23,000
Abacus and 360 Energy
Consideration for acquisitions
Cash paid at closing					5,400,000
Unaudited pro forma financial information
Pro forma revenue																	135,576,000	130,181,000
Pro forma income from operations																	8,204,000	12,162,000
Pro forma net income																	$ 4,759,000	$ 12,162,000
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares																	$ 0.61	$ 1.62
Diluted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares																	$ 0.59	$ 1.57
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares) \| shares																	7,834	7,488
Diluted (in shares) \| shares																	8,113	7,739
Abacus and 360 Energy \| Term Note \| BMO
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Amount borrowed to finance acquisition					$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000										$ 2,000,000

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reporting Unit (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	$ 16,097,000	$ 16,097,000
Additional Purchase Cost		6,167,000
Fair values of intangible assets	3,300,000	(317,000)
Goodwill impairment		0	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill at end of period		21,947,000	16,097,000
Energy Efficiency Services
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	15,348,000	15,348,000
Additional Purchase Cost		6,167,000
Fair values of intangible assets		(317,000)
Goodwill at end of period		21,198,000	15,348,000
Public Finance Services
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	$ 749,000	749,000
Goodwill at end of period		$ 749,000	$ 749,000

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Gross Amount and Amortization (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross Amount		$ 9,036,000	$ 2,716,000
Accumulated Amortization		3,095,000	1,171,000
Amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets		1,900,000	1,200,000	$ 0
Decreased other receivables	$ 300,000
Estimated amortization expense for acquired identifiable intangible assets
2017		2,120,000
2018		1,951,000
2019		1,087,000
2020		674,000
2021		109,000
Total estimated amortization expense		5,941,000
Goodwill impairment
Goodwill impairment		0	0	$ 0
Backlog
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross Amount		1,398,000	348,000
Accumulated Amortization		$ 639,000	340,000
Amortization Period (in years)		5 years
Tradename
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross Amount		$ 2,739,000	1,049,000
Accumulated Amortization		$ 1,142,000	329,000
Tradename \| Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)		2 years 6 months
Tradename \| Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)		3 years 6 months
Non-compete agreements
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross Amount		$ 1,331,000	1,011,000
Accumulated Amortization		$ 463,000	194,000
Non-compete agreements \| Minimum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)		4 years
Non-compete agreements \| Maximum
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Amortization Period (in years)		5 years
License to bid
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross Amount		$ 308,000	308,000
Accumulated Amortization		308,000	$ 308,000
Customer relationships
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross Amount		3,260,000
Accumulated Amortization		$ 543,000
Amortization Period (in years)		5 years

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Oct. 02, 2015	Jul. 03, 2015	Apr. 03, 2015	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Earnings per share
Net income	$ 1,569,000	$ 2,462,000	$ 3,190,000	$ 1,078,000	$ 380,000	$ 782,000	$ 1,602,000	$ 1,495,000	$ 8,299,000	$ 4,259,000	$ 9,416,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	8,334,000	8,308,000	8,207,000	7,996,000	7,888,000	7,862,000	7,824,000	7,765,000	8,219,000	7,834,000	7,488,000
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards (in shares)									346,000	279,000	251,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	8,959,000	8,720,000	8,530,000	8,244,000	8,132,000	8,102,000	8,136,000	8,103,000	8,565,000	8,113,000	7,739,000
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.30	$ 0.39	$ 0.13	$ 0.05	$ 0.10	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 1.01	$ 0.54	$ 1.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 0.13	$ 0.05	$ 0.10	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.97	$ 0.52	$ 1.22
Stock options
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per share
Number of awards excluded from calculation of dilutive potential common shares (in shares)									322,200	314,500	251,000

