Item 1. Business
ITEM 1. Business
History and Organization
VSE Corporation (“VSE,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a diversified aftermarket products and services company providing repair services, parts distribution, logistics, supply chain management and consulting services for land, sea and air transportation assets to commercial and government markets. We provide logistics and distribution services for legacy systems and equipment and professional and technical services to commercial customers; the government, including the United States Department of Defense ("DoD"); and federal civilian agencies. Our operations include supply chain management solutions, parts supply and distribution, and maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") services for vehicle fleet, aviation, and other customers. We also provide vehicle and equipment maintenance and refurbishment, logistics, engineering support, energy services, IT and health care IT solutions, and consulting services.
VSE was incorporated in Delaware in 1959 and the parent company serves as a centralized managing and consolidating entity for our three operating segments, each of which consists of one or more wholly owned subsidiaries or unincorporated divisions that perform our services. Our operating segments include the Aviation segment, Fleet segment, and Federal and Defense segment. The term "VSE" or "Company" means VSE and its operating businesses unless the context indicates operations of only VSE as the parent company.
Revenues
(in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
2021 % 2020 % 2019 %
Aviation $ 247,852 33 $ 165,070 25 $ 224,546 30
Fleet 233,532 31 242,170 37 214,520 28
Federal and Defense 269,469 36 254,419 38 313,561 42
Total $ 750,853 100 $ 661,659 100 $ 752,627 100
Aviation
Our Aviation segment provides international parts supply and distribution, supply chain solutions, and component and engine accessory MRO services supporting global aftermarket commercial and business and general aviation customers. This business offers a range of services to a diversified global client base of commercial airlines, regional airlines, cargo transporters, MRO integrators and providers, aviation manufacturers, corporate and private aircraft owners, and fixed-base operators ("FBOs"). This segment did not have any one client that comprised more than 10% of our consolidated revenues in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
Fleet
Our Fleet segment provides parts supply, inventory management, e-commerce fulfillment, logistics and other services to assist aftermarket commercial and federal customers with their supply chain management. Operations of this segment are conducted by our wholly owned subsidiary Wheeler Fleet Solutions, which supports the government and commercial truck fleets with parts, sustainment solutions and managed inventory services. Revenues for this business are derived from the sale of vehicle parts and mission critical supply chain services to support client truck fleets. The United States Postal Service ("USPS") comprised approximately 20%, 27%, and 22% of our consolidated revenues in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Federal and Defense
Our Federal and Defense segment provides aftermarket refurbishment and sustainment services to extend and maintain the life cycle of military vehicles, ships and aircraft for the DoD. The segment provides foreign military sales services, engineering, logistics, maintenance, configuration management, prototyping, technology, and field support services to the DoD and other customers. We also provide energy consulting services and IT solutions to various DoD, federal civilian agencies and commercial clients. The foreign military sales program with the U.S. Department of Navy ("FMS Program") comprised approximately 13%, 15% , and 12% of our consolidated revenues in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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Acquisition and Divestitures
In July 2021, we acquired Global Parts Group, Inc. ("Global Parts"), which provides distribution and MRO services for business and general aviation ("B&GA") aircraft families. The acquisition expands our existing B&GA focus and further diversifies our product and platform offerings to include additional airframe components, while expanding our customer base of regional and global B&GA customers. Global Parts is a subsidiary of VSE Aviation, Inc. under our Aviation segment.
In March 2021, we acquired HAECO Special Services, LLC ("HSS"), which offers scheduled depot maintenance, contract field deployment and unscheduled drop-in maintenance for the DoD, primarily for the sustainment of the U.S. Air Force ("USAF") KC-10 fleet. HSS is a subsidiary of VSE Corporation under our Federal & Defense Services segment.
In January 2019, we acquired 1st Choice Aerospace Inc. ("1st Choice Aerospace"), with operations in Florida and Kentucky. 1st Choice Aerospace provides component MRO services and products for new generation and legacy commercial aircraft families. 1st Choice Aerospace is a subsidiary of VSE Aviation, Inc., under our Aviation segment.
In February 2020, we sold our subsidiary Prime Turbines, LLC ("Prime Turbines") and certain related inventory assets for $20.0 million in cash and a $8.3 million note receivable to be paid over a period from 2020 through 2024. Our Aviation segment discontinued turboprop engine MRO services and will concentrate on higher growth potential component/accessory repair and parts distribution while further expanding our presence within the global commercial and general aviation markets. Prime Turbines' revenues totaled less than 1% and approximately 4% of our revenue for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
In June 2020, we sold all of the inventory of our subsidiary CT Aerospace, LLC ("CT Aerospace") for a $6.9 million note receivable to be paid to us over a period from 2020 through 2025. Our Aviation segment discontinued sales and leasing of engines and supply of used serviceable engine parts. CT Aerospace's revenues totaled less than 1% and less than 2% of our revenue for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
See Note (2) "Acquisition and Divestitures" to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our acquisition and divestitures.
