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PerficientGSE SYSTEMS INC FORM 10-K (Annual Report) Filed 03/28/19 for the Period Ending 12/31/18 Address Telephone CIK 1332 LONDONTOWN BLVD SYKESVILLE, MD, 21784 4109707874 0000944480 Symbol GVP SIC Code Industry Sector Fiscal Year 7372 - Services-Prepackaged Software Software Technology 12/31 http://www.edgar-online.com © Copyright 2019, EDGAR Online, a division of Donnelley Financial Solutions. All Rights Reserved. Distribution and use of this document restricted under EDGAR Online, a division of Donnelley Financial Solutions, Terms of Use. UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington, D.C. 20549FORM 10-K(Mark One) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the transition period from ____ to ____ Commission File Number 001-14785 GSE Systems, Inc.(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)Delaware 52-1868008(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 1332 Londontown Blvd., Suite 200, Sykesville MD 21784(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (410) 970-7800 SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registeredCommon Stock, $.01 par value NasdaqSECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONEIndicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No ☒Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ☒Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of thischapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge,in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. Seethe definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):Large accelerated filer ☐Accelerated filer ☐Non-accelerated filer ☐Smaller reporting company ☒Emerging growth company ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accountingstandards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ☒The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $60,662,030 on June 30, 2018, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recentlycompleted second fiscal quarter, based on the closing price of such stock on that date of $3.25.The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of February 28, 2019 was 19,946,759 shares.DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCEPortions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, asamended, are incorporated by reference into Part III.TABLE OF CONTENTSPART I PageItem 1.Business3Item 1A.Risk Factors8Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments14Item 2.Properties14Item 3.Legal Proceedings14Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures14 PART II Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases ofEquity Securities15Item 6.Selected Financial Data15Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations16Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk24Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data25Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure58Item 9A.Controls and Procedures58Item 9B.Other Information58 PART III Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance*58Item 11.Executive Compensation*59Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related StockholderMatters*59Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence*60Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services*60 PART IV Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules60Item 16.Form 10-K Summary61 SIGNATURES62 Exhibits Index61*to be incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement for the registrant’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.2CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.This report and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A ofthe Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") that are based onmanagement’s assumptions, expectations and projections about us, and the industry within which we operate, and that have been madepursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 reflecting our expectations regarding our future growth, results ofoperations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”,“estimate”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “expect”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions, or the negative of these termsor other comparable terminology, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may alsouse different phrases. These statements regarding our expectations reflect our current beliefs and are based on information currently availableto us. Accordingly, these statements by their nature are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those listed under Item 1A Risk Factors,which could cause our actual growth, results, performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ from those expressed in, orimplied by, these forward-looking statements. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differmaterially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. Except as otherwise required byfederal securities law, we are not obligated to update or revise these forward looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. Wecaution you that a variety of factors, including but not limited to the factors described below under Item 1A Risk Factors and the following,could cause our business conditions and results to differ materially from what is contained in forward-looking statements:-changes in the rate of economic growth in the United States and other major international economies;-changes in investment by the nuclear and fossil electric utility industry, the chemical and petrochemical industries, or the U.S.military;-changes in the financial condition of our customers;-changes in the regulatory environment;-changes in project design or schedules;-contract cancellations;-changes in our estimates of costs to complete projects;-changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies worldwide;-currency fluctuations;-war and/or terrorist attacks on facilities either owned by our customers or our company, or where equipment or services are ormay be provided;-initiation, prosecution, or outcomes of future litigation;-protection and validity of our trademarks and other intellectual property rights;-increasing competition by foreign and domestic companies;-compliance with our debt covenants;-recoverability of claims against our customers and others; and-changes in estimates used in our critical accounting policies.Other factors and assumptions not identified above were also involved in the formation of these forward-looking statements and the failure ofsuch other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Most ofthese factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control. You should consider the areas of risk described aboveand in Item 1A Risk Factors in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made by us. You should not place undue relianceon any forward-looking statements. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which factors will arise.We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events orotherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we make in proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q andcurrent reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.Company Information Available on the InternetOur Internet address is www.gses.com . We make available free of charge through our Internet site our annual reports on Form 10-K;quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; current reports on Form 8-K; proxy statements, and any amendment to those reports filed or furnishedpursuant to the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.PART IITEM 1. BUSINESS .GSE Systems, Inc. (GSE Systems, GSE, the Company, we, us or our), a Nasdaq-listed company trading under the symbol GVP, is a leadingprovider of engineering, expert staffing, and simulation software to clients in the power and process industries. We provide customers withsimulation, engineering and plant services that help clients reduce risks associated with operating their plants, increase revenue throughimproved plant and employee performance, and lower costs through improved operational efficiency. In addition, we provide professionalservices that systematically help clients fill key vacancies in the organization on a short-term basis, primarily in procedures, engineering,technical support, and training focused on regulatory compliance and certification in the nuclear power industry. Our operations also includeinteractive computer-based tutorials and simulation software for the refining, chemical, and petrochemical industries. We are one of thelargest independent nuclear service companies in North America.We execute projects globally with approximately 402 employees, as of December 31, 2018, operating from offices in the U.S. and China,deployed at client sites. While most of our revenue comes from the nuclear power market, we also serve the fossil, refining, chemical, andpetrochemical markets.GSE Systems was formed on March 30, 1994, to consolidate the simulation and related businesses ofGeneral Physics International Engineering & Simulation, S3 Technologies, and EuroSim. The Company completed its Initial Public Offeringin 1995.On November 14, 2014, we acquired Hyperspring, LLC (Hyperspring). Hyperspring is a nuclear industry expert staffing firm that primarilyprovides highly skilled, high-value professionals to fill training and consulting positions on a contract basis for nuclear power plant operatorsand employs approximately 80 professionals. Hyperspring professionals provide training, operations and maintenance support including:generic fundamentals exams (GFES), accreditation training visit (ATV) preparation, senior reactor operator (SRO) certification, proceduredevelopment, work management, tagging/labeling, outage execution, planning/scheduling, corrective action, self-assessments and equipmentreliability. Customers have included Entergy, TVA, PSEG Nuclear and First Energy.On September 20, 2017, we acquired Absolute Consulting, Inc. (Absolute). Absolute is a provider of technical consulting and staffingsolutions to the global nuclear power industry and employs approximately 131 professionals with expertise in procedure writing, engineering,technical support, project management, training, project controls, and corrective actions. Customers have included Entergy, Duke Energy,Vistra Energy and Southern Nuclear Operating Company.On May 11, 2018, we acquired True North Consulting, LLC (True North). True North is a provider of engineering solutions to nuclear andfossil fuel power plants with an emphasis on regulatory-driven ASME code programs and employs approximately 59 professionals.Customers have included Exelon, Entergy, Southern Nuclear Operating Company, and EPRI.On February 15, 2019, we acquired DP Engineering Ltd, Co, (DP Engineering). DP Engineering is a specialized provider of high-valueengineering services and solutions to the nuclear power industry and employs approximately 110 full-time professionals. Founded in 1995 inFort Worth, Texas, DP Engineering generates over 90% of its revenue from the nuclear power industry with core expertise in: mechanicaldesign; civil/structural design; electrical, instrumentation and controls design; digital controls/cyber security; and fire protection. DPEngineering primarily works under master service agreements as the Engineer of Choice. Customers have included Entergy, Fluor, TalenEnergy Services, and Vistra Energy.As a result of the DP Engineering acquisition, we have added approximately 110 employees to the Company.3Operating SegmentsWe operate through two reportable business segments: Performance Improvement Solutions and Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting.Each segment focuses on delivering solutions to customers within our targeted markets - primarily the power and process industries.Marketing and communications, accounting, finance, legal, human resources, corporate development, information systems and otheradministrative services are organized at the corporate level. Business development and sales resources are generally aligned with eachsegment to support existing customer accounts and new customer development. The business units collaborate to facilitate cross-selling andthe development of new solutions. The following is a description of our business segments:·Performance Improvement Solutions (approximately 47% of revenue)Our Performance Improvement Solutions ("Performance") segment primarily encompasses our power plant high-fidelity simulation solutions,engineering services for ASME programs, thermal performance optimization and plan design modifications, and interactive computer-basedtutorials/simulation focused on the process industry. This segment includes various simulation products, engineering services, and operationtraining systems delivered across the industries we serve, primarily nuclear and fossil fuel power generation, as well as the process industries.Our simulation solutions include the following: (1) simulation software and services, including operator training systems, for the nuclearpower industry, (2) simulation software and services, including operator training systems, for the fossil power industry, and (3) simulationsoftware and services for the process industries used to teach fundamental industry processes and control systems to newly hired employeesand for ongoing workforce development and training. GSE and its predecessors have been providing these services since 1976.Our engineering solutions include the following: (1) in-service testing for engineering programs focused on ASME OM code includingAppendix J, balance of plant programs, and thermal performance; (2) in-service inspection for specialty engineering including ASME SectionXI; (3) software solutions; and (4) mechanical design, civil/structural design, electrical, instrumentation and controls design, digitalcontrols/cyber security, and fire protection for nuclear power plant design modifications. Our True North and DP Engineering businessestypically work as either the engineer of choice or specialty engineer of choice for our clients under master services agreements. GSE and itspredecessors have been providing these engineering solutions and services since 1995.On May 11, 2018, we acquired True North, which is a provider of technical engineering solutions to nuclear and fossil fuel power plants withan emphasis on regulatory-driven ASME code programs. The acquisition of True North is expected to broaden our engineering servicesoffering, expand our relationships with several of the largest nuclear energy providers in the United States, and add a highly specialized,complimentary talent pool to our employee base.·Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting (approximately 53% of revenue)Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting ("NITC") provides highly specialized, expert-professionals to the nuclear power industry. Theseemployees work at our clients' facilities under client direction. Examples of these highly skilled positions are senior reactor operationsinstructors, procedure writers, project managers, work management specialists, planners and training material developers. This business ismanaged through the Hyperspring and Absolute subsidiaries. The business model, management focus, margins and other factors clearlyseparate the business line from the rest of the Company's product and service portfolio. GSE and its predecessors have been providing thesetraining and consulting services since 1997.Financial information is provided in Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements regarding our business segments andgeographic operations and revenue.Business Strategy, Industry Trends, Products and ServicesBusiness StrategyOur objective is to create a leading specialty engineering, expert staffing and technology delivery platform focused primarily on the nuclearpower industry. We offer our differentiated suite of products and services to adjacent markets such as the fossil power and process industrieswhere our offerings are a natural fit, delivering a clear and compelling value proposition to the market. Our primary growth strategy istwofold: (1) seek acquisitions to accelerate our overall growth in a manner that is complementary to our core business and (2) expandorganically within our core markets by leveraging our market leadership position and drive increased usage and product adoption via newproducts and services. To accomplish this objective, we will pursue the following activities:- Pursue roll-up acquisition strategy. We intend to complement our organic growth strategy through selective acquisitions including, but notlimited to, the following: engineering; training, staffing and consulting service businesses for the power industry, with a particular focus onnuclear power; and software utilized in the power industry, both domestic and international. We are focusing our efforts on acquisitions thatwould enhance our existing portfolio of products and services, strengthen our relationships with our existing customers, and potentiallyexpand our footprint to include new customers in our core served industries. We have made three acquisitions since 2017 and believe theopportunity exists to acquire more businesses that are complementary to ours, allowing us to accelerate our growth strategy.In February 2019, we acquired DP Engineering, a specialized provider of high-value engineering services and solutions to the nuclear powerindustry. In May 2018, we acquired True North, a leading provider of specialty engineering solutions to the nuclear power industry and inSeptember 2017, we acquired Absolute, a provider of technical consulting and staffing solutions to the global nuclear power industry. Theacquisitions of Absolute, True North and DP Engineering are expected to strengthen the Company's global leadership in the nuclear servicesarea. The acquisitions added new capabilities to the GSE solution offering and bring new highly complementary customers to GSE, while atthe same time deepening GSE relationships with existing clients. These acquisitions, together with our earlier acquisition of Hyperspring inNovember 2014, are a significant proof point of the thesis that GSE is a compelling platform for consolidating a fragmented vendorecosystem for nuclear power. We believe the acquisitions add significant scale and focus to the business, while positioning GSE as a "go to"provider of technical and consulting solutions to the power industry, in particular nuclear power.- Expand our total addressable market. Our focus on growth means introducing product capabilities or new product and service categoriesthat create value for our customers and therefore expand our total addressable market. Currently we are working on initiatives to expand oursolution offerings in both of our business segments that may include, but not be limited to, the following: expanding our software productportfolio to include enhanced power and process simulation tools and systems that are complementary to our core offerings; deliveringenhanced learning management systems/solutions; offering fully outsourced training solutions to our customers; adding work flow processimprovement solutions; tailoring operational reporting and business intelligence solutions to address the unique need of our end user markets;and adding new services to broaden our market reach.Initiatives such as these will broaden our scope and enable us to engage more deeply with the segments we serve and adjacent segments. Wehave delivered a compelling solution, the GSE GPWR TM Generic Pressurized Water Reactor simulation technology, proving that ourmodeling technology can be sold in generic form via traditional license terms and conditions to the nuclear industry ecosystem. We have bothupgraded and expanded the EnVision™ library of simulation and eLearning tutorials for the process industries with specific new products fortraining clients in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry including launching a new cloud-based training platform, EnVision™Learning On-Demand, that significantly extends the capabilities of its industry leading EnVision™ tutorials and simulations. We continue toprovide cutting edge training systems by adapting our technology to systems that meet the specific needs of customers such as U.S.government laboratories.- Research and development (R&D). We invest in R&D to deliver unique solutions that add value to our end-user markets. We havedelivered nuclear core and Balance-of-Plant modeling and visualization systems to the industry. To address the nuclear industry's need formore accurate simulation of both normal and accident scenarios, we provide our DesignEP ® and RELAP5-HD ® solutions. Our entire JADETM suite of simulation software, including industry leading JTOPMERET ® and JElectric TM software, provides the most accurate simulationof Balance-of-Plant and electrical systems available to the nuclear and fossil plant simulation market. The significant enhancements we havemade to our SimExec ® and OpenSim TM platforms enables customers to be more efficient in the daily operation of their simulators. We arebringing SimExec ® and OpenSim TM together into a next generation unified environment that will add new capabilities as requested byclients and driven by market need.We intend to continue to make pragmatic and measured investments in R&D that first and foremost are driven by the market and complementour growth strategy. Such investments in R&D may result in on-going enhancement of existing solutions as well as the creation of newsolutions to serve our target markets, ensuring that we add greater value that is easier to use, at lower total cost of ownership than anyalternative available to customers. GSE has pioneered a number of industry standards and intends to continue to be one of the mostinnovative companies in our industry. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we have made R&D investments totaling $1.3million and $1.6 million, respectively.- Strengthen and develop our talent while delivering high-quality solutions . Our experienced employees and management team are ourmost valuable resources. Attracting, training, and retaining top talent is critical to our success. To achieve our talent goals, we intend toremain focused on providing our employees with entrepreneurial opportunities to increase client contact within their areas of expertise and toexpand and deepen our service offerings. We will also continue to provide our employees with training, personal and professional growthopportunities, performance-based incentives including opportunities for stock ownership, bonuses and competitive benefits as benchmarkedto our industry and locations. We have developed a strong reputation for quality services based upon our industry-recognized depth ofexperience, ability to attract and retain quality professionals, and exceptional expertise across multiple service sectors. We have receivednumerous industry certificates and awards over the years for outstanding service.4Industry Trends- Industry need to build and sustain a highly skilled workforceWe believe a critical ongoing challenge facing the industries we serve is access to, and continued development of, a highly trained andefficient workforce. This challenge manifests primarily in two ways: the increasing pace at which industry knowledge and experience are lostas a significant percentage of the existing experienced workforce reaches retirement age; and the fact that as new power plants come on-line,there is an increased demand for workers to staff and operate those plants.In the United States, the energy industry is expected to lose a large percentage of its workforce within the next few years as baby boomersretire on the traditional schedule. For example, Power Engineering reported that the power sector needs more than 100,000 skilled workerswithin the next few years to replace retiring baby boomers. Electric, Light, and Power reported that 72% of energy employers currentlystruggle to find quality candidates and fill open positions. The National Electrical Contractors Association reported that 7,000 electriciansjoin the field each year, while 10,000 retire . Finally, the Nuclear Energy Institute estimated that 39% of the nuclear workforce were eligibleto retire in the next few years. As the nuclear industry expands and modernizes its fleet and strains to maintain the high standards of trainingfor the existing workforce, existing plant simulator systems, which provide a critical environment for training services, are often operating 24hours a day. With workers retiring and the need to backfill as well as expand the workforce for new units, certain operators are exploring theopportunity to de-bottleneck their existing simulator capabilities through the creation of dual reference simulators. Other workforce shortagesand/or short-term spikes in demand for specialist skills that we offer similarly are positive developments for our business.Globally, as more people increase their standard of living, their demand for power will increase, which in turn will require continuingconstruction of power plants to meet this surging demand. Developing a skilled labor force to operate these plants and keeping their skillscurrent and their certifications in compliance with regulatory requirements is a key challenge facing the global power industry.