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Details)	12 Months Ended
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Details)	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($) client	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($) client	Jan. 02, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)
Accounts receivable
Gross				$ 50,058,000	$ 32,529,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (760,000)	$ (662,000)	$ (385,000)	(785,000)	(760,000)
Net				49,273,000	31,769,000
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance as of the beginning of the year	760,000	662,000	385,000
Provision for doubtful accounts	216,000	586,000	486,000
Write-offs of uncollectible accounts	(191,000)	(488,000)	(209,000)
Balance as of the end of the year	$ 785,000	$ 760,000	$ 662,000
Customer One
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Number of clients representing concentration risk on outstanding receivables \| client		1
Accounts Receivable. \| Credit concentration risk
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Number of clients representing concentration risk on outstanding receivables \| client	2
Accounts Receivable. \| Credit concentration risk \| Customer One
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Customer concentration risk percentage	20.00%	15.00%
Accounts Receivable. \| Credit concentration risk \| Customer Two
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Customer concentration risk percentage	19.00%
Contract Revenue \| Credit concentration risk \| Consolidated Edison
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Customer concentration risk percentage	21.00%
Contract Revenue \| Credit concentration risk \| DASNY
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Customer concentration risk percentage	22.00%
Billed
Accounts receivable
Gross				25,909,000	17,941,000
Unbilled
Accounts receivable
Gross				18,988,000	13,840,000
Contract retentions
Accounts receivable
Gross				$ 5,161,000	$ 748,000

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	$ 13,655,000	$ 12,088,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(9,144,000)	(8,404,000)
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	4,511,000	3,684,000
Furniture and fixtures
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	2,353,000	2,270,000
Computer hardware and software
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	7,686,000	6,496,000
Leasehold improvements
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	1,094,000	1,072,000
Equipment under capital leases
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	1,076,000	1,266,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(745,000)	(259,000)
Automobiles, trucks, and field equipment
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	$ 1,446,000	$ 984,000

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued bonuses	$ 2,090,000	$ 922,000
Accrued interest	1,000	4,000
Paid leave bank	2,129,000	1,710,000
Compensation and payroll taxes	2,006,000	1,494,000
Accrued legal	177,000	523,000
Accrued workers' compensation insurance	81,000	268,000
Accrued rent	166,000	169,000
Employee withholdings	1,337,000	942,000
Client deposits	139,000	106,000
Unvouchered accounts payable	8,100,000	3,061,000
Other	2,823,000	1,135,000
Total accrued liabilities	$ 19,049,000	$ 10,334,000

EQUITY PLANS (Details)		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					106 Months Ended
EQUITY PLANS (Details)	Dec. 30, 2016 plan shares	Jun. 30, 2006 shares	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($) shares	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($) shares	Jan. 02, 2015 USD ($) shares	Dec. 28, 2012 shares	Dec. 31, 2010 shares	Dec. 30, 2016 shares	Jun. 30, 2008 shares	Mar. 31, 2008 shares
Equity plans
Number of share-based compensation plans \| plan	2
Compensation expense recognized for stock options issued (in dollars) \| $			$ 1,239,000	$ 777,000	$ 258,000
2006 Plan
Equity plans
Granted (in shares)			0
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance		300,000
2008 Plan
Equity plans
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance										450,000
Shares available for grant under 2008 Plan from 2006 Plan									70,333
Number of additional shares authorized			500,000			500,000	350,000
Stock options
Equity plans
Granted (in shares)			440,000	165,000	235,000
Stock options \| 2008 Plan
Equity plans
Maximum number of shares full value stock options	1,250,000		1,250,000					1,250,000
Maximum number of shares a participant may be granted in options to purchase during fiscal year			200,000
Incentive stock options \| 2006 Plan
Equity plans
Options granted, net of forfeitures, expirations and exercises (in shares)			148,000
Incentive stock options \| 2008 Plan
Equity plans
Options granted, net of forfeitures, expirations and exercises (in shares)								575,000
Incentive stock options \| 2008 Plan \| Maximum
Equity plans
Expiration period from date of grant			10 years
Non-statutory/Nonqualified stock options \| 2006 Plan
Equity plans
Options granted, net of forfeitures, expirations and exercises (in shares)			4,000
Non-statutory/Nonqualified stock options \| 2006 Plan \| Maximum
Equity plans
Expiration period from date of grant		10 years
Non-statutory/Nonqualified stock options \| 2008 Plan
Equity plans
Options granted, net of forfeitures, expirations and exercises (in shares)								567,000
Non-statutory/Nonqualified stock options \| 2008 Plan \| Maximum
Equity plans
Expiration period from date of grant			10 years
Restricted stock \| 2008 Plan
Equity plans
Shares granted								38,000