Products and Services
We provide a broad array of capabilities and resources to support our clients’ aftermarket transportation assets, vehicle fleets, aircraft, systems, equipment and processes. We focus on creating value by sustaining and extending the life and improving the performance of our client assets through core offerings in supply chain management, parts supply and distribution, MRO, equipment refurbishment, logistics and engineering. We also provide IT solutions and energy consulting services.
Typical offerings include supply chain and inventory management services; vehicle fleet sustainment programs; vehicle fleet parts supply and distribution; MRO of aircraft components and engine accessories; aircraft and airframe parts supply and distribution; engineering support for military vehicles; military equipment refurbishment and modification; ship MRO and follow-on technical support; logistics management support; sustainable energy supply and electric power grid modernization projects, IT infrastructure and data management, and IT data services for health and public safety. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below for more information regarding our business.
Revenues and Contracts
We offer our products and professional and technical services through various ordering agreements and negotiated and competitive contract arrangements. Our revenues are derived from the delivery of products and from contract services performed for our customers for each of our three segments as follows:
• Our Aviation segment revenues result from the sale of aircraft parts and performance of MRO services for private and commercial aircraft owners, aviation MRO providers, aviation original equipment manufacturers and other clients.
• Our Fleet segment revenues result from the sale of aftermarket vehicle parts to government and commercial clients.
• Our Federal and Defense segment revenues result from providing professional and technical services primarily to U.S government customers on a contract basis. The three primary types of contracts used are cost-type, fixed-price, and time and materials.
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Customers
Our customers include various commercial entities and government clients. In 2021, our commercial customers represented 43% of our consolidated revenues, up from 31% and 32% in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our USPS work and FMS Program comprised approximately 20% and 13% of our 2021 consolidated revenues, respectively. None of our other customers comprise a significant amount of our 2021 consolidated revenues.
Revenues by Customer
(dollars in thousands)
Years ended December 31,
Customer 2021 % 2020 % 2019 %
Commercial 322,318 43 208,305 31 242,518 32
DoD $ 233,422 31 $ 236,397 36 $ 304,334 41
Other government (a)
195,113 26 216,957 33 205,775 27
Total $ 750,853 100 $ 661,659 100 $ 752,627 100
(a) USPS is part of Other government
Backlog
Our funded backlog represents the estimated remaining value of work to be performed under firm contracts under our Federal and Defense segment. Bookings for our Aviation and Fleet segments occur at the time of sale, and therefore, these segments do not generally have funded contract backlog and backlog is not an indicator of their potential future revenues. Our funded backlog for our Federal and Defense segment as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $185 million, $183 million and $213 million, respectively. For a complete description of our backlog, see "Bookings and Funded Backlog" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II of this report.
Marketing
Our marketing activities are conducted by each of our businesses by industry-specific sales representatives and professional marketing and business development staff. New customer contacts and information concerning new programs, requirements and opportunities become available through sales calls and client visits, negotiation with key business partners, and formal and informal briefings. We participate in various professional organizations and trade association, and also attend industry trade shows and events in order to increase our brand awareness and strengthen our service offerings.
Human Capital Resources
Workforce Demographics
Our employees have a variety of specialized experience, training and skills that provide the expertise required to service our customers. As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately 2,500 employees. Principal employee categories include (a) mechanics and vehicle, aircraft and equipment technicians, (b) logisticians, (c) warehouse and sales personnel, (d) engineers and technicians in mechanical, electronic, industrial, energy services, and (e) information technology professionals in computer systems, applications and data management disciplines. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 17% of our employees, all within our Federal and Defense segment, were unionized .
Employee Health and Safety
We are committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees. Supported by our Health, Environmental and Safety Program, we strive to minimize the risk of injury or illness to workers. We provide our employees with upfront and ongoing safety trainings to ensure that safety policies and procedures are effectively communicated and implemented. We also provide our employees with any additional information, leadership, support and equipment needed to safely perform their job function.
Talent Acquisition, Retention and Development
We strive to attract and retain top talent at all levels of the company. To support this objective we seek to provide opportunities for professional development and career growth, and recognize and reward our employees for their contributions and accomplishments.
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We encourage employees to provide feedback about their experience and we regularly conduct employee engagement surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and to understand the effectiveness of engaging our employees on all levels. These surveys provide valuable information on drivers of engagement and areas of improvement to ensure that we maintain an employee-focused experience and culture. We also host quarterly town hall meetings to provide an open and frequent line of communication for all employees.
We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to attract, reward and retain a qualified and diverse workforce to achieve our vision and mission and meet the dynamic needs of employees and their families. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer annual bonus opportunities, a Company matched 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase plan, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, holiday pay, flexible work schedules, and employee assistance programs.
