General Construction Revenue. Revenue from construction contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting based upon costs incurred and estimated total projected costs. Our current projects with the U.S. Government are design/build contracts with fixed contract prices and include provisions of termination for convenience by the party contracting with us. Such provisions also allow payment to us for the work performed through the date of termination.
The Company only uses approved contract changes in its revenue recognition calculation. This method of revenue recognition requires that the Company estimate future costs to complete a project based upon the knowledge and experience of the Company’s engineers, project managers and finance professionals. Estimating future costs requires judgment of the value and timing of material, labor, scheduling, product deliveries, contractual performance standards, liability claims, impact of change orders, contract disputes as well as productivity. In addition, sometimes clients, vendors and subcontractors will present claims against us for recovery of costs they incurred in excess of what they expected to incur, or for which they believe they are not contractually responsible. In turn, we may also present claims to our clients, vendors and subcontractors for costs that we believe were not our responsibility or may be beyond our scope of work. The Company will include costs associated with these claims in their financial information when such costs can be reliably identified and estimated. Similarly, the Company will include in revenue amounts equal to costs for claims, where the outcome is probable that the claim will be found in the favor of the Company. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of amounts billed to customers are recognized as an asset. Amounts billed in excess of costs and estimated earnings are recognized as a liability. The Company will record a provision for losses when estimated costs exceed estimated revenues. Contracts are generally completed in approximately 18 months from the date on which the Company is ordered to proceed with substantial work. In situations where the Company is responsible for procurement of construction materials, shipping and handling expenses are included in the contract costs of sales and in revenue to the extent the contract is complete.