EQUITY PLANS - Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
EQUITY PLANS - Assumptions (Details)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Stock options
Assumptions
Expected volatility (as a percent)			40.00%
Expected volatility, minimum (as a percent)	39.00%	38.00%	38.00%
Expected volatility, maximum (as a percent)	41.00%	42.00%
Expected dividends (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	6 years	6 years
Risk-free rate, minimum (as a percent)	1.20%	1.33%	1.63%
Risk-free rate, maximum (as a percent)	1.84%	1.75%	1.73%
Stock options \| Maximum
Assumptions
Expected term (in years)			6 years
Restricted stock \| 2008 Plan
Assumptions
Vesting period (in years)	3 years

EQUITY PLANS - Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
EQUITY PLANS - Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 27, 2013
Fully-vested options
Stock price at the end of the year (in dollars per share)	$ 22.59
Stock options
Fully-vested options
Intrinsic value of the fully-vested options (in dollars)	$ 10,773,000
Options
Outstanding (in shares)	964,000	926,000	978,000
Granted (in shares)	440,000	165,000	235,000
Exercised (in shares)	(75,000)	(103,000)	(198,000)
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(18,000)	(24,000)	(89,000)
Outstanding (in shares)	1,311,000	964,000	926,000	978,000
Vested (in shares)	658,000	624,000	595,000
Exercisable (in shares)	658,000	624,000	595,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 7.22	$ 5.84	$ 3.95
Granted (in dollars per share)	15.28	12.33	10.23
Exercised (in dollars per share)	4.41	3.72	2.24
Forfeited or expired	9.81	3.94	3.00
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	10.15	7.22	5.84	$ 3.95
Vested (in dollars per share)	6.21	5.24	4.47
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 6.21	$ 5.24	$ 4.47
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding	6 years 8 months 9 days	6 years 15 days	6 years 5 months 9 days	3 years 4 months 6 days
Vested	4 years 2 months 16 days	4 years 6 months 11 days	4 years 11 months 1 day
Exercisable	4 years 2 months 16 days	4 years 6 months 11 days	4 years 11 months 1 day

EQUITY PLANS - Nonvested Option Activity (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Nonvested Options
Nonvested outstanding (in shares)	340,000	331,000	207,000
Granted (in shares)	440,000	165,000	235,000
Vested (in shares)	(109,000)	(132,000)	(108,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(18,000)	(24,000)	(3,000)
Nonvested outstanding (in shares)	653,000	340,000	331,000
Nonvested Options, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested (in dollars per share)	$ 3.77	$ 3.37	$ 3.55
Granted (in dollars per share)	6.15	4.92	4.15
Vested (in dollars per share)	7.82	3.67	3.41
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	9.81	3.94	3.85
Nonvested (in dollars per share)	$ 4.75	$ 3.77	$ 3.37

EQUITY PLANS - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Unrecognized compensation expense
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized	2 years 4 months 21 days
Stock options
Unrecognized compensation expense
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options (in dollars)	$ 3,101,000	$ 1,280,000	$ 422,000
Awards granted that were immediately vested (in shares)	0	0	0
Restricted stock
Unrecognized compensation expense
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock grants (in dollars)	$ 874,000	$ 322,000	$ 142,000
Restricted stock \| 2008 Plan
Restricted Stock Activity
Intrinsic value of the fully-vested awards (in dollars)	$ 207,000	$ 354,000
Restricted Stock
Outstanding (in shares)	38,000	38,000	25,000
Awarded (in shares)	82,000	25,000	25,000
Vested (in shares)	(21,000)	(25,000)	(12,000)
Outstanding (in shares)	99,000	38,000	38,000
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 11.66	$ 5.74	$ 2.96
Awarded (in dollars per share)	10.89	13.91	7.13
Vested (in dollars per share)	9.89	5.05	2.96
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 11.37	$ 11.66	$ 5.74

EQUITY PLANS - Stock Purchase Plan (Details) - 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2006
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance		300,000
Shares issuable in any one calendar year	100,000
Purchase price per share as a percentage of fair market value	85.00%
Number of shares available for issuance	42,716