Diversity and Inclusion
We embrace and encourage inclusion in order to achieve a culture and company environment supporting diversity. Our inclusion and diversity initiatives include our practices and policies on employee recruitment and hiring, professional training and development, employee engagement and the development of a work environment built on the premise of diversity and equity. In 2020, we formed the VSE Inclusion & Diversity Council ("I&D Council"), an employee led group focused on creating a framework and action plan for inclusion and diversity related initiatives across the organization. Our I&D Council regularly hosts roundtable discussions aimed at increasing cultural awareness and promoting dialogue to encourage a culture that values inclusive behavior in our workplace. We also support employee resource groups, which are voluntary, employee-led groups that are open to all employees and provide a forum for diverse employees and allies from a variety of different backgrounds to share experiences and support our company's diversity initiatives. These groups help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, build awareness and drive change within our organization. Additionally, we actively seek initiatives and participate in outreach programs to assist individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. These efforts include an emphasis on hiring military veterans to enhance the quality of our workforce.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We are committed to the highest ethical standards and we expect all of our directors, officers and employees to comply with our standards and applicable laws and regulations in the conduct of our business. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code") sets forth our policies and expectations on what is appropriate behavior and guides ethical business decisions that maintain a commitment to integrity. In addition, we require annual ethics and compliance training for all of our employees to provide them with the knowledge necessary to maintain our standards of ethics and compliance.
Government Regulation and Supervision
Our businesses are subject to extensive regulation in the markets we serve. We work with numerous U.S. government agencies and entities, including but not limited to, all branches of the DoD and the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA"). Similar government authorities and regulations exist in the other countries in which we do business.
Commercial Aircraft
The FAA regulates the manufacture, repair and operation of all aircraft and aircraft parts operated in the United States. Its regulations are designed to ensure that all aircraft and aviation equipment are continuously maintained in proper condition to ensure safe operation of the aircraft. The inspection, maintenance and repair procedures for various types of aircraft and equipment are prescribed by these regulatory authorities and can be performed only by certified repair facilities utilizing certified technicians. Certification and conformance is required prior to installation of a part on an aircraft. The FAA requires that various maintenance routines be performed on aircraft components, and we currently satisfy these maintenance standards in our repair and overhaul services.
Government Contracts
We must comply with and are affected by a variety of laws and regulations relating to the award, administration, and performance of U.S. Government contracts. We are routinely audited and reviewed by the U.S. Government and its agencies, including the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and the Defense Contract Management Agency. These agencies evaluate our contract performance, cost structures, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards, as well as review the adequacy of our business systems and processes relative to U.S. Government requirements. The U.S. Government generally has
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the ability to terminate contracts, in whole or in part, with little or no prior notice, for convenience or for default based on our failure to meet specified performance requirements. In the event of termination of a contract for convenience, we would generally be able to recover costs already incurred on the contract and receive profit on those costs up to the amount authorized under the contract, but not the anticipated profit that would have been earned had the contract been completed. Such a termination could also result in the cancellation of future work on the related program. Termination resulting from our default could expose us to various liabilities, including excess re-procurement costs, and could have a material effect on our ability to compete for future contracts.
For additional information on regulations and risks affecting our business, refer to Item 1A., "Risk Factors".
Competition
All of our businesses operate in highly competitive industries that include numerous competitors, many of which are larger in size and have greater name recognition, financials resources and larger technical staff than we do. We also compete against smaller, more specialized competitors that concentrate their resources on narrower service offerings.
Government agencies emphasize awarding contracts on a competitive basis, as opposed to a sole source or other noncompetitive basis. Most of the significant contracts under which our Federal and Defense segment currently perform services were either initially awarded on a competitive basis or have been renewed at least once on a competitive basis. These contracts may be indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type contracts for which the government makes awards for work among several other eligible contract holders, or they may be single award contracts with multiple option years that may or may not be exercised. Accordingly, there can be no assurance regarding the level of work we may obtain under some of these contracts. Government budgets, and in particular the budgets of certain government agencies, can also affect competition in our business. A reallocation of government spending priorities or reallocation of work for small business set-aside programs that results in lower levels of potential business in the markets we serve or the services we offer can cause increased competition.
The extent of competition that we will encounter as a result of changing economic or competitive conditions, customer requirements or technological developments is unpredictable. We believe the principal competitive factors for our business are customer knowledge, technical and financial qualifications, past performance, government budgetary priorities, sales force initiatives and price.
Available Information
We maintain an internet website at www.vsecorp.com . We make available free of charge through our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with or otherwise furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are electronically filed with the SEC. The information on or obtainable through our website is not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The SEC also maintains an internet website ( http://www.sec.gov ) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
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