DEBT OBLIGATION - Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
DEBT OBLIGATION - Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Debt Obligations
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	$ 6,046,000	$ 5,124,000
Less current portion	(3,972,000)	(4,039,000)
Outstanding balance	2,074,000	1,085,000
Company’s debt obligations excluding capital leases
2017	3,972,000
2018	574,000
2020	1,500,000
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	6,046,000	5,124,000
Term Note
Debt Obligations
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	1,500,000	1,850,000
Company’s debt obligations excluding capital leases
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	1,500,000	1,850,000
360 Energy Engineers LLC
Debt Obligations
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	$ 1,031,000	$ 2,033,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%	4.00%
Monthly principal and interest installment (in dollars)	$ 88,752	$ 88,752
Company’s debt obligations excluding capital leases
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	1,031,000	2,033,000
Notes payable for Abacus
Debt Obligations
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	$ 54,000	$ 690,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%	4.00%
Monthly principal and interest installment (in dollars)	$ 54,281	$ 54,281
Company’s debt obligations excluding capital leases
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	54,000	690,000
Notes payable for insurance
Debt Obligations
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	$ 599,000	$ 551,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.773%	2.773%
Monthly principal and interest installment (in dollars)	$ 55,868	$ 55,868
Company’s debt obligations excluding capital leases
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	599,000	$ 551,000
Notes payable for Genesys
Debt Obligations
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	$ 2,862,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	0.65%	0.65%
Monthly principal and interest installment (in dollars)	$ 191,667	$ 191,667
Company’s debt obligations excluding capital leases
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations	$ 2,862,000

DEBT OBLIGATION- Line of credit (Details)			12 Months Ended
DEBT OBLIGATION- Line of credit (Details)	Jan. 20, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2015 USD ($)	Apr. 13, 2016	Mar. 24, 2014 USD ($)
Line of Credit
Payment on note			$ 4,378,000	$ 2,090,000	$ 162,000
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations			6,046,000	$ 5,124,000
Abacus Notes
Line of Credit
Interest rate (as a percent)		4.00%
Payment on note			600,000
Outstanding balance			27,000
Kinzer Note
Line of Credit
Amount borrowed to finance acquisition		$ 600,000
Rubbert Note
Line of Credit
Amount borrowed to finance acquisition		600,000
360 Energy Note
Line of Credit
Amount borrowed to finance acquisition		$ 3,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		4.00%
Payment on note			2,000,000
Outstanding balance			$ 1,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit
Maximum total leverage ratio of total funded debt to EBITDA for first four fiscal quarters after acquisition				2.25
Maximum total leverage ratio of total funded debt to EBITDA thereafter			2.0
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio			1.25
Step up amount equal to net income required to be maintained (as a percent)			50.00%
Revolving Credit Facility \| BMO
Line of Credit
Restricted cash			$ 0
Adjustment to tangible net worth arising from acquisition (as a percent)			80.00%
Percentage of increased interest rate in case of default		2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Total consideration for all permitted acquisitions		$ 1,500,000
Total consideration for individual permitted acquisitions		750,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| Genesys \| BMO
Line of Credit
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 7,500,000
Revolving line of credit \| BMO
Line of Credit
Percentage of eligible accounts receivable used to determine maximum borrowing base			75.00%
Percentage of the lower of cost or market value of eligible inventory used to determine maximum borrowing base			50.00%
Revolving line of credit \| Maximum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Fee on unused commitments (as a percent)			0.30%
Revolving line of credit \| Genesys \| BMO
Line of Credit
Outstanding balance			$ 0
Amount available for borrowing			$ 6,500,000
Revolving line of credit \| Subsequent Event \| BMO
Line of Credit
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 35,000,000
Repurchase of common stock	8,000,000
Revolving line of credit \| Base rate \| Genesys \| Maximum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			1.25%
Revolving line of credit \| Base rate \| Genesys \| Minimum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			0.75%
Revolving line of credit \| LIBOR \| Genesys \| Maximum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			2.25%
Revolving line of credit \| LIBOR \| Genesys \| Minimum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			1.75%
Standby letter of credit sub-facility \| Genesys \| BMO
Line of Credit
Maximum borrowing capacity							5,000,000
Borrowings outstanding			$ 1,000,000
Standby letter of credit sub-facility \| Subsequent Event \| BMO
Line of Credit
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 10,000,000
Term Note
Line of Credit
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations			1,500,000	$ 1,850,000
Term Note \| Genesys \| BMO
Line of Credit
Interest rate at end of period (as a percent)						3.50%
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 3,000,000
Amount available for borrowing			1,500,000
Borrowings outstanding			1,500,000
Quarterly payment			75,000
Term Note \| Abacus and 360 Energy \| BMO
Line of Credit
Amount borrowed to finance acquisition		$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Term Note \| Base rate \| Genesys \| Maximum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			1.75%
Term Note \| Base rate \| Genesys \| Minimum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			1.25%
Term Note \| LIBOR \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			2.50%
Term Note \| LIBOR \| Maximum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			2.75%
Term Note \| LIBOR \| Minimum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			2.25%
Term Note \| LIBOR \| Genesys \| Maximum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			2.75%
Term Note \| LIBOR \| Genesys \| Minimum \| BMO
Line of Credit
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)			2.25%
Notes payable for insurance
Line of Credit
Interest rate (as a percent)			2.773%	2.773%
Total debt obligations, excluding capital lease obligations			$ 599,000	$ 551,000

COMMITMENTS - Leases (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS - Leases (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Future minimum rental payments under capital leases
2017	$ 340,000
2018	189,000
2019	22,000
Total future minimum lease payments	551,000
Amount representing interest	$ (7,000)
Interest rate, minimum (as a percent)	3.25%
Interest rate, maximum (as a percent)	3.75%
Present value of net minimum lease payments under capital leases	$ 544,000
Less current portion	334,000	$ 444,000
Capital lease noncurrent	210,000	$ 255,000
Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases
2017	2,735,000
2018	2,146,000
2019	1,423,000
2020	720,000
2021	651,000
2022	579,000
2023	90,000
Total future minimum lease payments	$ 8,344,000

COMMITMENTS - LEASE ABANDONMENT (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS - LEASE ABANDONMENT (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Operating leases rental income or expense
Rent expense and related charges for common area maintenance for all facility operating leases	$ 3,215,000	$ 2,842,000	$ 3,004,000
Reconciliation of the liability for lease abandonment (recovery) expense
Lease abandonment expense (recovery), net		$ (44,000)	$ 9,000

COMMITMENTS - Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS - Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Employee Benefit Plans
Maximum employee contribution as a percentage of compensation under 401 (k) Plan	50.00%
Matching contributions by the company under 401(k) Plan	$ 900,000	$ 777,000	$ 624,000
Bonus expense under discretionary bonus plan	2,709,000	1,268,000	$ 1,500,000
Bonus expense included in accrued liabilities as of the balance sheet date	2,090,000	922,000
Post employment health benefits
Unamortized compensation cost	0
Present value of expected payments for health insurance coverage	$ 110,000	$ 126,000

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Oct. 02, 2015	Jul. 03, 2015	Apr. 03, 2015	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Current federal taxes									$ 1,441,000	$ 983,000	$ 274,000
Current state taxes									402,000	340,000	164,000
Deferred federal taxes (benefit)									900,000	1,295,000	(782,000)
Deferred state taxes (benefit)									325,000	464,000	(646,000)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 1,078,000	$ 548,000	$ 731,000	$ 711,000	$ 210,000	$ 626,000	$ 1,108,000	$ 1,138,000	$ 3,068,000	$ 3,082,000	$ (990,000)

INCOME TAXES - Sources (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES - Sources (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Oct. 02, 2015	Jul. 03, 2015	Apr. 03, 2015	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
INCOME TAXES
U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent)									34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Sources and tax effects of the differences
Computed "expected" federal income tax expense (benefit)									$ 3,865,000	$ 2,496,000	$ 2,864,000
Permanent differences									86,000	90,000	139,000
Incentive stock options									(232,000)	205,000
Energy efficient commercial building deduction									(912,000)	(281,000)
Current and deferred state income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal benefit									481,000	482,000	586,000
Change in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets									(1,000)	73,000	(4,576,000)
Other									(219,000)	17,000	(3,000)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 1,078,000	$ 548,000	$ 731,000	$ 711,000	$ 210,000	$ 626,000	$ 1,108,000	$ 1,138,000	$ 3,068,000	$ 3,082,000	$ (990,000)

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 316,000	$ 303,000
Other accrued liabilities	2,450,000	1,618,000
Federal and state net operating losses	109,000	156,000
Intangible assets	3,268,000	3,891,000
Other	671,000	224,000
Total deferred tax assets	6,814,000	6,192,000
Valuation allowance	(72,000)	(73,000)
Net deferred tax assets	6,742,000	6,119,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred revenue	(7,637,000)	(5,510,000)
Fixed assets	(632,000)	(696,000)
Other	(315,000)	(244,000)
Deferred tax liabilities	(8,584,000)	(6,450,000)
Net deferred tax (liability)	$ (1,842,000)	$ (331,000)

INCOME TAXES - Operating Loss Carryovers and Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Income taxes
Valuation reserve related to California net operating losses		$ 72,000	$ 73,000
Reversal of valuation allowance	$ 4,600,000
Unrecognized tax benefits		0	$ 0
State
Income taxes
Operating loss carryovers		$ 2,000,000

INCOME TAXES - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements
Current liabilities	$ 51,052,000	$ 28,016,000
ASU 2015-17 \| Early adoption effect
New Accounting Pronouncements
Non-current assets			$ (3,100,000)
ASU 2016-09 \| Early adoption effect
New Accounting Pronouncements
Decrease to tax expense	$ 194,000

- Definition

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(14))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(10))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(12))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(15))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(11))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(13))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(17))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2015 USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2015 USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016 USD ($) segment	Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2015 USD ($)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of reporting segments \| segment									4
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue	$ 57,425,000	$ 58,660,000	$ 58,941,000	$ 33,915,000	$ 31,522,000	$ 33,511,000	$ 36,773,000	$ 33,297,000	$ 208,941,000	$ 135,103,000	$ 108,080,000
Depreciation and amortization									3,204,000	2,072,000	459,000
Interest (expense) income									(179,000)	(207,000)	(16,000)
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes									11,367,000	7,341,000	8,426,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,078,000	548,000	731,000	711,000	210,000	626,000	1,108,000	1,138,000	3,068,000	3,082,000	(990,000)
Net income (loss)	1,569,000	$ 2,462,000	$ 3,190,000	$ 1,078,000	380,000	$ 782,000	$ 1,602,000	$ 1,495,000	8,299,000	4,259,000	9,416,000
Segment assets	108,347,000				72,345,000				108,347,000	72,345,000	49,330,000
Engineering Services
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									141,888,000	74,123,000	52,941,000
Depreciation and amortization									2,511,000	1,525,000	212,000
Interest (expense) income									(163,000)	(194,000)	(33,000)
Energy Efficiency Services
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									52,292,000	45,997,000	40,783,000
Depreciation and amortization									466,000	359,000	191,000
Interest (expense) income									(12,000)	(10,000)	17,000
Public Finance Services
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									12,386,000	11,857,000	10,630,000
Depreciation and amortization									187,000	159,000	39,000
Interest (expense) income									(3,000)	(2,000)	2,000
Homeland Security Services
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue									2,375,000	3,126,000	3,726,000
Depreciation and amortization									40,000	29,000	18,000
Interest (expense) income									(1,000)	(1,000)	(2,000)
Reporting Segments \| Engineering Services
Segment reconciliation
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes									5,895,000	2,499,000	4,814,000
Income tax expense (benefit)									1,591,000	1,049,000	(599,000)
Net income (loss)									4,304,000	1,450,000	5,413,000
Segment assets	63,140,000				34,686,000				63,140,000	34,686,000	11,769,000
Reporting Segments \| Energy Efficiency Services
Segment reconciliation
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes									6,319,000	4,666,000	4,008,000
Income tax expense (benefit)									1,706,000	1,959,000	(454,000)
Net income (loss)									4,614,000	2,707,000	4,462,000
Segment assets	12,962,000				13,641,000				12,962,000	13,641,000	11,166,000
Reporting Segments \| Public Finance Services
Segment reconciliation
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes									520,000	1,148,000	661,000
Income tax expense (benefit)									140,000	482,000	(64,000)
Net income (loss)									379,000	666,000	725,000
Segment assets	6,549,000				5,377,000				6,549,000	5,377,000	3,944,000
Reporting Segments \| Homeland Security Services
Segment reconciliation
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes									48,000	418,000	443,000
Income tax expense (benefit)									13,000	176,000	(49,000)
Net income (loss)									35,000	242,000	492,000
Segment assets	589,000				894,000				589,000	894,000	708,000
Unallocated Corporate
Segment reconciliation
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes									(1,415,000)	(1,390,000)	(1,500,000)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(382,000)	(584,000)	176,000
Net income (loss)									(1,033,000)	(806,000)	(1,676,000)
Segment assets	48,237,000				40,877,000				48,237,000	40,877,000	44,873,000
Intersegment
Segment reconciliation
Segment assets	$ (23,130,000)				$ (23,130,000)				$ (23,130,000)	$ (23,130,000)	$ (23,130,000)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Unallocated Corporate Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 27, 2013
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 22,668,000	$ 16,487,000	$ 18,173,000	$ 6,661,000
Accounts Receivable, net	30,285,000	17,929,000
Prepaid expenses	2,601,000	2,082,000
Goodwill	21,947,000	16,097,000
Other receivables	699,000	177,000
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	4,511,000	3,684,000
Other	707,000	504,000
Unallocated Corporate
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	22,660,000	14,385,000
Accounts Receivable, net	(590,000)
Prepaid expenses	1,017,000	758,000
Intercompany receivables	112,837,000	82,845,000
Goodwill	(3,000)
Other receivables	55,000	49,000
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	1,869,000	2,231,000
Investments in subsidiaries	23,130,000	23,130,000
Other	99,000	53,000
Total assets	$ 161,074,000	$ 123,451,000

CONTINGENCIES (Details) - COSA - Subsidiaries	Jul. 16, 2014 USD ($)
Contingencies
Minimum revenue shortfall alleged in lawsuit	$ 9,000,000
Alleged cost to retain another consultant	130,000
Alleged costs associated with noticing and conducting public hearings	$ 83,052

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Oct. 02, 2015	Jul. 03, 2015	Apr. 03, 2015	Dec. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Contract revenue	$ 57,425,000	$ 58,660,000	$ 58,941,000	$ 33,915,000	$ 31,522,000	$ 33,511,000	$ 36,773,000	$ 33,297,000	$ 208,941,000	$ 135,103,000	$ 108,080,000
Income from operations	2,689,000	3,053,000	3,964,000	1,838,000	456,000	1,641,000	2,804,000	2,629,000	11,544,000	7,530,000	8,309,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,078,000	548,000	731,000	711,000	210,000	626,000	1,108,000	1,138,000	3,068,000	3,082,000	(990,000)
Net income	$ 1,569,000	$ 2,462,000	$ 3,190,000	$ 1,078,000	$ 380,000	$ 782,000	$ 1,602,000	$ 1,495,000	$ 8,299,000	$ 4,259,000	$ 9,416,000
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.30	$ 0.39	$ 0.13	$ 0.05	$ 0.10	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 1.01	$ 0.54	$ 1.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 0.13	$ 0.05	$ 0.10	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.97	$ 0.52	$ 1.22
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	8,334,000	8,308,000	8,207,000	7,996,000	7,888,000	7,862,000	7,824,000	7,765,000	8,219,000	7,834,000	7,488,000
Diluted (in shares)	8,959,000	8,720,000	8,530,000	8,244,000	8,132,000	8,102,000	8,136,000	8,103,000	8,565,000	8,113,000	7,739,000

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 20, 2017	Dec. 30, 2016
BMO \| Maximum \| Revolving line of credit
Amended Credit Facility
Fee on unused commitments (as a percent)		0.30%
Subsequent Event \| Minimum \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Fee on unused commitments (as a percent)	0.20%
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.94%
Subsequent Event \| Maximum \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Fee on unused commitments (as a percent)	0.35%
Commitment fee (as a percent)	1.50%
Subsequent Event \| BMO \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
The aggregate amount under the revolving line of credit	$ 25.0
The aggregate amount under the revolving line of credit for a total facility	60.0
Earn-out obligations	20.0
Total consideration for permitted acquisition	$ 10.0
Percentage of increased interest rate in case of default	2.00%
Subsequent Event \| BMO \| Revolving line of credit
Amended Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 35.0
Repurchase of common stock	8.0
Subsequent Event \| BMO \| Standby letter of credit sub-facility
Amended Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity	10.0
Subsequent Event \| BMO \| Minimum \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Unrestricted cash or undrawn availability under the revolving line of credit	$ 5.0
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] \| Subsequent Event \| BMO \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)	0.50%
Base rate \| Subsequent Event \| Minimum \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)	1.25%
Base rate \| Subsequent Event \| Maximum \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)	2.00%
LIBOR \| Subsequent Event \| Minimum \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)	0.25%
LIBOR \| Subsequent Event \| Maximum \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)	1.00%
LIBOR \| Subsequent Event \| BMO \| Credit Agreement
Amended Credit Facility
Spread on floating interest rate (as a percent)	1.00%