- Status of nuclear power in 2017/2018The world’s nuclear reactors performed well in 2017 (the most recent full year for which data is available). Global nuclear electricity outputwas 2506 terawatt-hour (TWh), an increase of 29 TWh compared to 2016. This marked the fifth successive year that nuclear output hasincreased, with generation 160 TWh higher than in 2012.At the end of 2017 the global nuclear capacity of 448 operable reactors stood at 392 GWh, up 2 GWe on the end of 2016 total. Four newreactors were connected to the grid, with a combined capacity of 3373 MWe. Five reactors were shut down, with a combined capacity of3025 MWe. Two of those reactors, Monju and Santa Maria de Garoña, had not generated for some years previously, however.The number of reactors under construction at the end of 2017 was 59. The median average construction time for the four reactors gridconnected in 2017 was 58 months. In addition to the four grid connections, there were four construction starts and two construction projectshalted. Both 2015 and 2016 had more grid connections, with ten each, and there were more grid connections in 2018 than in 2017.The capacity factor for the global fleet stood at 81%, maintaining the high availability of around 80% that has been maintained since 2000, upfrom the 60% average capacity factor at the start of the 1980s.In Asia, construction started on the first nuclear power reactor to be built in Bangladesh. Nuclear generation was boosted by the return toservice of the fifth Japanese reactor, with further restarts taking place in 2018. In South Korea, a public vote lead to the resumption ofconstruction of Shin-Kori 5. Construction was completed on the first unit at Barakah, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).In Canada, plans are progressing to support the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology, as well as to ensure the continuedoperation of its existing Candu reactors.In the US, construction was halted on the two VC Summer reactors, but agreement was reached on the completion of the two sister reactors atVogtle plant. In some states, measures have been introduced to correct market distortions to support the continued operation of nuclear plantsproviding reliable and clean electricity.Turkey has become the latest country to start a new build program. Construction on-site at Akkuyu formally started in December 2017, withconstruction of the first reactor starting in April 2018. Progress is underway, evidenced by the construction of more than 25 reactorsscheduled to be completed in 2018 and 2019. New reactor projects are needed to maintain and accelerate global nuclear build so that nucleargeneration can achieve the Harmony goal of supplying 25% of the world’s global electricity by 2050.A two-year budget deal signed by President Donald Trump on February 9, 2018, includes provisions that will benefit the development ofnuclear power in the U.S. including the expansion of Vogtle, which is located near Waynesboro, GA. The Nuclear Energy Institute said thatthe legislation signed: (1) allows for new nuclear reactors placed in service after December 31, 2020, to qualify for the nuclear PTC; (2)permits the Secretary of Energy to allocate credits up to a 6,000-megawatt capacity limit for the first “new nuclear” reactors placed in serviceafter December 31, 2020; and (3) allows public-entity project partners to transfer their credits to other project partners.NEI said that the deadline change will ensure the two reactors being built at Vogtle will benefit from the PTC and that the 6,000-MWcapacity limit indicates the PTC will also benefit NuScale Power LLC’s and its partners’ plans to build its first commercial power plant at theIdaho National Laboratory by 2026.For the existing U.S. nuclear fleet, there is recognition that these plants are essential to meeting national goals of reducing carbon emissions,even as renewable energy sources are introduced. This recognition of the importance of nuclear power in providing zero-carbon baseload isdemonstrated by the state of New York's Clean Energy Standard that values the emission-free energy of New York's nuclear fleet by grantinga subsidy of 1.7¢/kWh. This subsidy helps ensure the state's existing nuclear plants remain economically viable in an era of low-cost naturalgas, even competing with wind and solar power generation sources receiving a subsidy of 4.5¢/kWh.In addition, the Illinois Legislature on December 2, 2016, passed the Future Energy Jobs Bill on December 2, 2016, a measure that ensuresthe continued operation of the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear power plants in that state. In a statement, the Nuclear Energy Institute said thebill’s passage was a “remarkable moment” for the state and the nuclear industry. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the bill into law on December 7,2016. The Future Energy Jobs Bill provides Exelon and Commonwealth Edison with a $235 million annual credit for the carbon-free energyproduced by the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants.At the end of October 2017, Connecticut passed a bill that may help it keep its Millstone nuclear plant open. The bill permits state energyofficials to change the rules for how Dominion Nuclear Connecticut sells electricity from Millstone. Millstone could sell up to 75% of itsoutput in competition with the other zero-carbon sources of electricity under the bill. This is a significant recognition of the strategic valuethat nuclear power provides via zero-carbon baseload.On May 22, 2018, New Jersey passed a bill establishing a Zero Emissions Certificate (ZEC) program to maintain New Jersey’s nuclearenergy supply, which contributes close to 40 percent of the state’s electric capacity and is by far its largest source of carbon free energy.Plants seeking to participate in the program would be required, among other things, to demonstrate that they make a significant contributionto New Jersey air quality and are at risk of closure within three years. The four reactors operating in New Jersey are capable of generatingover 4,100 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Three are located at the Salem-Hope Creek nuclear plant and are operated by a unit of PublicService Enterprise Group Inc., the state’s biggest power company.The actions of New York, Illinois, Connecticut and New Jersey represent a trend that may continue as states such as Ohio and Pennsylvaniaconsider legislation to recognize the value of zero-carbon power produced by nuclear plants in those states. This would echo the rollout of theRenewable Portfolio Standard across more than half of the states in the US to recognize the benefits of zero-carbon renewable power.In regulated markets where the economy is growing, the nuclear fleet is profitable and expanding, with two reactors under construction in thesoutheast U.S. Longer term, the trends for nuclear power have promise as small-scale modular reactors (SMR's) advance in development andprototyping. A project is planned to build a NuScale Power SMR at Idaho National Labs. NuScale Power is a long-standing GSEcustomer. Tennessee Valley Authority submitted an application for an early site permit for two or more SMRs modules (up to 800 MWe,2420 MWt) at the Clinch River Nuclear site on May 12, 2016. In January 2017 the Nuclear Regulatory Commission accepted and docketedthe early site permit. U.S. Department of Energy recently released a draft plan to double America's nuclear power capacity by 2050. Theplan, dubbed "Vision 2050", promotes expanding America's nuclear capacity through advanced reactor designs including small and medium-size reactors.We believe GSE is well positioned to take full advantage of these strategic global and domestic trends by providing high fidelity simulationand training solutions to the global power and process industries.5Products and Services- Performance Improvement SolutionsTo assist our clients in creating world-class internal training and engineering improvement processes, we offer a set of integrated and scalableproducts and services that provide a structured program focused on continuous skills improvement for experienced employees to engineeringservices, including plant design verification and validation, ASME code compliance, and design plant modification work. We provide theright solutions to solve our clients' most pressing needs.For workforce development and training, students and instructors alike must have a high degree of confidence that their power plantsimulator truly reflects plant behavior across the entire range of operations. To earn this confidence, GSE's simulation solution starts with themost robust engineering approach possible. Using state-of-the-art modeling tools combined with our leading nuclear power modelingexpertise, GSE provides simulation solutions that achieve unparalleled fidelity and accuracy. The solutions that GSE provides are also knownfor ease of use, resulting in increased productivity for end-users. For these reasons, GSE has delivered more nuclear power plant simulatorsthan any other company in the world.For virtual commissioning, designers of first-of-a-kind plants or existing plants need a highly accurate dynamic simulation platform to modela wide variety of design assumptions and concepts from control strategies to plant behavior to human factors. Because new builds andupgrades to existing plants result in deployment of new technology, often involving the integration of disparate technologies for the first time,a high-fidelity simulator enables designers to model the interaction between systems in advance of construction. With our combination ofsimulation technology and expert engineering, GSE was chosen to build first-of-a-kind simulators for the AP1000, PBMR, and small modularreactors such as those being built by NuScale.Examples of the types of simulators we sell include, but are not limited to, the following:●Universal Training Simulators: These products complement our Self-Paced Training Tutorials by reinforcing what the studentlearned in the tutorial, putting it into practice on the Universal Simulator. The simulation models are high fidelity and engineeringcorrect, but represent a typical plant or typical process, rather than the exact replication of a client's plant. We have delivered over360 such simulation models to clients consisting of major oil companies and educational institutions.●Part-Task Training Simulators: Like our Universal Simulators, we provide other unique training solutions such as a genericnuclear plant simulator and VPanel ® displays, which replicate control room hardware and simulator solutions specific to industryneeds such as severe accident models to train on and aid in the understanding of events like the Fukushima Daiichi accident.●Plant-Specific Operator Training Simulators: These simulators exactly replicate the plant control room and plant operations.They provide the highest level of realism and training available, and allow users to practice their own plant-specific procedures.Clients can safely practice startup, shutdown, and other normal operations, as well as response to abnormal events we all hope theynever have to experience in real life. Since our inception, we have delivered over 480 plant-specific simulators to clients in thenuclear power, fossil power and process industries worldwide.- Nuclear Industry Training and ConsultingAs our customers' experienced staff retire, access to experts that can help operate and train existing and new employees in how to operatetheir plants is essential to ensure safe ongoing plant operations. In addition, operating and training needs change over time and sometimes ourclients require fixed priced discrete projects or specialized courses in contrast to straight staff augmentation. The industry needs operatingpersonnel, including procedure writers, engineers, operators and instructors who can step in and use as well as update the client's operatingmethods, procedures, training material and more. Finding technical professionals and instructors, who know the subject, can perform thework or teach it to others and can adapt to the client's culture, is critical. GSE provides qualified professionals, instructors and turnkeyprojects/courses that work within the client's system and complement the operating or training methods they already have in place. Examplesof our training program courses include senior reactor operator certification, generic fundamentals training, and simulation supervisortraining. In addition, we also provide expert support through consulting or turnkey projects for procedure writing, technical engineers, projectmanagers, training material upgrade and development, outage execution, planning and scheduling, corrective actions programs, andequipment reliability.We bring together the collection of skills we have amassed over more than 40 years beginning with its traditional roots in custom high-fidelity simulation and training solutions for the power industries, extended through the acquisition of specialized engineering capabilities,enhanced by the entry and intermediate level training solutions of EnVision and the extensive nuclear industry training and consultingservices of Absolute and Hyperspring.Customers and LocationsFor more than 40 years, we have been developing next-generation, custom training simulation technologies. Since we built the firstcommercial full-scope nuclear power plant simulator in 1971, we have completed more than 1,100 installations in 50 countries. In 2018, approximately 15% of our revenue was generated from end-users outside the United States and we have a concentration of revenuefrom two individual customers, which accounted for 14.3% and 26.9% of our consolidated revenue, respectively. A small representative listof our customer base includes: ABB Inc., American Electric Power, Bechtel Hanford National Laboratory, Duke Energy, EDF Energy(United Kingdom), Emerson Process Management, Exelon, PSEG Nuclear, Inc., Siemens AG (Germany), Southern Nuclear OperatingCompany, Inc., State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Company (China), Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, TennesseeValley Authority, and Westinghouse Electric Co.Hydrocarbon and chemical process customers include numerous large oil refineries and chemical plants such as BP (worldwide), Statoil ASA(Norway), Chevron, Emerson Process Management, Shell Oil Company (worldwide), and Total (Belgium).6Marketing and SalesWe market our products and services through a network of direct sales staff, agents and representatives, and strategic alliance partners.Market-oriented business and customer account teams define and implement specific campaigns to pursue opportunities.We continue to have a proactive public relations program, issuing non-financial press releases to announce product development andsignificant deliveries, as well as our presence at numerous industry trade shows and technical conferences. We are active on numerous socialmedia platforms and strive to build a strong presence across all media that our clients use to find information about the Company. Our goal isto provide useful information at each stage of the client's journey with the Company.The Company's ability to support its multi-facility, international, and multinational clients is facilitated by its network of offices and strategicpartners in the U.S. and overseas. In addition to its office located in China, the Company's ability to conduct international business isenhanced by its multilingual and multicultural workforce. GSE has strategic relationships with system integrators and agents representing itsinterests in Bulgaria, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine and various locations in the Gulf Coast Countries of theMiddle East.CompetitionIn the nuclear simulation market, we compete directly with firms primarily from Canada, France and the U.S., such as L-3 MAPPS Inc., asubsidiary of L-3 Communications (Canada), CORYS T.E.S.S (France) and Western Services Corporation. In the fossil simulation market,the Company competes with smaller companies in the U.S. and overseas. In the process industry our main competition comes from largedigital control system/automation companies such as Honeywell and Schneider. In our engineering market, we compete with firms primarilyfrom North America such as Enercon Services, Kinetrics, Sargent & Lundy, and AECOM.The Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting business services include technical professional and training-related and services as well asstaff augmentation solutions. The competition for these services includes but is not limited to the following: GP Strategies, The WestwindGroup, Professional Training Technologies, and Western Technical Services. The competition for staff augmentation includes: Day &Zimmerman, Planet Forward, and The Westwind Group.Competitive AdvantagesAlthough there is competition in various industry niches, few companies in our space can combine our engineering, simulation and trainingexpertise, especially for the nuclear power industry. Few of our competitors serve the broader performance improvement market and fewwork across the full spectrum of energy markets including nuclear and fossil power plus petrochemicals.Proprietary Software Tools . We developed a library of proprietary software tools including auto-code generators and system models thatsubstantially improve and expedite the design, production and integration, testing and modification of software and systems. These tools areused to automatically generate the computer code and systems models required for specific functions commonly used in simulationapplications, thereby enabling the Company or its customers to develop high-fidelity, real-time software quickly, accurately and at lowercosts. The Company also has an expertise integrating third-party engineering codes into the Company's simulation environment, therebyoffering some of the most sophisticated technical solutions in the market. The Company has a substantial library of Process-SpecificSimulation models and eLearning Modules aimed at the oil and gas, refining and specialty chemicals markets.Industry Expertise . We are a leading innovator and developer of real-time simulation software with more than 40 years of experienceproducing high-fidelity, real-time simulators. As a result, the Company has acquired substantial applications expertise in the energy andprocess industries. As of December 31, 2018, the Company employed a highly educated and experienced multinational workforce ofapproximately 402 employees, including approximately 135 engineers and scientists in fields such as chemical, mechanical and electricalengineering, applied mathematics and computer sciences, and approximately 195 instructors and plant operations staff specialists. As a resultof the DP Engineering acquisition, we have added approximately 110 employees to the Company.Unique Combination of Talent. Few in our market space brings together the sophistication of simulation technology with the engineeringexpertise, training expertise and visualization expertise to provide the holistic people and plant performance improvement solutions as well aswe do.Reputation for Customer Satisfaction. As part of its ISO-9001:2015 Quality Program Certification, GSE measures customer satisfactionacross numerous factors such as On-Time Delivery, Problem Solving, and Customer Communication. In each category measured weroutinely exceed customer expectations .Training Curricula . The Company has developed hundreds of detailed courses and simulator exercise material and specific industrialapplications including oil and gas refining, gas-oil production, nuclear and combined cycle gas turbine power plant and desalination.Our Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting business is mostly focused on training and operations support. Our trainers and consultantsprovide their services at customer facilities which allows us to interface with our customers directly in the course of doing business versusonly periodically calling on customers. Our proximity gives us a significant competitive advantage in that we can immediately offer andimplement solutions rather than contending with lengthy bid processes.Intellectual Property.The Company depends upon its intellectual property rights in its proprietary technology and information. GSE maintains a portfolio oftrademarks (both registered and under common law), copyrights (both registered and unregistered), and licenses. While such trademarks,copyrights and licenses as a group are of material importance to the Company, it does not consider any one trademark, copyright, or license tobe of such importance that the loss or expiration thereof would materially affect the Company. The Company relies upon a combination oftrade secrets, copyright law, trademark law, contractual arrangements and technical means to protect its intellectual property rights. GSEdistributes its software products under software license agreements that grant customers nonexclusive licenses for the use of its products.These are nontransferable. Use of the licensed software is restricted to designated computers at specified sites, unless the customer obtains asite license of its use of the software. Software and hardware security measures are also employed to prevent unauthorized use of theCompany’s software, and the licensed software is subject to terms and conditions prohibiting unauthorized reproduction of the software. TheCompany’s perpetual licenses have an unlimited duration as long as they are adequately protected and the parties adhere to the material termsand conditions. The Company’s other licenses and subscription agreements have specified durations and usage terms, and may expire or berevoked in certain circumstances.The Company does not own any patents relevant to its business. The Company believes that all of the Company’s trademarks (especiallythose that use the phrase "GSE Systems") are valid and will have an unlimited duration as long as they are adequately protected andsufficiently used.GSE has numerous registered U.S. trademarks: GSE Systems ® , JTOPMERET ® , RELAP5-HD ® , TOTALVISION ® , VPanel ® andSimExec ® . Some of these trademarks have also been registered in foreign countries. The Company also claims trademark rights toDesignEP™, Java Application and Development Environment (JADE)™, OpenSim™, PSA-HD™, RACS™, SimSuite Pro™,SmartTutor™, THOR™, Xtreme I/S™, and others.In addition, the Company maintains federal statutory copyright protection with respect to its software programs and products, has registeredcopyrights for some of the documentation and manuals related to these programs, and maintains trade secret protection on its softwareproducts and proprietary technologies and methodologies.Despite these protections, the Company cannot be sure that it has protected or will be able to protect its intellectual property adequately, thatthe unauthorized disclosure or use of its intellectual property will be prevented, that others have not or will not develop similar technologyindependently, or, to the extent it owns any patents in the future, that others have not or will not be able to design around those patents.Furthermore, the laws of certain countries in which the Company’s products are sold do not protect its products and intellectual propertyrights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.7Government RegulationsOur operations are directly and indirectly affected by political developments and both domestic and foreign governmental regulations. Wecannot determine the extent to which changing political priorities, new legislation, new regulations or changes in existing laws or regulationsmay affect our future operations, positively or negatively.Industries ServedThe following chart illustrates the approximate percentage of the Company's 2018 and 2017 consolidated revenue by industries served: Years ended December 31, 2018 2017Nuclear power91% 83%Fossil fuel power6% 9%Process3% 6%Other0% 2%Total100% 100%Backlog As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $70.6 million of total gross revenue backlog compared to $71.4 million as ofDecember 31, 2017. Most of our contract terms are less than 24 months. Our backlog includes only those amounts that have been funded andauthorized and does not reflect the full amounts we may receive over the term of such contracts. Our backlog includes future expectedrevenue at contract rates, excluding contract renewals or extensions that are at the discretion of the client. We calculate backlog withoutregard to possible project reductions or expansions or potential cancellations unless and until we have reason to believe that such changesmay occur.Backlog is expressed in terms of gross revenue and, therefore, may include significant estimated amounts of third-party or pass-through coststo subcontractors and other parties. Because backlog is not a defined accounting term, our computation of backlog may not necessarily becomparable to that of our industry peers.EmployeesAs of December 31, 2018, we had approximately 402 employees, which include approximately 191 in our Performance Improvementsegment and 211 in our Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment. Excluding our Nuclear Industry Training and Consultingbusiness, which consists primarily of contracted instructors, our employee attrition rate for 2018 among all staff was approximately 11%. Todate, we have been able to locate and engage highly qualified employees as needed and we expect our growth efforts to be addressed throughattracting top talent. As a result of the DP Engineering acquisition that closed on February 15, 2019, we have added approximately 110employees to the Company.ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.The following are some of the factors that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical results and from theresults contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report and other public statements made by us. Additional risks anduncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently see as immaterial, may also harm our business. Most of these risks are generallybeyond our control. If any of the risks or uncertainties described below, or any such other or additional risks and uncertainties actuallyoccurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. The following informationshould be read in conjunction with Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and theconsolidated financial statements and related notes under Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.Our business is largely dependent on sales to the nuclear power industry. Any significant disruption in this industry would have amaterial adverse effect upon our revenue and profitability.In 2018, 91% of our revenue was from customers in the nuclear power industry (83% in 2017). We expect to derive a significant portion ofour revenue from customers in the nuclear power industry for the foreseeable future. Market demand for, and our ability to supply nuclearpower plant simulators and related products and services is dependent on the continued operation of nuclear power plants globally and, to alesser extent, on the construction of new nuclear power plants. A wide range of factors affect the continued operation and construction ofnuclear power plants, including the political, regulatory and legal environment in which they operate, the availability and cost of alternativemeans of power generation, the occurrence of future nuclear incidents, such as the one which occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plantin 2011, and general economic conditions. Significant regulatory changes in the U.S. or abroad could materially affect demand for ourproducts, the profitability of our service deliveries to nuclear power industry customers, and the overall efficacy of our current businessmodel.8Our sales to foreign customers expose us to risks associated with operating internationally.Sales of products and services to end users outside the United States accounted for approximately 15% of the Company’s consolidatedrevenue in 2018 and 19% of consolidated revenue in 2017. Consequently, our businesses are subject to a variety of risks that are specific tointernational operations, including the following:·export laws and regulations that could erode our profit margins or restrict the export of some or all of our products;·compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar non-U.S. regulations such as the UK Bribery Act;·the burden and cost of compliance with foreign laws, treaties and technical standards generally, as well as responding to changes inthose requirements;·contract award and funding delays;·potential restrictions on transfers of funds;·potential difficulties in accounts receivable collection;·currency fluctuations, including costs and potentially limited availability of viable hedging options;·import and export duties and value added or other taxes;·transportation and communication delays and interruptions;·differences in insurance availability and coverage in some jurisdictions;·difficulties involving strategic alliances and managing foreign sales agents or representatives;·uncertainties arising from foreign local business practices and cultural considerations; and·potential military conflicts and political risks.While we have and will continue to adopt measures to reduce the potential impact of losses resulting from the risks of our foreign business,we cannot ensure that such measures will be adequate. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we did not have revenuesgreater than 10% from any individual foreign country.Exports and sales to certain foreign countries, including the People’s Republic of China, are subject to regulatory, political, and otherrisks.The export and sale of our services and technology to certain foreign countries including China, are subject to U.S. export controlregulations. Export control policy pertaining to China and other countries may be enforced through laws and regulations administered by theDepartment of Commerce and the Department of Energy, and jurisdiction with regard to the export and sale of our services and technologymay be overlapping and unclear. Specific governmental authorizations may be required before we can export our services or technology tocountries such as China, or collaborate with foreign entities or foreign individuals located in countries such as China. These restrictionsinclude our own wholly-owned Chinese subsidiary and its employees. If export or other authorizations are required and not granted, or aresignificantly delayed, our international business plans pertaining to China and other countries could be materially affected. Further, ourexports and sales to China and other countries with respect to which the United States may have shifting or negative diplomatic and traderelations, including sales made by or through our wholly-owned Chinese subsidiary, expose us to particular risks associated with the politicaland regulatory relationship between the U.S. and China and between the U.S. and such other countries.In October 2018, the Department of Energy announced the tightening of certain export control restrictions with regard to the export of nucleartechnology to China, including certain presumptive denials with regard to the export of identified nuclear technologies to China. Althoughwe do not believe that these policy changes cover our technologies or services, additional restrictions pertaining to U.S. regulation and policypertaining to international trade with China could adversely affect our business in China and the performance of our Chinese subsidiary.Finally, violation of export control regulations, including those pertaining to China, could subject us to fines and other penalties, such aslosing the ability to export for a period of years, which would limit our revenue growth opportunities and significantly hinder our attempts toexpand our business internationally. Although we take steps to monitor and ensure our compliance with all applicable export laws andregulations, we are nevertheless exposed to political and regulatory risks that we may not be able to mitigate fully and that may have amaterial adverse effect upon our international business operations.Our operations within China subject us to risks and uncertainties relating to the laws and regulations of China.Our business and operations within China may be adversely affected by China’s continuously evolving internal policies, laws and regulations,including those relating to nuclear technology, trade, taxation, import and export tariffs or restrictions, currency controls, cybersecurity anddata protection, indigenous innovation and the promotion of a domestic nuclear industry, and intellectual property rights and enforcement andprotection of those rights. Enforcement of existing laws or agreements in China may be inconsistent. In addition, changes in the politicalenvironment, governmental policies, international trade policies and relations, or U.S. - China relations could result in revisions to laws orregulations or their interpretation and enforcement, exposure of our proprietary intellectual property to risk of loss, increased taxation, tradesanctions, the imposition of import duties or tariffs, restrictions on imports or exports, currency revaluations, or retaliatory actions by theChinese government in response to U.S. actions, any or all of which could have an adverse effect on our business plans and operating results.Customer concentration in the U.S. nuclear power industry subjects us to risks and uncertainty, which we may not be able tomitigate through diversification.The U.S. nuclear industry has significant customer concentration with a limited number of entities owning all of the 99 nuclear reactorscurrently operating in the United States. In 2018, we continued to experience high customer concentration with respect to each of ourbusinesses. Indeed, one customer accounted for 26.9% of our total consolidated revenue for the year-ended December 31, 2018. We monitorour customer concentration and seek to diversify our customer base within this concentrated industry. In addition to pursuing diversificationstrategies and expanding relationships with targeted customers, we mitigate the associated customer concentration risk by developingmeaningful relationships with each nuclear power plant, which are often separately responsible for vendor selection and individualprocurement decisions.While our acquisition activity has the potential to diversify our customer base through inorganic means, we have also found that some of thestrongest commercial opportunities are within our existing customer base, as our existing relationships are a resource for introductions, duediligence, and business intelligence. Our recent acquisition of DP Engineering highlights these kinds of opportunities and challenges.Through the acquisition process, we benefited from insights obtained from our subsidiaries who work side-by-side with DP Engineeringwithin our existing footprint. At the same time, DP Engineering has significant customer concentration within our existing customer base. Asa result, our strategy with DP Engineering includes a focus on new customer acquisition and diversification.Our diversification strategy is intended to reduce our customer concentration risk. One of the risks associated with customer concentrationwas underscored by a recent event at a customer location following our acquisition of DP Engineering. After that event, the customeridentified a prior plant modification by DP Engineering as meriting further analysis. As is customary in the industry, pursuant to an Engineerof Choice agreement, the customer issued DP Engineering a Notice of Suspension by email while a root cause analysis of the event proceeds.Because of DP Engineering’s concentrated nature, this notice impacted a number of unrelated projects at other locations. Although more than25% of the impacted projects have already been restarted at the request of the customer, this incident shows that high customer concentrationcan result in events at one location impacting projects at other locations. In this case, DP Engineering and GSE are working with the customerand outside vendors to assist in the causal analysis related to the event and anticipate further clarity once the analysis is complete in thecoming weeks.9Our revenue, results of operations, and cash flows may suffer upon the loss of a significant customer.For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the following customers have provided more than 10% of Nuclear Industry Trainingand Consulting segment's revenues: Years ended December 31, 2018 2017Customer A48% 48%Customer B12% 16% Hyperspring and Absolute, which together comprise our Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment, may lose a significant customerif any existing contract with such customer expires without extension, renewal, or negotiation or if it is terminated by the customer prior toexpiration, to the extent such early termination is permitted by the contract. A number of Hyperspring's and Absolute’s contracts typically aresubject to expiration during each year, and either company may lose any of these contracts if the company is unable to extend, renew, orrenegotiate the contracts. The loss of any significant customer would adversely affect our Nuclear Industry Training and Consultingsegment’s revenue, results of operations, and cash flows.For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the following customer has provided more than 10% of Performance ImprovementSolutions segment's revenues: Years ended December 31, 2018 2017Customer C26% 31% Customer A also provided 26.9% and 20.8% of our total consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.While the acquisition of DP Engineering increased our product and service offerings, we anticipate that it will further increase our customerconcentration in our Performance Improvement Solutions segment.GSE Performance Solutions, Inc., GSE True North Consulting, LLC, DP Engineering and Envision, which together comprise ourPerformance Improvement Solutions segment, may lose a significant customer if any existing contract with such customer expires withoutextension, renewal, or negotiation or if it is terminated by the customer prior to expiration, to the extent such early termination is permitted bythe contract. A majority of the contracts entered into by our Performance Improvement Solutions businesses are able to be terminated by ourcustomer on relatively short notice without cause or further compensation. The loss of any significant customer would adversely affect ourPerformance Improvement Solutions segment’s revenue, results of operations, and cash flows.Our expense levels are based upon our expectations as to future revenue, and we may be unable to adjust spending to compensate fora revenue shortfall. Accordingly, any revenue shortfall would likely have a disproportionate effect on our operating results.Our revenue was $92.2 million and $70.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We had operating incomeof $1.4 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our operating results have fluctuated in thepast and may fluctuate significantly in the future as a result of a variety of factors, including purchasing patterns, timing of launch or releaseof new products and enhancements by us and our competitors, and fluctuating global economic conditions. Because our expense levels arebased in part on our expectations as to future revenue and includes certain fixed, pre-negotiated, and prepaid costs, we may be unable toadjust spending in a timely manner to compensate for any revenue shortfall. Because of this lag in response time, such revenue shortfallslikely would have a disproportionate adverse effect on our operating results.Our backlog is subject to unexpected adjustments and cancellations and may not be a reliable indicator of future revenues orearnings.Backlog represents products or services that our customers have committed by contract or purchase order to purchase from us and that wehave not yet delivered or recognized as revenue. Our backlog as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $70.6 million and $71.4 million,respectively. There can be no assurance that the revenues projected in our backlog will be realized or, if realized, will result in profits.Because of project cancellations or changes in project scope and schedule, we cannot predict with certainty whether or when backlog serviceswill be performed, or products delivered. In addition, even where a project proceeds as scheduled, it is possible that contracted parties maydefault and fail to pay amounts owed to us. Our poor project performance could increase the cost associated with a project. Thus, delays,suspensions, cancellations, payment defaults, scope changes and poor project execution could materially reduce or eliminate the revenues andprofits that we actually realize from projects in backlog. Reductions in our backlog due to cancellation or modification by a customer or forother reasons may adversely affect, potentially to a material extent, the revenues and earnings we actually receive from contracts and ordersincluded in our backlog. Many, but not all, of the contracts in our backlog provide for cancellation fees in the event customers cancelprojects. These cancellation fees usually provide for reimbursement of our out-of-pocket costs and payments, for work performed prior tocancellation including varying percentages of the profits we would have realized had the contract been completed. We usually have nocontractual right to payment for all of the lost revenue or lost profits in the event of cancellation of the contracts and orders reflected in ourbacklog, however. Projects may remain in our backlog for extended periods of time. If we experience significant project terminations,suspensions, or scope adjustments to contracts reflected in our backlog, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may beadversely impacted.10We are currently a party to multiple fixed price contracts and will continue to enter into similar contracts in the future. If we are notable to estimate accurately or control costs on such projects, the profitability of such projects could be reduced.A significant portion of our revenue is attributable to contracts entered into on a fixed price basis, which enable us to benefit from costsavings, but expose us to the risk of cost overruns. If our initial estimates are incorrect regarding our costs of performance under thesecontracts, or if unanticipated circumstances arise, we could experience cost overruns that could result in reduced profits or even net losses onthese contracts. Our financial condition is dependent upon our ability to maximize our earnings from our contracts. Lower earnings or lossescaused by cost overruns could have a negative impact on our financial results.Under our time and materials contracts, we are paid for labor at negotiated hourly billing rates and for certain expenses. Under cost-reimbursable contracts, which are subject to a contract ceiling amount, we are reimbursed for allowable costs and are paid a fee, which maybe fixed, or performance based. In both cases, however, if our costs exceed the contract ceiling or are not allowable under the provisions ofthe contract or applicable regulations, we may not be able to obtain reimbursement for all such costs even under a time and materials or cost-reimbursable contract.Our inability to successfully estimate and manage costs on each of these contract types may materially and adversely affect our financialcondition.Our simulation business is dependent on product innovation and research and development, which costs are incurred prior torealization of revenue for new products and improvements.We believe that our success will depend in large part on our ability to maintain and enhance our current product line, develop new products,maintain technological competitiveness and meet an expanding range of customer needs. Our product development activities are aimed at thedevelopment and expansion of our library of software modeling tools, the improvement of our display systems and workstation technologies,and the advancement and upgrading of our simulation technology. The life cycles for software modeling tools, graphical user interfaces, andsimulation technology are variable and largely determined by competitive pressures and the evolution of software and standards that may becontrolled by third parties. Consequently, we will need to continue to make significant investments in research and development to enhanceand expand our capabilities in these areas and to maintain our competitive advantage. We cannot control, and we may be unable to predictaccurately, the development and evolution of these competitive pressures and external software and standards. We may be unable to monetizeour investment in research and development in a timely manner, or at all. Unexpected or excessive delays in realizing a return on theseinvestments may have a material and adverse effect on our cash position, results of operations, and financial condition.We use derivative instruments in the normal course of our business which could result in financial losses and exposure to other risksthat negatively impact our net income (loss) and business operational efficiency.We periodically enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreign currencyexchange rates on foreign-denominated trade receivables. We could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market values ofthese contracts or if a derivative instrument counterparty fails to perform. We attempt to minimize credit exposure by limiting counterpartiesto internationally recognized financial institutions, but even these counterparties are subject to default and contract risk and this risk is beyondour control. We also engage in interest rate hedging transactions in the ordinary courses of our business to mitigate the risk that amountsborrowed under our credit facility at floating interest rates may be affected by adverse rate movements. Depending on future business,market, and interest rate environments, however, these hedging transactions may not be effective to mitigate the financial impact of the risksfor which they were put into place sufficiently to justify their expense. Additionally, we may need or wish to avail ourselves of other formsof hedging or derivative instruments in the future depending on our business needs, and these other types of derivative instruments may besubject to the same and other risks and may not be available to us on a cost-effective or risk-controlled basis, if at all. The unavailability ofviable and cost effective risk management, hedging, or similar instruments now or in the future could adversely impact our businessoperational efficiency or results.We issue performance, advance payment, and bid bonds in the normal course of our business which could result in financial lossesthat negatively impact our net income (loss).We may be required to issue performance, advance payment, and bid bonds to our customers and potential customers as a normal part of ourbusiness activities. Our customers may have the ability to draw upon these performance bonds in the event we fail to cure a material breachof the contract within a specified period after receiving notice from the customer regarding the nature of the breach. For the year endedDecember 31, 2018, we did not issue any advance payment or performance bonds, but we may be required to do so in the future to securecontract awards.We rely upon our intellectual property rights for the success of our business, but the steps we have taken to protect our intellectualproperty may be inadequate.Although we believe that factors such as the technological and creative skills of our personnel, new product developments, frequent productenhancements and reliable product maintenance are important to establishing and maintaining a technological leadership position, ourbusiness depends, in part, on the strength of our intellectual property rights in our proprietary technology and information. We rely upon acombination of trade secret, copyright, and trademark law, contractual arrangements and technical means to protect our intellectual propertyrights. We enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, joint venture and alliance partners, customers, and otherthird parties that are granted access to our proprietary information, and we limit access to and distribution of our proprietary information.There can be no assurance, however, that we have protected or will be able to protect our proprietary technology and information adequately,that the unauthorized disclosure or use of our proprietary information will be prevented, that others have not or will not develop similartechnology or information independently, or, to the extent we own any patents in the future, that others have not or will not be able to designaround those future patents. Furthermore, the laws of certain countries in which our products are sold do not protect our products andintellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Our inability to protect our intellectual property rights frominfringement, dilution, or loss could make it more difficult for us to generate revenue from the offer, licensure, and sale of our products andservices and could enable third parties to compete with us more effectively.The industries in which we operate are highly competitive. This competition may prevent us from raising prices at the same pace atwhich our costs increase.Our businesses operate in highly competitive environments with both domestic and foreign competitors, many of whom have substantiallygreater financial, marketing, and other resources than we do. The principal factors affecting competition in our industries include price,technological proficiency, ease of system configuration and use, product reliability, applications expertise, engineering support, localpresence, personal relationships, and the relative financial stability of the competitor. We believe competition in the simulation fields mayfurther intensify in the future as a result of advances in technology, consolidations and strategic alliances among competitors, increased costsrequired to develop new technology and the increasing importance of software content in systems and products. Because our business has asignificant international component, changes in the value of the dollar could adversely affect our ability to compete internationally and couldreduce our profitability on international business opportunities that we do win. Any of these competitive factors, or any combination of twoor more factors, could make it more difficult for us to bid successfully on new projects, or to complete projects at profit margins that weconsider reasonable. An inability or reduced ability to win new work would have a material adverse impact on our backlog and revenue, andan inability or reduced ability to secure reasonable profit margins on projects awarded to us would have a material adverse impact on ourprofitability and overall results of operations.We may encounter difficulties in effectively integrating acquired businesses.As part of our business strategy, we have acquired, and intend to acquire, companies with compatible or related products. These acquisitionswill be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in acquisitions of companies, which include, among other things:·potential exposure to unknown liabilities of the acquired companies;·higher than anticipated acquisition costs and expenses;·depletion of cash and other company assets and resources in connection with the acquisition or integration;·difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the companies, especially if the acquired operations aregeographically distant or culturally different;·potential disruption of our ongoing business and diversion of management time and attention;·failure to maximize our financial and strategic position by the successful incorporation of acquired technology;·difficulties in adopting and maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures, and policies;·loss of key employees and customers as a result of changes in management; and·possible dilution to our shareholders.We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with any of our acquisitions, and if weare not successful, our financial results may be materially impacted. We may be forced to modify our strategic objectives or seek alternativesources of growth.11We are dependent on our management team, and the loss of or the inability to attract and retain one or more key employees orgroups could harm our business and prevent us from implementing our business plan in a timely manner.Our future success is substantially dependent on the continued services and continuing contributions of our executive officers and other keypersonnel. All of our recently acquired businesses, including Hyperspring, Absolute, True North, and DP Engineering, are particularlydependent on key personnel and their key strategic relationships. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other keypersonnel could harm our business. Our future success also depends on our ability to continue to attract, retain, and motivate highly skilledemployees. If we are not able to attract and retain key skilled personnel, our business could be harmed and our revenue, profitability, andoverall results of operations could be materially impacted.A failure to attract and retain technical personnel could reduce our revenue and our operational effectiveness.There is a continuing demand for qualified technical personnel in the industries within which we operate. We believe that our future growthand success will depend upon our ability to attract, train and retain such personnel. Our design and development efforts, particularly withinour Performance Improvement Solutions business segment, depend on hiring and retaining qualified technical personnel. An inability toattract or maintain a sufficient number of technical personnel could have a material adverse effect on our contract performance or on ourability to capitalize on market opportunities.The nuclear power industry, our largest customer group, is associated with a number of hazards which could create significantliabilities.Our business could expose us to third party claims with respect to product, environmental and other similar liabilities. Although we havesought protection from these potential liabilities through a variety of legal and contractual provisions as well as through liability insurance,the effectiveness of such protections has not been fully tested. Certain of our products and services are used by the nuclear power industryprimarily in operator training. Although our contracts for such products and services typically contain provisions designed to protect us frompotential liabilities associated with such use, there can be no assurance that we would not be materially adversely affected by claims oractions which may potentially arise due to factors that may be outside of our direct control.Cyber security incidents could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adverselyimpact our reputation and results of operations.Global cyber security threats can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology(IT) systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats. While we employ comprehensive measures toprevent, detect, address and mitigate these threats (including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, continuousmonitoring of our IT networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems), cyber security incidents, depending on theirnature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential orproprietary information (our own or that of third parties) and the disruption of business operations. The potential consequences of a materialcyber security incident include reputational damage, litigation with third parties, civil or regulatory liability for loss of sensitive or protectedinformation such as personal data, incident response costs, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development andengineering, loss of intellectual property, and increased cyber security protection and remediation costs, which in turn could adversely affectour competitiveness and results of operations.Third-party claims that we allegedly infringe the intellectual property rights of others may be costly to defend or settle and coulddamage our business.We cannot be certain that our software and services do not infringe issued patents, copyrights, trademarks or other intellectual property rightsof third parties. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time, including claims of alleged infringement of intellectualproperty rights of third parties by us or our licensees concerning their use of our software products and integration technologies and services.Third parties may bring claims of infringement directly against us, or because our software is integrated with our customers' networks andbusiness processes, as well as other software applications against us, our customers, and our business partners or software suppliers, if thecause of the alleged infringement cannot easily be determined.Claims of alleged infringement may have a material adverse effect on our business and may discourage potential customers from doingbusiness with us on acceptable terms, if at all, even if the claims are ultimately adjudicated to have no merit, dismissed, or settled. Defendingagainst claims of infringement may be time-consuming and may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, including ourmanagement's attention to our business. Furthermore, a party making an infringement claim could secure a judgment that requires us to paysubstantial damages. A judgment could also include an injunction or other court order that could prevent us from selling our software orrequire that we re-engineer some or all of our products or modules. Claims of intellectual property infringement also might require us toenter costly royalty or license agreements. We may be unable to obtain royalty or license agreements on terms acceptable to us or at all. Ourbusiness, operating results and financial condition could be harmed significantly if any of these events were to occur, and the price of ourcommon stock could be adversely affected. In addition, we have agreed, and may agree in the future, to indemnify certain of our customersagainst claims that our software infringes upon the intellectual property rights of others. Although we carry general liability insurance, ourcurrent insurance coverage may not apply to, and likely would not protect us entirely or at all from, liability that may be imposed under anyof the types of claims described above.We are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations, and these may change.Our businesses are subject to regulation by U.S. federal and state laws, and foreign laws, government regulations and policies, and otheradministrative requirements. Changes to laws or regulations may require us to modify our business objectives if existing practices becomemore restricted, subject to escalating costs, or prohibited outright. Particular risks include possible curtailment of our intended businessactivities or strategies as a result of changed or new regulatory risks arising from federal laws and regulations, such as laws and regulationsregarding export of sensitive technologies or technical information or changed interpretations of existing laws and regulations. Our businessand the industries in which we operate are also at times being reviewed or investigated by regulators, which could lead to enforcementactions, fines and penalties, or the assertion of private litigation claims and damages. Any significant change to laws, regulations,enforcement policies, or liability regimes, or other actions by government bodies having jurisdiction over our business, may have materialadverse effects on our business and profitability. We have only limited ability to foresee, plan for, or influence changes to theserequirements.Provisions in our corporate documents and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control of our company, even if thatchange may be considered beneficial by some stockholders.The existence of some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent achange in control of our company that a stockholder may consider favorable. These include provisions:·providing that our Board of Directors fixes the number of members of the board and fills all vacancies on the Board of Directors;·providing for the division of our Board of Directors into three classes with staggered terms;·limiting who may call special meetings of stockholders;·prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, thereby requiring stockholder action to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders;·establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our Board of Directors or for proposingmatters that can be acted on by stockholders at stockholder meetings;·establishing supermajority vote requirements for certain amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws;·limiting the right of stockholders to remove directors; and·authorizing the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock, which could be issued by our Board of Directors to increase the number ofoutstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt.In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may have an anti-takeover effect with respect totransactions not approved in advance by our Board of Directors, including discouraging takeover attempts that might result in a premium overthe market price for shares of our common stock.We believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers tonegotiate with our Board of Directors and by providing our Board of Directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal and are notintended to make our company immune from takeovers. These provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by somestockholders, however, and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our Board of Directors determines is not in the best interests of ourcompany and our stockholders.12A sustained decline in the price of our common stock or weaker than forecasted operating results could result in write-downs ofgoodwill and other intangible assets and capitalized software development costs.In conjunction with business acquisitions, we record goodwill and other intangible assets and review their fair value for impairment annuallyas of December 31, or on an interim basis if impairment indicators are present, such as a significant reduction in our market capitalization,significant declines in operating performance or disruptions to the business that could reduce our future cash flow. On November 14, 2014,we recorded $5.6 million of goodwill related to our acquisition of Hyperspring. On September 20, 2017, we recorded $2.8 million ofgoodwill related to our acquisition of Absolute. On May 11, 2018, we recorded $4.7 million of goodwill related to our acquisition of TrueNorth, LLC. We tested our goodwill at the reporting unit level as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and there was no indication of impairment.We can provide no assurance that we will not have an impairment charge in future periods as the result of changing conditions. See Note 5 toour consolidated financial statements for information regarding our goodwill.We capitalize certain computer software development costs and, accordingly, the capitalized costs are reported on our balance sheet. Capitalization of computer software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility. Capitalization ceases andamortization of capitalized costs begins when the software product is commercially available for general release to customers. Amortizationof capitalized computer software development costs is included in cost of revenue and is determined using the straight-line method over theremaining estimated economic life of the product, typically three years. On an annual basis, and more frequently as conditions indicate, weassess the status of our development programs and the recoverability of the unamortized software development costs by estimating the netundiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the sale of the product. If the undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover theunamortized software costs, we will write-down these costs to their estimated fair value based on the future undiscounted cash flows. Theexcess of any unamortized computer software costs over the related net realizable value is written down and charged to operations.Write-down of goodwill and capitalized software development costs in the current and future accounting periods may have an impact on thevalue of the company, results of operations, and price of our common stock.Our ability to use our net operating loss (NOL) carryforward and certain other tax attributes may be limited.Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” generally definedas a greater than 50% change (by value) in its equity ownership over a three-year period, the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change NOLcarryforwards, and other pre-change tax attributes (such as research tax credits) to offset its post-change income or tax liabilities may belimited. We may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of shifts in our stock ownership. As a result, if we earn net taxableincome, our ability to use our pre-change NOL carryforwards to offset U.S. federal taxable income may be subject to limitations, which couldpotentially result in increased future tax liability to us.13ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS .None.ITEM 2.PROPERTIES .The Company is headquartered in a facility in Sykesville, Maryland (approximately 37,000 square feet). The lease for this facility expires onJune 30, 2023. As of December 31, 2018, the Company subleased approximately 3,800 square feet of the facility with a sublease term endingJune 30, 2023.On November 28, 2017, the Company entered into an office lease agreement to lease approximately 5,039 rentable square feet of an officebuilding located in Columbia, Maryland. The lease is for an initial six years and six months with two renewal periods of five years each. TheCompany has relocated part of the back-office employees to the new office in the first quarter of 2018.In addition, the Company leases office space domestically in Huntsville, Alabama; Navarre, Florida; Montrose, Colorado and internationallyin Beijing, China; Chennai, India (terminating in 2019); Nyköping, Sweden (terminating in 2019) and Stockton-On-Tees, England(terminated in 2018). The Company leases these facilities for terms ending between 2019 and 2023.ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS .The Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary routine litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. TheCompany and its subsidiaries are not a party to, and its property is not the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings that, in theopinion of management, are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.Not applicable.14PART IIITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUERPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.The Company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq American Stock Exchange, where it trades under the symbol “GVP”. The followingtable sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices for the Company’s common stock reported by the Nasdaq StockExchange for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years:2018 Quarter High Low First $3.55 $3.10 Second $3.40 $3.10 Third $3.80 $2.75 Fourth $3.50 $2.00 2017 Quarter High Low First $3.85 $3.05 Second $3.75 $2.85 Third $3.55 $2.35 Fourth $3.60 $3.10 On February 28, 2019, there were 19,946,759 shares of common stock outstanding. As of the latest record date, the Company hadapproximately 762 holders of record. The Company has never declared or paid a cash dividend on its common stock. The Company currentlyintends to retain future earnings to finance the growth and development of its business and, therefore, does not anticipate paying any cashdividends in the foreseeable future on its common stock.The Company believes factors such as quarterly fluctuations in results of operations and announcements of new products by the Company orby its competitors may cause the market price of the common stock to fluctuate, perhaps significantly. In addition, in recent years the stockmarket in general, and the shares of technology companies in particular, have experienced extreme price fluctuations. The Company’scommon stock has also experienced a relatively low trading volume, making it further susceptible to extreme price fluctuations. These factorsmay adversely affect the market price of the Company's common stock.ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA .This information is not required for smaller reporting companies.15ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OFOPERATIONS .GSE is a leading provider of engineering, expert staffing, and simulation software to clients in the power and process industries. We providecustomers with simulation, engineering and plant services that help clients reduce risks associated with operating their plants, increaserevenue through improved plant and employee performance, and lower costs through improved operational efficiency. In addition, weprovide professional services that systematically help clients fill key vacancies in the organization on a short-term basis, primarily inprocedures, engineering, technical support, and training focused on regulatory compliance and certification in the nuclear power industry.Our operations also include interactive computer-based tutorials and simulation software for the refining, chemical, and petrochemicalindustries.GSE Systems was formed on March 30, 1994, to consolidate the simulation and related businesses of General Physics InternationalEngineering & Simulation, S3 Technologies, and EuroSim. We are pursuing a strategy that includes growth from development of our corebusiness and acquisition of adjacent and complementary businesses. Our thesis is that GSE can be a compelling platform for consolidation ofthe fragmented vendor ecosystem for nuclear power.On September 20, 2017, the Company acquired Absolute Consulting, Inc., now a wholly-owned subsidiary of GSE Performance Solutions,Inc., for $8.8 million. (subject to customary pre- and post-closing working capital adjustments) Absolute Consulting, Inc. is a provider oftechnical consulting and staffing solutions to the global nuclear power industry. This acquisition brings a natural adjacency to GSE, fits wellwith our growth strategy, and benefits our customers from expanded capabilities and offerings.On May 11, 2018, GSE acquired True North Consulting, LLC, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of GSE Performance Solutions, Inc., for$9.75 million (subject to customary pre- and post-closing working capital adjustments). True North is a provider of technical engineeringsolutions to nuclear and fossil fuel power plants with an emphasis on regulatory-driven ASME code programs. Located in Montrose,Colorado, True North is a well-regarded service provider to leading companies in the power industry. The acquisition of True North isexpected to broaden our engineering services offering, expand our relationships with several of the largest nuclear energy providers in theUnited States, and add a highly specialized, complimentary talent pool to our employee base.On February 15, 2019, GSE acquired DP Engineering for $13.5 million (subject to customary pre- and post-closing working capitaladjustments). The acquisition was completed through the drawdown of $14.3 million (including transaction costs) of the term loan. DPEngineering is a provider of value-added technical engineering solutions and consulting services to nuclear power plants with an emphasis onpreparation and implementation of design modifications during plant outages. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, DP Engineering is well-regardedas a leading service provider to the nuclear power industry, having been designated an “engineer of choice” by two large power generationcompanies. Following a recent event at a customer location, in accordance with its standard operating procedures and an Engineer of ChoiceAgreement, a customer of DP Engineering issued a Notice of Suspension to DP Engineering while a root cause analysis of the eventproceeds. More than 25% of the impacted projects have already been restarted at the request of the customer. DP Engineering and GSE areworking with the customer and outside vendors to assist in the causal analysis related to the event and anticipate further clarity once theanalysis is complete.These acquisitions are a significant proof point of our consolidation thesis. We believe the acquisitions add significant scale and focus to thebusiness, while positioning GSE as a "go to" provider of technical and consulting solutions to the power industry, in particular nuclear power.We execute projects globally with approximately 402 employees operating from offices in the U.S., China, and at client sites. While themajority of revenue comes from the nuclear power market, we also serve the fossil, refining, chemical, and petrochemical markets. As aresult of the DP Engineering acquisition, we have added approximately 110 employees to the Company.Through our Hyperspring, Absolute, True North and DP Engineering subsidiaries, we provide highly skilled, high-value professionals to filltraining and consulting positions on a contract basis for nuclear power plant operators. 16Results of Operations.The following table sets forth the results of operations for the periods presented expressed as a percentage of revenue.($ in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 % 2017 % Revenue $92,249 100.0% $70,880 100.0%Cost of revenue 69,119 74.9% 52,336 73.8% Gross profit 23,130 25.1% 18,544 26.2%Operating expenses Selling, general and administrative 17,469 18.9% 15,469 21.8%Research and development 899 1.0% 1,391 2.0%Restructuring charges 1,269 1.4% 778 1.1%Depreciation 515 0.6% 342 0.5%Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets 1,612 1.7% 335 0.5%Total operating expenses 21,764 23.6% 18,315 25.8% Operating income 1,366 1.5% 229 0.3% Interest (expense) income, net (268) -0.3% 80 0.1%(Loss) Gain on derivative instruments, net (350) -0.4% 99 0.1%Other income (expense), net 29 0.0% (4) 0.0% Income before income taxes 777 0.8% 404 0.6%Provision (benefit) for income taxes 1,131 1.2% (6,153) -8.7% Net (loss) Income $(354) -0.4% $6,557 9.3%Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2017.Revenue. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, totaled $92.2 million, which was 30.1% greater than the $70.9 million of revenuefor the year ended December 31, 2017. The year over year increase in revenue was primarily driven by the respective increases in the twosegments listed below:(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Revenue: Performance Improvement Solutions $42,954 $39,899 Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting 49,295 30,981 Total revenue $92,249 $70,880 Performance Improvement Solutions revenue increased 7.7% from $39.9 million to $43.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and2018, respectively. The increase in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year was driven primarily by theacquisition of True North, which contributed $8.0 million of revenue to the segment since the acquisition. This increase was partially offsetby a decline of $1.4 million in revenue from foreign subsidiaries, driven by the international restructuring effort, and $3.4 million decreasefrom fossil and process industry. We recorded total Performance Improvement Solutions orders of $42.6 million and $16.9 million for theyears ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.For the year ended December 31, 2018, Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting r evenue totaled $49.3 million compared to revenue of$31.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The $18.3 million increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Absolutein September 2017. Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting orders totaled $45.4 million and $38.1 million for the years ended December31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.At December 31, 2018, the Company’s backlog was $70.6 million: $49.4 million for the Performance Improvement Solutions segment, $8.3million of which was attributable to True North and $21.2 million for the Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment. At December31, 2017, the Company's backlog was $71.4 million: $46.3 million for the Performance Improvement Solutions segment and $25.1 millionfor the Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment. Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment's backlog decreased by $3.9million compared to December 31, 2017. The decrease in backlog is primarily due to 2017 backlog that was converted to revenues during2018 and has only been partially replaced by new orders. Excluding True North, Performance Improvement Solutions segment's backlogdecreased by $5.2 million, primarily due to decreased orders from international restructuring on UK and Sweden of $3.6 million in total, and$1.3 million decreased orders on Asia.17Gross profit. Gross profit was $23.1 million, or 25.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $18.5 million, or 26.2%, for theyear ended December 31, 2017.($ in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 % 2017 % Gross profit: Performance Improvement Solutions $16,457 38.3% $13,712 34.4%Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting 6,673 13.5% 4,832 15.6%Consolidated gross profit $23,130 25.1% $18,544 26.2%As a percentage of revenue, the Performance Improvement Solutions segment's gross profit increased from $13.7 million, or 34.4% for theyear ended December 31, 2017 to $16.5 million, or 38.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in gross profit percentage forPerformance Improvement Solutions during 2018 was primarily driven by cost savings realized in 2018 on certain large projects.For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment had gross margin of 13.5% and15.6%, respectively. The minor fluctuations in gross profit percentage for Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting for the periods presentedwere due to normal changes in the mix of projects with different margins.Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses totaled $17.5 million and $15.5 millionfor the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Fluctuations in the components of SG&A spending were as follows:($ in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 % 2017 % Selling, general and administrative expenses: Corporate charges $12,826 73.4% $10,428 67.4%Business development 3,478 19.9% 3,560 23.0%Facility operation & maintenance (O&M) 866 5.0% 908 5.9%Contingent consideration - 0.0% 446 2.9%Bad debt expense 294 1.7% 118 0.8%Other 5 0.0% 9 0.1%Total $17,469 100.0% $15,469 100.0%Corporate charges increased $2.4 million in 2018 compared to 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher labor cost of $0.4 million,administrative expenses of $1.5 million due to acquisitions of True North LLC and Absolute, $0.3 million of severance expenses and $0.2million of additional professional fees.Business development charges decreased $0.1 million in 2018 compared to 2017. The minor fluctuations for the periods presented were dueto normal changes in the operation.Facility O&M expenses decreased $42,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Thedecrease in 2018 was mainly due to the winding down of international subsidiaries, and partially offset by the acquisition of True North andAbsolute in United States.Contingent consideration expense mainly reflected the fair value adjustments related to our November 2014 Hyperspring acquisition. Theearnout period expired in November 2017, and the final payment was made in January 2018, and, therefore, no contingent considerationadjustment was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018.Bad debt expense. We recorded bad debt expense of $294,000 and $118,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017,respectively. GSE reserved the bad debt allowance based on historical trends of past due accounts, write-offs, and specific identification andreview of customer accounts.Research and development. Research and development costs consist primarily of software engineering personnel and other related costs. Research and development costs, net of capitalized software, totaled $0.9 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018and 2017, respectively.Restructuring charges. Restructuring charges totaled $1.3 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,respectively. On December 27, 2017, the Board of GSE Systems, Inc. approved an international restructuring plan to streamline and optimizethe Company’s global operations. Under the restructuring plan, we expect a total restructuring charge of $2.2 million, excluding any taximpacts and cumulative translation adjustments. We recorded a severance expense of $0.4 million, lease termination fee of $0.7 million andother costs of $0.2 million for the year December 31, 2018. We expect to record the remaining restructuring charges in 2019, primarily toreflect the office closure costs and the amounts to be transferred from cumulative translation adjustments and included in determining netincome for the period. The increase in 2018 restructuring plan charges was primarily due to lease termination fee on the Company'srestructuring activities during 2018.Depreciation. Depreciation expense totaled $515,000 and $342,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Theincrease was primarily due to $110,000 of additional depreciation related to a full year of Absolute and the remainder of the increase is due toadditional purchased software amortization and leasehold improvements in the Performance segment.Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets. Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets totaled $1,612,000 and$335,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in amortization expense was primarily due to TrueNorth's amortization of $829,000 and Absolute's amortization of $670,000. As we continue to pursue our strategy and acquire companies thatare synergistic to ours, we will experience an increase in amortization expense.Interest (expense) income, net . Interest expense (income) net, totaled $268,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Interest incometotaled $80,000 for year ended December 31, 2017. The Company drew down a five-year term loan of $10.3 million in May 2018 to financethe acquisition of True North, and has recorded interest expense of $286,000 related to the term loan for the year ended December 31, 2018.(Loss) Gain on derivative instruments, net. The Company periodically enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage market risksassociated with the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign-denominated trade receivables. The Company had notdesignated the contracts as hedges and recognized a loss on the change in the estimated fair value of the contracts of $150,000 for the yearended December 31, 2018, and a gain of $73,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017.The foreign currency denominated trade receivables, unbilled receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned and subcontractor accruals thatare related to the outstanding foreign exchange contracts are remeasured at the end of each period into the functional currency using thecurrent exchange rate at the end of the period. The gain or loss resulting from such remeasurement is also included in gain (loss) onderivative instruments net in the consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Companyincurred (loss) gain of $(97,000) and $26,000, respectively, from the remeasurement of such assets and liabilities.Other income (expense), net. The Company recognized $29,000 of other expense, net and $4,000 of other income, net for the years endedDecember 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Provision for Income Taxes. The Company files tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and in several state and foreignjurisdictions. Because of the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations fortax years 2000, and forward, and is subject to foreign tax examinations by tax authorities for the years 2010 and forward. Open tax yearsrelated to state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination but are not considered material to our financial position, results ofoperations or cash flows.The Company’s tax expense in 2018 was $1.1 million, representing an annual effective tax rate of 145.6%, and consisted of $0.5 million ofcurrent tax provision and $0.6 million of deferred taxes. The Company’s tax expense (benefit) in 2017 was $(6.2) million, representing anannual effective rate of (1,523.0)% and consisted of $0.5 million of current tax provision and $(6.7) million of deferred taxes.The significant change of $6.1 million in deferred tax expense (benefits) was primarily driven by the prior year release of $9.4 million ofvaluation allowance against the deferred tax assets related to the U.S. entities which was partially offset by a decrease of $2.5 million fordeferred taxes, primarily due to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets using a tax rate decreased from 34% to 21%.The difference between the effective rate and statutory rate primarily resulted from permanent differences, the write-off of the stock optiondeferred tax asset due to expirations, accruals related to uncertain tax positions for certain foreign tax contingencies and revenue recognition,and return to provision true-ups. Please see Note 13, Income Taxes for additional information.18Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.In preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management makes several estimates and assumptions that affect theCompany’s reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Those accounting estimates that have the most significant impacton the Company’s operating results and place the most significant demands on management's judgment are discussed below. For all of thesepolicies, management cautions that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates may require adjustment.Revenue Recognition. The Company derives its revenue through three broad revenue streams: 1) System Design and Build (SDB), 2)Software, and 3) Training and Consulting services. We recognize revenue from SDB and software contracts mainly through the PerformanceImprovement Solutions segment and the training and consulting service contracts through both the Performance Improvement Solutionssegment and Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment.The SDB contracts are typically fixed-price and consist of initial design, engineering, assembly and installation of training simulators whichinclude hardware, software, labor, and post contract support (PCS) on the software. We generally have two main performance obligations foran SDB contract: the training simulator build and PCS. The training simulator build performance obligation generally includes hardware,software, and labor. The transaction price under the SDB contracts is allocated to each performance obligation based on its standalone sellingprice. We recognize the training simulator build revenue over the construction and installation period using the cost-to-cost input method asour performance creates or enhances assets with no alternative use to the Company, and we have an enforceable right to payment forperformance completed to date. Cost-to-cost input method best measures the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performanceobligation. PCS revenue is recognized ratably over the service period, as PCS is deemed as a stand-ready obligation.In applying the cost-to-cost input method, we use the actual costs incurred to date relative to the total estimated costs to measure the workprogress toward the completion of the performance obligation and recognize revenue accordingly. Estimated contract costs are reviewed andrevised periodically as the work progresses, and the cumulative effect of any change in estimates is recognized in the period in which thechange is identified. Estimated losses are recognized in the period such losses are identified. Uncertainties inherent in the performance ofcontracts include labor availability and productivity, material costs, change order scope and pricing, software modification and customeracceptance issues. The reliability of these cost estimates is critical to the Company's revenue recognition as a significant change in theestimates can cause the Company's revenue and related margins to change significantly from the amounts estimated in the early stages of theproject.The SDB contracts generally provide a one-year base warranty on the systems. The base warranty will not be accounted for as a separateperformance obligation under the contract because it does not provide the customer with a service in addition to the assurance that thecompleted project complies with agreed-upon specifications. Warranties extended beyond our typical one-year period will be evaluated on acase by case basis to determine if it provides more than just assurance that the product operates as intended, which requires carve-out as aseparate performance obligation.Revenue from the sale of perpetual standalone and term software licenses, which do not require significant modification or customization, isrecognized upon its delivery to the customer. Revenue from the sale of subscription-based standalone software licenses, which do not requiresignificant modification or customization, is recognized ratably over the term of such licenses following delivery to the customer. Delivery isconsidered to have occurred when the customer receives a copy of the software and is able to use and benefit from the software.A software license sale contract with multiple deliverables typically includes the following elements: license, installation and trainingservices and PCS. The total transaction price of a software license sale contract is typically fixed, and is allocated to the identifiedperformance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. Revenue is recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied.Specifically, license revenue is recognized when the software license is delivered to the customer; installation and training revenue isrecognized when the installation and training is completed without regard to a detailed evaluation of the point in time criteria due to the short-term nature of the installation and training services (one to two days on average); and PCS revenue is recognized ratably over the serviceperiod, as PCS is deemed as a stand-ready obligation.The contracts within the training and consulting services revenue stream are either time and materials (T&M) based or fixed-price based.Under a typical T&M contract, the Company is compensated based on the number of hours of approved time provided by temporary workersand the bill rates which are fixed per type of work, as well as approved expenses incurred. The customers are billed on a regular basis, such asweekly, biweekly or monthly. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606-10-55-18, we elected to apply the "right toinvoice" practical expedient, under which we recognize revenue in the amount to which we have the right to invoice. The invoice amountrepresents the number of hours of approved time worked by each temporary worker multiplied by the bill rate for the type of work, as well asapproved expenses incurred. Under a typical fixed-price contract, we recognize the revenue using the completed contract method as we arenot able to reasonably estimate costs to complete and contracts typically have a term of less than one month.For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract price to each performance obligation based on its relativestandalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers.Impairment of Intangible Assets, including Goodwill. We review goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31 and whenever eventsor changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We test goodwill at the reporting unit level. Areporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment, as defined by U.S. GAAP. As of December 31, 2018, theCompany's $13.2 million goodwill balance was related to the acquisitions of Hyperspring in November 2014, Absolute in September 2017and True North, LLC in May 2018.Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU2011-08) permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reportingunit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Anentity is not required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test for a reporting unit if it is more likely than not that its fair value isgreater than its carrying amount (Step 0). If the Step 0 test indicates the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, thenadditional impairment testing is required in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other .If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two-step impairmenttest is required. In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unitexceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and we are not required to perform further testing.If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we must perform thesecond step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. The implied fair value ofgoodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase priceallocation, with any residual fair value allocated to goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value,then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference.At December 31, 2018, we performed a qualitative step 0 analysis and have concluded that the estimated fair values of each of our reportingunits as of December 31, 2018, is more likely than not, greater than their respective carrying values. At December 31, 2017, we performed aqualitative step 0 goodwill impairment test and concluded that the fair values of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective carryingvalues.Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Theseestimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusteddiscount rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparables. We base our fair valueestimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differfrom those estimates. In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine thecarrying values for each of our reporting units. The timing and frequency of our goodwill impairment tests are based on an ongoingassessment of events and circumstances that would indicate a possible impairment. We will continue to monitor our goodwill and intangibleassets for impairment and conduct formal tests when impairment indicators are present.19Capitalization of Computer Software Development Costs. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company capitalizes computer softwaredevelopment costs incurred after technological feasibility has been established, but prior to the release of the software product for sale tocustomers. Once the product is available to be sold, the Company amortizes the costs, on a straight line method, over the estimated useful lifeof the product, which is typically three years. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has net capitalized software development costs of$0.6 million. On an annual basis, and more frequently as conditions indicate, the Company assesses the recovery of the unamortized softwaredevelopment costs by estimating the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the sale of the product. If the undiscountedcash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized software costs, the Company will write-down the investment to its estimated fairvalue based on future discounted cash flows. The excess of any unamortized computer software costs over the related net realizable value iswritten down and charged to operations. Significant changes in the sales projections could result in an impairment with respect to thecapitalized software that is reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.Valuation of Contingent Consideration for Business Acquisitions. Acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based onfuture financial measures of an acquired company. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisitiondate. We estimate the fair value of these liabilities based on financial projections of the acquired companies and estimated probabilities ofachievement. We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, there is significant judgment involved. At each reportingdate, the contingent consideration obligation will be revalued to estimated fair value and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisitionwill be reflected in income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact to our operatingresults. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates, changes inthe timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings estimates and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood ofachieving the various earn-out criteria.Deferred Income Tax Valuation Allowance. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets andliabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Management makes a regular assessment of the realizability ofthe Company’s deferred tax assets. In making this assessment, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all ofthe deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxableincome during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal ofdeferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income of the Company in making this assessment. A valuation allowance is recorded toreduce the total deferred income tax asset to its realizable value. Based on the assessment the Company's management performed as ofDecember 31, 2018, we conclude that critical pieces of positive evidence supporting the realization of deferred tax assets exist including thestrength of three year cumulative positive earnings, reversal of existing deferred temporary differences and future taxable income for the U.S.entities. As a result, the Company has determined that a valuation allowance in the U.S. is not appropriate at this time. A portion of thedeferred tax asset is attributable to a capital loss that expired as of December 31, 2018. The Company could not support the realization of thisDTA, therefore, a valuation allowance has historically existed. The Company was not able to generate sources of capital income and,therefore the expiration and write-off of the capital loss deferred tax asset also generated the release of the valuation allowance existing atDecember 31, 2017 in the amount of $0.4 million.The Company performed this same assessment of its foreign deferred tax assets. It determined that it does not have sufficient objectivelyverifiable positive evidence to substantiate the realization of the deferred tax assets for India, U.K. Swedish and Chinese deferred tax assets atDecember 31, 2018, accordingly, a full valuation allowance of $0.75 million has been established on these deferred tax assets, predominantlycomprised of net operating losses.Liquidity and Capital Resources.As of December 31, 2018, GSE had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $12.1 million compared to $20.1 million atDecember 31, 2017.Cash (used in) provided by operating activities. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, net cash (used in) provided by operatingactivities totaled $(3.5) million and $7.3 million, respectively. The year over year decrease in cash provided by operating activities waslargely driven by:·A $11.7 million decrease in net inflows from changes in net working capital primarily due to significantly increased billing in thelast quarter of 2018 and a higher accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2018.·A $3.2 million increase in operating expenses (excluding non-cash operating expenses) mainly driven by higher administrativecost due to recent acquisitions.·The decrease was partially offset by a $4.6 million increase in gross profit, primarily driven by increased revenues contributedfrom both business segments.Net cash used in investing activities. For the year ended December 31, 2018, net cash used in investing activities was $10.6 million comparedto net cash of $9.4 million used in investing activities in the prior year. The increase in cash outflow in 2018 was primarily due to theacquisition of True North, which resulted in a cash outflow of $9.6 million. For fiscal year 2017, the net cash outflow of $9.4 million wasprimarily due to acquisition of Absolute.Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, net cash provided by (used in)financing activities totaled $6.5 million and $(1.1) million, respectively. The increase in the cash provided from financing activities is largelydriven by the proceeds from issuance of a term loan of $10.2 million, net of discount and issuance costs, a decrease of $0.4 million in theCompany's withholding RSUs in order to pay employees' payroll withholding taxes on vested RSUs, partially offset by a $0.1 milliondecrease in proceeds received from stock option exercises, and $1.3 million decrease in contingent consideration payments to the formerHyperspring owners in 2018.DebtCitizen's BankThe Company entered into a three-year, $5 million revolving line of credit facility (RLOC) with Citizens Bank, National Association (theBank) on December 29, 2016, to fund general working capital needs. On May 11, 2018, GSE and Performance Solutions (collectively, theBorrower) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with the Bank, amending andrestating the Company's existing Credit and Security Agreement with the Bank, which included a $5 million asset-based revolving creditfacility between the Borrower and the Bank, to now include (a) a $5 million revolving credit facility not subject to a borrowing base,including a letter of credit sub-facility, and (b) a $25 million delayed draw term loan facility available to be drawn upon for up to 18 monthsand to finance certain permitted acquisitions by the Borrower. The credit facilities mature in five years and bear interest at LIBOR plus amargin that varies depending on the overall leverage ratio of the Borrower and its subsidiaries. Revolving loans are interest-only withprincipal due at maturity, while term loans require monthly payments of principal and interest based on an amortization schedule. TheBorrower's obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by GSE's wholly-owned subsidiaries Hyperspring, Absolute, and TrueNorth and by any future material domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the Guarantors). The credit facilities are secured by liens on all assets ofthe Borrower and the Guarantors. The Company drew down $10.3 million on the delayed draw term loan facility for the acquisition of TrueNorth, of which $0.5 million was repaid to the bank on the same day. At December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with itsfinancial covenants.We intend to continue using the RLOC for short-term working capital needs and the issuance of letters of credit in connection with businessoperations. Letter of credit issuance fees range between 1.25% and 2% depending on the Company’s overall leverage ratio, and the Companypays an unused RLOC fee quarterly based on the average daily unused balance.At December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the RLOC and five letters of credit totaling $2.3 million wereoutstanding. At December 31, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings on the RLOC and three letters of credit was approximately $0.8million outstanding.Branch Banking and Trust Bank (BB&T)At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the cash collateral account with BB&T totaled $0.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively.The balances were classified as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets.202019 Liquidity OutlookAt December 31, 2018, the Company's cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $12.1 million.As discussed above, the Company has a $5.0 million RLOC with Citizen's Bank to fund general working capital needs, includingacquisitions. At December 31, 2018, the amount available under this RLOC, after consideration of the borrowing base, letters of credit andworking capital advances was approximately $2.7 million. This credit facility provides the Company with additional flexibility to pursue itsstrategic initiatives and continue to expand the business.The Company entered 2019 with $70.6 million of backlog; $54.2 million of which is expected to convert to revenue in 2019. The Companyanticipates that its normal operations will generate sufficient liquidity and working capital to fund its consolidated operations during the nexttwelve months without additional financing.As discussed in MD&A, on December 27, 2017, the board of GSE Systems, Inc. approved an international restructuring plan to streamlineand optimize the Company’s global operations. GSE is in the process of consolidating its engineering services and R&D activities toMaryland and cease an unprofitable non-core business in the U.K. As a result, the Company will be closing its offices in Nyköping, Sweden;Chennai, India; and Stockton-on-Tees, UK. These actions are designed to improve Company productivity by eliminating duplicate employeefunctions and increasing GSE’s focus on its core business, improving efficiency and maintaining the full range of engineering capabilitieswhile reducing costs and organizational complexity. Under the restructuring plan, the Company expects a $0.2 million cash outflow in 2019,which primarily includes severance expense, facility closing costs, and other restructuring costs.Foreign Exchange.A portion of the Company's international sales revenue has been and may be received in a currency other than the currency in which theexpenses relating to such revenue are paid. Accordingly, the Company periodically enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to managethe market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.Off-balance Sheet Obligations.The Company has no off-balance sheet obligations as of December 31, 2018, except for its operating lease commitments and outstandingletters of credit and surety bonds.Other Matters.Management believes inflation has not had a material impact on the Company's operations.21EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation (in thousands)References to “EBITDA” mean net (loss) income, before taking into account interest expense (income), provision for income taxes,depreciation and amortization. References to Adjusted EBITDA exclude the impact of gain from the change in fair value of contingentconsideration, restructuring charges, stock-based compensation expense, impact of the change in fair value of derivative instruments,acquisition-related expense, and bad debt expense due to customer bankruptcy. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financialperformance under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Management believes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, in addition tooperating profit, net income and other GAAP measures, are useful to investors to evaluate the Company’s results because it excludes certainitems that are not directly related to the Company’s core operating performance that may, or could, have a disproportionate positive ornegative impact on our results for any particular period. Investors should recognize that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA might not becomparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. This measure should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for orsuperior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of non-GAAP EBITDA and AdjustedEBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure in accordance with SEC Regulation G follows: Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net (loss) Income $679 $6,601 $(354) $6,557 Interest expense (income), net 115 (20) 268 (80)Provision (benefit) for income taxes 1,007 (6,552) 1,131 (6,153)Depreciation and amortization 776 392 2,634 1,146 EBITDA 2,577 421 3,679 1,470 Gain from the change in fair value of contingent consideration - 10 - 446 Restructuring charges 92 733 1,269 778 Stock-based compensation expense (9) 599 1,526 2,472 Impact of the change in fair value of derivative instruments 44 127 350 (99)Acquisition-related expense 49 - 540 473 Bad debt expense due to customer bankruptcy 20 - 85 122 Adjusted EBITDA $2,773 $1,890 $7,449 $5,662 22Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS Reconciliation (in thousands, except per share amounts)References to Adjusted net income exclude the impact of gain from the change in fair value of contingent consideration, restructuringcharges, stock-based compensation expense, impact of the change in fair value of derivative instruments, acquisition-related expense,amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, bad debt expense due to customer bankruptcy, one-time tax reform impact andrelease of valuation allowance . Adjusted Net Income and adjusted earnings per share (adjusted EPS) are not measures of financialperformance under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Management believes adjusted net income and adjusted EPS, inaddition to other GAAP measures, are useful to investors to evaluate the Company’s results because they exclude certain items that are notdirectly related to the Company’s core operating performance and non-cash items that may, or could, have a disproportionate positive ornegative impact on our results for any particular period. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for orsuperior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted net income andadjusted EPS to GAAP net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is as follows: Three Months ended Twelve Months ended December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (unaudited) (unaudited) audited audited Net (loss) Income $679 $6,601 $(354) $6,557 Gain from the change in fair value of contingent consideration - 10 - 446 Restructuring charges 92 733 1,269 778 Stock-based compensation expense (9) 599 1,526 2,472 Impact of the change in fair value of derivative instruments 44 127 350 (99)Acquisition-related expense 49 - 540 473 Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions 518 187 1,612 335 Bad debt expense due to customer bankruptcy 20 - 85 122 Tax reform impact - 2,497 - 2,497 Release of valuation allowance (339) (10,555) (339) (10,555)Adjusted net income $1,054 $199 $4,689 $3,026 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $0.03 $0.33 $(0.02) $0.33 Adjusted earnings per common share – Diluted $0.05 $0.01 $0.24 $0.15 Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted 20,100,489 19,790,696 19,922,151 19,605,427 23ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.Not required of a smaller reporting company.24ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA .INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PageGSE Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-1Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017F-2Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017F-3Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017F-4Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017F-5Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017F-6Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-725Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmShareholders and Board of DirectorsGSE Systems, Inc.Sykesville, MarylandOpinion on the Consolidated Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GSE Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31,2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for eachof the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financialstatements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of theCompany and subsidiaries at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two yearsin the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.Basis for OpinionThese consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion onthe Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public CompanyAccounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance withthe U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit toobtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error orfraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As partof our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing anopinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether dueto error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidenceregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principlesused and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion./s/ BDO USA, LLPWe have served as the Company's auditor since 2014.McLean, VirginiaMarch 27, 201926PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATIONItem 1. Financial StatementsGSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(in thousands, except share data) December 31, ASSETS 2018 2017 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $12,123 $19,111 Restricted cash - 960 Contract receivables, net 21,077 13,997 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,800 2,795 Total current assets 35,000 36,863 Equipment, software and leasehold improvements 5,293 4,782 Accumulated depreciation (4,228) (3,719)Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net 1,065 1,063 Software development costs, net 615 690 Goodwill 13,170 8,431 Intangible assets, net 6,080 2,604 Deferred tax assets 5,461 6,494 Other assets 49 37 Total assets $61,440 $56,182 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs and original issue discount $1,902 $- Accounts payable 1,307 1,251 Accrued expenses 2,646 2,276 Accrued compensation 3,649 2,866 Billings in excess of revenue earned 10,609 14,543 Accrued warranty 981 1,433 Current contingent consideration - 1,701 Income taxes payable 1,176 1,113 Other current liabilities 60 69 Total current liabilities 22,330 25,252 Long-term debt, less current portion, net of debt issuance costs and original issue discount 6,610 - Other liabilities 1,371 1,258 Total liabilities 30,311 26,510 Commitments and contingencies (FN16) Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding - - Common stock $0.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized, 21,485,445 shares issued, 19,886,534shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018; 30,000,000 shares authorized, 21,024,395 shares issued,19,425,484 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 214 210 Additional paid-in capital 78,118 76,802 Accumulated deficit (42,569) (42,870)Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,635) (1,471)Treasury stock at cost, 1,598,911 shares (2,999) (2,999)Total stockholders' equity $31,129 $29,672 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $61,440 $56,182 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.27GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(in thousands, except per share data) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Revenue $92,249 $70,880 Cost of revenue 69,119 52,336 Gross profit 23,130 18,544 Operating expenses Selling, general and administrative 17,469 15,469 Research and development 899 1,391 Restructuring charges 1,269 778 Depreciation 515 342 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets 1,612 335 Total operating expenses 21,764 18,315 Operating income 1,366 229 Interest (expense) income, net (268) 80 (Loss) Gain on derivative instruments, net (350) 99 Other income (expense), net 29 (4) Income before income taxes 777 404 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 1,131 (6,153) Net (loss) Income $(354) $6,557 Basic (loss) earnings per common share $(0.02) $0.34 Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $(0.02) $0.33 Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic 19,704,999 19,259,966 Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted 19,704,999 19,605,427 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.28GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME(in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Net (loss) Income $(354) $6,557 Foreign currency translation adjustment (164) 306 Comprehensive (loss) Income $(518) $6,863 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.29GSE SYSTEMS, INC, AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY(in thousands) CommonStock AdditionalPaid-in Accumulated AccumulatedOtherComprehensive Treasury Stock Shares Amount Capital Deficit Loss Shares Amount Total Balance, January 1, 2017 20,434 $204 $75,120 $(49,427) $(1,777) (1,599) $(2,999) $21,121 Cumulative effect of newaccounting principle - - - - - - - - Stock-based compensationexpense - - 2,398 - - - - 2,398 Common stock issued foroptions exercised 182 2 207 - - - - 209 Common stock issued forRSUs vested 409 4 (4) - - - - - Shares withheld to pay taxes - - (919) - - - - (919)Foreign currency translationadjustment - - - - 306 - - 306 Net income - - - 6,557 - - - 6,557 Balance, December 31, 2017 21,024 $210 $76,802 $(42,870) $(1,471) (1,599) $(2,999) $29,672 Cumulative effect of adoptingASC 606 - - - 655 - - - 655 Stock-based compensationexpense - - 1,668 - - - - 1,668 Common stock issued foroptions exercised 220 2 134 - - - - 136 Common stock issued forRSUs vested 241 2 (2) - - - - - Shares withheld to pay taxes - - (484) - - - - (484)Foreign currency translationadjustment - - - - (164) - - (164)Net loss - - - (354) - - - (354)Balance, December 31, 2018 21,485 $214 $78,118 $(42,569) $(1,635) (1,599) $(2,999) $31,129 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.30GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net (loss) Income $(354) $6,557 Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Write-off of long-lived assets to be disposed of - 222 Accrued severance costs - 465 Depreciation 515 342 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets 1,612 335 Amortization of capitalized software development costs 507 469 Stock-based compensation expense 1,526 2,472 Bad debt expense 294 118 Loss (gain) on derivative instruments, net 350 (99)Deferred income taxes 644 (6,678)Loss on sale of equipment, software, and leasehold improvements - 2 Changes in assets and liabilities: Contract receivables, net (5,656) 10,006 Prepaid expenses and other assets 856 1,020 Accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses (838) (1,904)Billings in excess of revenue earned (2,984) (6,897)Accrued warranty (322) 462 Other liabilities 367 370 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (3,483) 7,262 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (513) (112)Capitalized software development costs (432) (177)Acquisition of Absolute Consulting, net of cash acquired - (9,066)Acquisition of True North Consulting, net of cash acquired (9,609) - Net cash used in investing activities (10,554) (9,355) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs and original issue discount 10,154 - Repayment of long-term debt (1,642) - Proceeds from issuance of common stock on the exercise of stock options 136 209 Shares withheld to pay taxes (484) (919)Contingent consideration payments to former Hyperspring, LLC owners (1,701) (404)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 6,463 (1,114) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (374) 391 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7,948) (2,816)Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year 20,071 22,887 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year $12,123 $20,071 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.31GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSDecember 31, 2018 and 20171. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesPrinciples of consolidationThe accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GSE Systems, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries(collectively the Company). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.Accounting estimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ofAmerica (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities anddisclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue andexpenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates used, including, but not limited to thoserelated to revenue recognition on long-term contracts, allowance for doubtful accounts, product warranties, valuation of goodwill andintangible assets acquired, impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of, valuation of contingent consideration issued in businessacquisitions, valuation of stock based compensation awards and the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ fromthese estimates.Business combinationsBusiness combinations are accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method. Under theacquisition method, the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recognized at fairvalue on the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred to the Company. Any excess purchase price is recorded asgoodwill. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred.Revenues and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operationscommencing on the date of acquisition.Acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based on future financial measures of an acquired company. Under ASC 805,contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of these liabilitiesbased on financial projections of the acquired companies and estimated probabilities of achievement. At each reporting date, the contingentconsideration obligation is revalued to estimated fair value, and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisition are reflected in income orexpense in the consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact to our operating results. Changes in the fair value ofcontingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates, changes in the timing and amount of revenueand/or earnings estimates, and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria.Revenue recognitionThe Company derives its revenue through three broad revenue streams: 1) System Design and Build (SDB), 2) Software, and 3) Training andConsulting services. We recognize revenue from SDB and software contracts mainly through the Performance Improvement Solutionssegment and the training and consulting service contracts through both the Performance Improvement Solutions segment and NuclearIndustry Training and Consulting segment.The SDB contracts are typically fixed-price and consist of initial design, engineering, assembly and installation of training simulators whichinclude hardware, software, labor, and post contract support (PCS) on the software. We generally have two main performance obligations foran SDB contract: the training simulator build and PCS. The training simulator build performance obligation generally includes hardware,software, and labor. The transaction price under the SDB contracts is allocated to each performance obligation based on its standalone sellingprice. We recognize the training simulator build revenue over the construction and installation period using the cost-to-cost input method asour performance creates or enhances assets with no alternative use to the Company, and we have an enforceable right to payment forperformance completed to date. Cost-to-cost input method best measures the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performanceobligation. PCS revenue is recognized ratably over the service period, as PCS is deemed a stand-ready obligation.In applying the cost-to-cost input method, we use the actual costs incurred to date relative to the total estimated costs to measure the workprogress toward the completion of the performance obligation and recognize revenue accordingly. Estimated contract costs are reviewed andrevised periodically as the work progresses, and the cumulative effect of any change in estimates is recognized in the period in which thechange is identified. Estimated losses are recognized in the period such losses are identified. Uncertainties inherent in the performance ofcontracts include labor availability and productivity, material costs, change order scope and pricing, software modification and customeracceptance issues. The reliability of these cost estimates is critical to the Company's revenue recognition as a significant change in theestimates can cause the Company's revenue and related margins to change significantly from the amounts estimated in the early stages of theproject.The SDB contracts generally provide a one-year base warranty on the systems. The base warranty will not be accounted for as a separateperformance obligation under the contract because it does not provide the customer with a service in addition to the assurance that thecompleted project complies with agreed-upon specifications. Warranties extended beyond our typical one-year period will be evaluated on acase by case basis to determine if it provides more than just assurance that the product operates as intended, which requires carve-out as aseparate performance obligation.Revenue from the sale of perpetual standalone and term software licenses, which do not require significant modification or customization, isrecognized upon its delivery to the customer. Revenue from the sale of subscription-based standalone software licenses, which do not requiresignificant modification or customization, is recognized ratably over the term of such licenses following delivery to the customer. Delivery isconsidered to have occurred when the customer receives a copy of the software and is able to use and benefit from the software.A software license sale contract with multiple deliverables typically includes the following elements: license, installation and trainingservices, and PCS. The total transaction price of a software license sale contract is typically fixed, and is allocated to the identifiedperformance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. Revenue is recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied.Specifically, license revenue is recognized when the software license is delivered to the customer; installation and training revenue isrecognized when the installation and training is completed without regard to a detailed evaluation of the point in time criteria due to the short-term nature of the installation and training services (one to two days on average); and PCS revenue is recognized ratably over the serviceperiod, as PCS is deemed as a stand-ready obligation.The contracts within the training and consulting services revenue stream are either time and materials (T&M) based or fixed-price based.Under a typical T&M contract, the Company is compensated based on the number of hours of approved time provided by temporary workersand the bill rates which are fixed by type of work, as well as approved expenses incurred. The customers are billed on a regular basis, such asweekly, biweekly or monthly. In accordance with ASC 606-10-55-18, Revenue from contracts with customers , we elected to apply the "rightto invoice" practical expedient, under which we recognize revenue in the amount to which we have the right to invoice. The invoice amountrepresents the number of hours of approved time worked by each temporary worker multiplied by the bill rate for the type of work, as well asapproved expenses incurred. Under a typical fixed-price contract, we recognize the revenue using the completed contract method as we arenot able to reasonably estimate costs to complete and contracts typically have a term of less than 1 month.For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract price to each performance obligation based on its relativestandalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers.32Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents represent cash and highly liquid investments including money market accounts with maturities of three months orless at the date of purchase.Restricted cashRestricted cash consists of the cash collateralization of outstanding letters of credit used for various advance payment, bid, surety andperformance bonds. BB&T Bank has complete and unconditional control over the restricted money market accounts. As of December 31,2018 and 2017, the cash collateral account totaled $0.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and was classified as restricted cash on theconsolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2018, all BB&T accounts have been closed.Contract receivables, netContract receivables include recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed which represents revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed.Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets representadvanced billings to clients on contracts in advance of work performed. Generally, such amounts will be earned and recognized over the nexttwelve months.Billed receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical trends of past due accounts,write-offs, specific identification and review of customer accounts.Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, netEquipment and purchased software are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method with estimated useful lives rangingfrom three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated useful life, whichever is shorter,using the straight-line method. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts and anyresulting gain or loss is included in operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.Software development costsCertain computer software development costs, including direct labor cost, are capitalized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.Capitalization of computer software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility. Capitalization ceases andamortization of capitalized costs begins when the software product is commercially available for general release to customers. Amortizationof capitalized computer software development costs is included in cost of revenue and is determined using the straight-line method over theremaining estimated economic life of the product, typically three years. On an annual basis, or more frequently as conditions indicate, theCompany assesses the recovery of the unamortized software development costs by estimating the net undiscounted cash flows expected to begenerated by the sale of the product. If the undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized software costs the Companywill write-down the carrying amount of such asset to its estimated fair value based on the future discounted cash flows. The excess of anyunamortized computer software costs over the related fair value is written down and charged to operations.Development expendituresDevelopment expenditures incurred to meet customer specifications under contracts are charged to contract costs. Company sponsoreddevelopment expenditures are either charged to operations as incurred and are included in research and development expenses or arecapitalized as software development costs. See Note 9, Software development costs . The amounts incurred for Company sponsoreddevelopment activities relating to the development of new products and services or the improvement of existing products and services, wereapproximately $1.3 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Of this amount, the Companycapitalized approximately $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.Impairment of long-lived assetsLong-lived assets, such as equipment, purchased software, capitalized software development costs, and intangible assets subject toamortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may notbe recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimatedundiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscountedfuture cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Assetsto be disposed of would be separately presented in the consolidated balance sheets and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fairvalue less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated.On December 27, 2017, the Board of the Company approved an international restructuring plan to streamline and optimize the Company’sglobal operations. As a result, the Company will be closing its offices in Nyköping, Sweden; Chennai, India; and Stockton-on-Tees, UK. TheCompany's management conducted an impairment review of the assets to be disposed of under the plan. Based upon this review, we recordedan impairment loss of $0.2 million representing the net book value of the equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization under therespective offices as of December 31, 2017. See Note 4, Restructuring Expenses .Goodwill and intangible assetsThe Company’s intangible assets include amounts recognized in connection with business acquisitions, including customer relationships,trade names, non-compete agreements and alliance agreements. Intangible assets are initially valued at fair value using generally acceptedvaluation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated usefullife of the intangible assets, except for contract backlog and contractual customer relations, which are recognized in proportion to the relatedproject revenue streams. Intangible assets with definite lives are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The Companydoes not have any intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairmentannually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverablein accordance with ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment . The Company testsgoodwill at the reporting unit level.ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of areporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairmenttest. Under ASU 2011-08, an entity is not required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test for a reporting unit if it is more likelythan not that its fair value is greater than its carrying amount. For the annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2018, theCompany performed a qualitative step zero goodwill impairment test and concluded that it was more likely than not fair values of each of thereporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. No goodwill impairment was recorded during 2018 or 2017.Foreign currency translationThe United States Dollar (USD) is the functional currency of GSE and our subsidiaries operating in the United States. Our subsidiaries'financial statements are maintained in their functional currencies. The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is the currencyof the economic environment in which the subsidiary primarily does business. Our foreign subsidiaries' financial statements are translatedinto USD using the exchange rates applicable to the dates of the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are translated into USD using theperiod-end spot foreign exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. Equity accounts aretranslated at historical exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are cumulative translation adjustments, which are reportedas a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders'equity.For any business transaction that is in a currency different from the entity's functional currency, we record a gain or loss based on thedifference between the exchange rate at the transaction date and the exchange rate at the transaction settlement date (or rate at period end, ifunsettled) to foreign currency realized gain (loss) account, net gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements ofoperations.33Accrued warrantyFor contracts that contain a warranty provision, the Company provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historicalexperience and projected claims. The Company's contracts may contain warranty provisions ranging from one to five years. The currentportion of the accrued warranty is presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets within current liabilities whereas the noncurrentportion is included in other liabilities.The activity in the accrued warranty accounts is as follows:(in thousands) As of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Beginning balance $1,953 $1,478 Current year provision (107) 707 Current year claims (215) (245) Currency adjustment (10) 13 Ending balance $1,621 $1,953 Income taxesIncome taxes are provided under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are determined based on thedifferences between the consolidated financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year inwhich the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to theamounts expected to be realized. A provision is made for the Company's current liability for federal, state and foreign income taxes and thechange in the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities.We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return when it is not more likely than not (i.e., alikelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of allrelevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely ofbeing realized upon ultimate settlement. Favorable or unfavorable adjustment of the accrual for any particular issue would be recognized asan increase or decrease to income tax expense in the period of a change in facts and circumstances. Interest and penalties related to incometaxes are accounted for as income tax expense.Stock-based compensationShare-based compensation expense is based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718,Compensation-Stock Compensation . Compensation expense related to share based awards is recognized on a pro rata straight-line basisbased on the value of share awards that are scheduled to vest during the requisite service period.Earnings per shareBasic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the period. Diluted earnings per shareadjusts the weighted average shares outstanding for the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding vested stock options were exercised.Basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares for the period.34The number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share were asfollows:(in thousands, except for per share data) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Numerator: Net (loss) income attributed to common stockholders $(354) $6,557 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 19,704,999 19,259,966 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options and warrants - 345,461 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share 19,704,999 19,605,427 Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive 217,152 374,833 Conversion of certain outstanding stock options was not assumed for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 because the impact wouldhave been anti-dilutive.Significant customers and concentration of credit riskFor the year ended December 31, 2018, we have a concentration of revenue from two individual customers, which accounted for 14.3% and26.9% of our consolidated revenue, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we have a concentration of revenue from twocustomers, which accounted for 18.2% and 20.8% of our consolidated revenue, respectively. These customers are part of Performance andboth Performance and NITC segments, respectively. No other individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenuein 2018 or 2017.As of December 31, 2018, we have one customer that accounted for 16.8% of the Company’s consolidated contract receivables. As ofDecember 31, 2017, the Company had one customer that accounted for 26.7% of the Company’s consolidated contract receivables.Fair values of financial instrumentsThe carrying amounts of current assets and current liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to theirshort term duration.Derivative instrumentsThe Company utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreigncurrency exchange rates. It is the Company's policy to use such derivative financial instruments to protect against market risk arising in thenormal course of business in order to reduce the impact of these exposures. The Company minimizes credit exposure by limitingcounterparties to nationally recognized financial institutions.35Reclassifications and Immaterial Correction of an Error in Previously Issued Financial StatementsCertain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. The Company reclassified the cash paymentsmade to settle the contingent liability from acquisition in excess of the amount recognized at the acquisition date to operating activities fromfinancing activities due to the adoption of ASU 2016-15.Subsequent to the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company determinedthat in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Topic 718 : Improvements to Employee ShareBased Payment Accounting, it had improperly recorded the release of $1.2 million of deferred tax asset valuation directly as an adjustment toits accumulated deficit account. The Company corrected this error by recording the $1.2 million deferred tax asset valuation release asadditional income tax benefit in its provision for income tax for the year ended December 31, 2017. The misstatement had no impact onending accumulated deficit balance at December 31, 2017 or any net impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.Management evaluated the effect of the adjustment on the Company’s financial statements under the provision of ASC 250: AccountingChanges and Error Corrections and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108: Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements WhenQuantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements and concluded that it was immaterial to the current year and prior years’annual and quarterly financial statements.The following are the impacted line items from the Company’s consolidated financial statements illustrating the effect of these revisions, inthousands (other than earnings per common share ).Consolidated Statement of Operations Twelve months ended December 31, 2017 As reported Adjustment As revised Benefit for income taxes $(4,980) $(1,173) $(6,153)Net Income 5,384 1,173 6,557 Basic earnings per common share $0.28 $0.06 $0.34 Diluted earnings per common share 0.27 0.06 0.33 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Twelve months ended December 31, 2017 As reported Adjustment As revised Cumulative effect of new accounting principle $1,173 $(1,173) $- Net Income 5,384 1,173 6,557 Additionally, the Company identified a $0.7 million classification error between deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability at December 31,2017 due to improper netting of deferred taxes by jurisdiction. Accordingly, in our Form 10-Q for Q2 2018, we reclassified $0.7 million ofdeferred tax liabilities, which was included in other liabilities to deferred tax assets in our December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet.Consolidated Balance Sheets Balance at December 31, 2017 As reported Adjustment As revised Deferred tax assets $7,167 $(673) $6,494 Total assets 56,855 (673) 56,182 Other liabilities 1,931 673 1,258 Total liabilities $27,183 $673 $26,510 36Accounting pronouncements recently adoptedIn May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , whichprovides guidance for revenue recognition . Subsequently, the FASB issued a series of updates to the revenue recognition guidance in ASC606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) . Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control ofpromised goods or services and is recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for such goodsor services. In addition, the new accounting standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cashflows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and interim periodstherein.We adopted ASU 2014-09 and all the related updates (collectively, the new revenue standard) on January 1, 2018 using the modifiedretrospective transition method. The new revenue standard was applicable to (1) all new contracts entered into after January 1, 2018 and (ii)all existing contracts for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue has not been recognized under legacy revenue guidance. Werecognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an increase of $0.7 million to the opening balance ofaccumulated deficit. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effectfor those periods.This adoption primarily affected our software license sales with multiple deliverables, which typically include the following elements:license, installation and training services and PCS. Under the legacy revenue recognition standard, due to the lack of vendor specificobjective evidence (VSOE), revenue was recognized ratably over the PCS period. Under the new revenue standard, the total transaction priceis allocated to the identified performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices, and revenue is recognized as theperformance obligations are satisfied.Select line items which were adjusted upon adoption were as follows ( in thousands ):Statement of Operations Twelve months ended December 31, 2018 As Reported Balancewithoutadoption ofASC 606 Effect ofChange Revenue $92,249 $92,723 $(474)Gross profit 23,130 23,604 (474)Provision for income taxes 1,131 1,257 126 Net loss (354) (6) (348) Basic loss per common share (0.02) - Diluted loss per common share (0.02) - Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2018 As Reported Balancewithoutadoption ofASC 606 Effect ofChange Contract receivables, net $21,077 $21,077 $- Deferred tax assets 5,461 5,576 (115)Billings in excess of revenue earned 10,609 11,088 (479)Accumulated deficit (42,569) (42,933) 364 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The new guidanceaddresses eight specific cash flow issues and applies to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 waseffective for fiscal reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. Weadopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis. Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-15, cash payments made to settle acontingent consideration liability from an acquisition in excess of the amount recognized at the acquisition date are classified as operatingactivities, which were previously presented as financing activities. The comparative statement of cash flows has been restated to include onlythe payments made to settle the contingent liability related to the original amount recognized at the acquisition date in the financing activities;previously, the payment of $0.4 million related to fair value adjustment and interest accretion of the contingent liability was included infinancing activities. Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-15, it was reclassified as an operating activity.In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash . The new guidance applies to all entities that have restricted cash orrestricted cash equivalents and are required to present a statement of cash flows. This update is intended to reduce diversity in cash flowpresentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents and requires entities to include all cash and cash equivalents, both restricted andunrestricted, in the beginning-of-period and end-of-period totals presented on the statement of cash flows. We adopted ASU 2016-18effective January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis. As the result of the adoption of ASU 2016-18, we restated the statement of cash flows forthe comparative period to include both restricted and unrestricted cash in the beginning-of-period and end-of-period totals, and eliminated thetransfers between restricted and unrestricted cash in the statement of cash flows.In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the definition of a Business , which amends thedefinition of a business. ASU 2017-01 was effective for acquisitions commencing on or after December 15, 2017, with early adoptionpermitted. We adopted ASU 2017-01 effective January 1, 2018. ASU 2017-01 is applied prospectively to acquisitions commencing on orafter the effective date.Accounting pronouncements not yet adoptedIn February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases . The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires alessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will beclassified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The newstandard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modifiedretrospective transition approach is required for lessees with capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of theearliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Companyanticipates adoption of the standard will result in the recognition of incremental right of use assets and corresponding lease liabilities to itsbalance sheet upon adoption of the new standard in the range of $2.5 million to $3.5 million resulting from the recognition of office leases,currently accounted for as operating leases. The adoption will also result in an increase of $0.2 million to $0.4 million to the opening balanceof accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. Beginning in 2019, the Company expects changes to its disclosed lease recognition policiesand practices, as well as to other related financial statement disclosures due to the adoption of this standard. The Company is finalizing itsadoption of the new standard, including an evaluation of the potential impact on internal controls, and will report finalized impacts in theCompany's first quarter 2019 Form 10-Q filing.In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses , which introduces new guidance for credit losses oninstruments within its scope. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types offinancial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and net investments inleases. The new guidance also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the entities to determinewhether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. The standard also indicates that entitiesmay not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists. TheASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlyadoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.The Company is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financialposition, results of operations and cash flows.In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accountingfor goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test, which required a hypothetical purchase priceallocation. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, limited to thecarrying value of the goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods beginning afterDecember 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-04 on our consolidated financialstatements.372. AcquisitionsTrue NorthOn May 11, 2018, GSE, through Performance Solutions, entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Donald R. Horn, JennyC. Horn, and True North Consulting LLC (the True North Purchase Agreement) to purchase 100% of the membership interests in True NorthConsulting LLC (True North) for $9.75 million. The purchase price was subject to customary pre- and post-closing working capitaladjustments, resulting in total consideration of $9.9 million. The True North Purchase Agreement contains customary representations,warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions subject to certain limitations. An escrow of $1.5 million was funded from the cash paidto the sellers of True North at the closing and is available to GSE to promote retention of key personnel and satisfy indemnification claims for18 months after the closing. After the indemnification period or if no claims are paid out, any remaining cash reverts to the seller. Theacquisition of True North was completed on an all-cash transaction basis. In connection with the acquisition, we drew down a $10.3 millionterm loan to finance the transaction (including the transaction costs). See Note 11. Debt , for further information on the loan.True North is a provider of technical engineering solutions to nuclear and fossil fuel power plants with an emphasis on regulatory-drivenASME code programs. Located in Montrose, Colorado, True North is a well-regarded service provider to leading companies in the powerindustry. The acquisition of True North is expected to broaden our engineering services offering, expand our relationships with several of thelargest nuclear energy providers in the United States, and add a highly specialized, complimentary talent pool to our employee base.The following table summarizes the consideration paid to acquire True North and the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired andliabilities assumed at the date of the transaction. Due to the recent completion of the acquisition, the Company recorded the assets acquiredand liabilities assumed at their preliminary estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had not finalized the determinationof the fair value allocated to various assets and liabilities, including, but not limited to, contract receivables, prepaid expenses and othercurrent assets, intangible assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued compensation and the residual amount allocated to goodwill.The following amounts except for cash are all reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flows within the "Acquisition of True NorthConsulting, net of cash acquired" line caption.( in thousands )Total purchase price $9,915 Purchase price allocation: Cash 306 Contract receivables 1,870 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8 Property, and equipment, net 1 Intangible assets 5,088 Accounts payable, accrued expenses (1,744)Accrued compensation (353) Total identifiable net assets 5,176 Goodwill 4,739 Net assets acquired $9,915 The fair value of the assets acquired includes gross trade receivables of $1.9 million, of which the Company expects to collect in full. GSEdid not acquire any other class of receivable as a result of the acquisition of True North.True North contributed revenue of $8.0 million to GSE for the period from May 11, 2018 to December 31, 2018.The goodwill is primarily attributable to broader engineering service offering to new and existing customers, the workforce of the acquiredbusiness and the significant synergies expected to arise after the acquisition of True North. The total amount of goodwill is expected to be taxdeductible. All of the $4.7 million of goodwill was assigned to our Performance Improvement Solutions segment. As discussed above, thegoodwill amount is provisional pending receipt of the final valuations of various assets and liabilities.The Company identified other intangible assets of $5.1 million, including customer contracts and relationships, tradename, non-competeagreements, and alliance agreements, with amortization periods of four to fifteen years. The fair value of the intangible assets is provisionalpending receipt of the final valuations for these assets.The following table summarizes the fair value of intangible assets acquired at the date of acquisition and the related weighted averageamortization period:Intangible Assets WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod Fair Value (in years) (in thousands) Customer relationships 15 $3,758 Tradename 10 582 Alliance agreements 5 527 Non-compete agreements 4 221 Total $5,088 38AbsoluteOn September 20, 2017, GSE, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Performance Solutions, acquired 100% of the capital stock of AbsoluteConsulting (Absolute) for $8.8 million pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Performance Solutions and the sellers ofAbsolute. The purchase price was subject to a customary working capital adjustment resulting in total consideration of $9.5 million. Anindemnification escrow of $1.0 million was funded from the cash paid to the sellers and is available to GSE and Performance Solutions tosatisfy indemnification claims until September 20, 2019. The acquisition of Absolute was completed on an all-cash transaction basis.Absolute is a provider of technical consulting and staffing solutions to the global nuclear power industry. Located in Navarre, Florida,Absolute has established long-term relationships with blue-chip customers primarily in the nuclear power industry. The acquisition ofAbsolute is expected to strengthen the Company's global leadership in nuclear training and consulting solutions, add new capacities to ourtechnical consulting and staffing solutions offerings and bring highly complementary customers, while deepening relationships with existingclients.The following table summarizes the consideration paid to acquire Absolute and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed atthe date of the transaction. The following amounts except for Cash are all reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flow within the"Acquisition of Absolute Consulting, net of cash acquired" line caption. ( in thousands ) Total purchase price $9,521 Purchase price allocation: Cash $455 Contract receivables 5,121 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 68 Property, and equipment, net 184 Intangible assets 2,569 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities (78)Accrued compensation (1,617)Total identifiable net assets 6,702 Goodwill 2,819 Net assets acquired $9,521 The goodwill is primarily attributable to the additional capacities to offer broader solutions to new and existing customers and the expectedenhanced cost and growth synergies as a result of the acquisition. The total amount of goodwill that is expected to be tax deductible is $2.8million. All of the $2.8 million of goodwill was assigned to our Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment.The fair value of the assets acquired includes gross trade receivables of $5.1 million, of which the Company has collected in full subsequentto the acquisition. GSE did not acquire any other class of receivable as a result of the acquisition of Absolute.The Company identified $2.6 million of other intangible assets, including customer relationships and trademarks/names with amortizationperiods of three to ten years. The following table summarizes the fair value of intangibles assets acquired at the date of acquisition and therelated weighted average amortization period:Intangible Assets WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod Fair Value (in years) (in thousands) Customer relationships 10 $1,856 Trademarks/Names 3 713 Total $2,569 39Unaudited Pro Forma Financial InformationThe following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information for GSE, True North and Absolute as if the businesscombination had occurred on January 1, 2017. The unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared based on historical financialinformation.These pro forma amounts have been calculated after applying GSE's accounting policies and adjusting the results of True North and Absoluteto reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to fixed assets andintangible assets had been applied from January 1, 2017, with the consequential tax effects. In 2018, GSE has incurred $0.5 million ofacquisition-related costs. These expenses are included in general and administrative expense on GSE's consolidated statements of operationsand are reflected in pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017, in the table below. The pro forma financial information is notintended to reflect the actual results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2017, nor is itintended to be an indication of future operating results.(in thousands) (unaudited) Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2018 2017 Revenue $95,419 $110,274 Net (Loss) Income (1,717) 5,524 Basic (loss) earnings per common share $(0.09) $0.29 Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $(0.09) $0.28 403. RevenueWe generate revenue primarily through three broad revenue streams: 1) SDB, 2) Software, and 3) Training and Consulting Services. Werecognize revenue from SDB and software contracts mainly through the Performance Improvement Solutions segment and the training andconsulting service contracts through both the Performance Improvement Solutions segment and Nuclear Industry Training and Consultingsegment.The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue by type of goods or services for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,along with the reportable segment for each category:( in thousands ) Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2018 2017 (1) Performance Improvement Solutions segment System Design and Build $25,948 $29,217 Software 2,883 3,409 Training and Consulting Services 14,123 7,273 Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment Training and Consulting Services 49,295 30,981 Total revenue $92,249 $70,880 (1) Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective transition method for the adoption of ASC 606.SDB contracts are typically fixed-priced, and we receive payments based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts. The transactionprice for software contracts is generally fixed. Fees for software are normally due in advance of or shortly after delivery of the software. Feesfor PCS are normally paid in advance of the service period. For Training and Consulting Services, the customers are generally billed on aregular basis, such as weekly, biweekly or monthly, for services provided. Contract liability, which we classify as billing in excess of revenueearned, relates to payments received in advance of performance under the contract. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue asperformance obligations are satisfied.The following table reflects the balance of contract liabilities and the revenue recognized in the reporting period that was included in thecontract liabilities from contracts with customers:( in thousands ) December31, 2018 December31, 2017 Billings in excess of revenue earned (BIE) $10,609 $14,543 Revenue recognized in the period from amounts included in BIE at the beginning of the period $11,275 - For an SDB contract, we generally have two main performance obligations: the training simulator build and PCS. The training simulatorbuild generally includes hardware, software, and labor. We recognize the training simulator build revenue over the construction andinstallation period using the cost-to-cost input method. In applying the cost-to-cost input method, we use the actual costs incurred to daterelative to the total estimated costs to measure the work progress toward the completion of the performance obligation and recognize revenueaccordingly. Estimated contract costs are reviewed and revised periodically as the work progresses, and the cumulative effect of any changein estimates is recognized in the period in which the change is identified. Estimated losses are recognized in the period such losses areidentified. Uncertainties inherent in the performance of contracts include labor availability and productivity, material costs, change orderscope and pricing, software modification and customer acceptance issues. The reliability of these cost estimates is critical to the Company'srevenue recognition as a significant change in the estimates can cause the Company's revenue and related margins to change significantlyfrom the amounts estimated in the early stages of the project.For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized revenue of $2.0 million related to performance obligations satisfied inprevious periods.As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations of SDB, softwareand fixed-price training and consulting services contracts is $41.6 million. The Company will recognize the revenue as the performanceobligations are satisfied, which is expected to occur over the next twelve months.Part of the training and consulting services contracts are T&M based. Under a typical T&M contract, the Company is compensated based onthe number of hours of approved time provided by temporary workers and the bill rates, which are fixed by type of work, as well as approvedexpenses incurred. As part of our adoption of ASU 2014-09, we have elected to use the optional exemption under ASC 606-10-50-14(b)Revenue from contracts with customers , pursuant to which we have excluded disclosures of transaction prices allocated to remainingperformance obligations under such contracts and when we expect to recognize the revenue.414. Restructuring expensesOn December 27, 2017, the Board of the Company approved an international restructuring plan to streamline and optimize the Company'sglobal operations. Beginning in December 2017, GSE has been in the process of consolidating its engineering services and R&D activities toMaryland and ceasing an unprofitable non-core business in the United Kingdom (UK). As a result, the Company closed its offices inNyköping, Sweden; Chennai, India; and Stockton-on-Tees, UK. These actions are designed to improve Company productivity by eliminatingduplicate employee functions, increasing GSE's focus on its core business, improving efficiency and maintaining the full range of engineeringcapabilities while reducing costs and organizational complexity.GSE eliminated approximately 40 positions due to these changes, primarily in Europe and India, and will undertake other cost-savingsmeasures. The restructuring plan is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2019. As a result of these efforts, as shown in the tablebelow, GSE expects to record a restructuring charge of approximately $2.2 million in total, primarily related to workforce reductions,contracts termination costs and asset write-offs due to the exit activities. We recorded a restructuring charge of $1.3 million for the yearended December 31, 2018, and we expect to record the remaining charges, primarily reflecting the office closure costs, in the first quarter of2019.In addition to the restructuring costs in the table below, the Company has an estimated $1.6 million of cumulative translation adjustments thatwill be charged against net income (loss) and an estimated $1.0 million of tax benefits that will be realized upon liquidation of these foreignentities. GSE expects to recognize the remaining restructuring costs, currency translation adjustments and tax benefits by the first quarter of2019.The following tables summarize the restructuring costs and restructuring liabilities at December 31, 2018. The amounts to be transferred fromcumulative translation adjustments and included in determining net loss for the period, in which the liquidation of these foreign entities arecompleted (2019), are not included in the table below.( in thousands ) TotalExpectedTerminationCosts TerminationCosts for theYear AccumulatedTerminationCosts ExpectedCostsRemaining Employee termination benefits $820 $355 $820 $- Lease termination costs 700 700 700 - Assets write-offs 222 - 222 - Other restructuring costs 419 214 260 159 Total $2,161 $1,269 2,002 $159 Restructuring Liabilities( in thousands ) EmployeeTerminationBenefits LeaseTerminationCosts OtherRestructuringCosts Total Balance as of January 1, 2018 $465 $- $- $465 Accruals 341 668 214 1,223 Payments (737) (635) (214) (1,586)Currency translation adjustments (17) 1 - (16)Balance as of December 31, 2018 $52 $34 $- $86 The restructuring costs related to our Performance Improvement Solutions segment were included in the consolidated statement of operationswithin the "Restructuring charges" line caption. The accrued employee termination benefits of $52,000 were reflected in the "Accruedcompensation" line in the consolidated balance sheets. $1.6 million of restructuring payments have been made as of December 31, 2018.There was no restructuring payment made for the year ended December 31, 2017.425. Goodwill and Intangible AssetsGoodwillThe Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate thecarrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company tests goodwill at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operatingsegment, or one level below an operating segment, as defined by U.S. GAAP. After the acquisition of Hyperspring on November 14, 2014,the Company determined that it had two reporting units, which are the same as our two operating segments: (i) Performance ImprovementSolutions; and (ii) Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting (which includes Hyperspring and Absolute). As of December 31, 2018 and2017, goodwill of $13.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively, related to the acquisitions of Hyperspring, Absolute and True NorthConsulting. No impairment of goodwill was recorded in 2018 or 2017.The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018 was comprised of the following items:(in thousands) PerformanceImprovementSolutions NuclearIndustryTraining andConsulting Total Net book value at January 1, 2017 $- $5,612 $5,612 Acquisition - 2,819 2,819 Dispositions - - - Goodwill impairment loss - - - Net book value at December 31, 2017 $- $8,431 $8,431 Acquisition 4,739 - 4,739 Dispositions - - - Goodwill impairment loss - - - Net book value at December 31, 2018 $4,739 $8,431 $13,170 Intangible Assets Subject to AmortizationAs discussed in Note 2, Acquisitions , we recognized finite-lived intangible assets of $5.1 million upon acquisition of True North on May 11,2018 and $2.6 million upon acquisition of Absolute on September 17, 2017, including customer contracts and relationships, trademarks, non-compete agreements, and alliance agreements, with amortization periods of four to fifteen years. Amortization is recognized on a straight-linebasis over the estimated useful life of the intangible assets. The fair value of the intangible assets is provisional pending receipt of the finalvaluations for these assets.The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets:(in thousands) As of December 31, 2018 GrossCarryingAmount AccumulatedAmortization Net Amortized intangible assets : Customer relationships $6,831 $(2,375) $4,456 Trade names 1,295 (318) 977 Developed technology 471 (471) - Non-contractual customer relationships 433 (433) - Noncompete agreement 221 (35) 186 Alliance agreement 527 (66) 461 Others 167 (167) - Total $9,945 $(3,865) $6,080 (in thousands) As of December 31, 2017 GrossCarryingAmount AccumulatedAmortization Net Amortized intangible assets : Customer relationships $3,074 $(1,218) $1,856 Trade names 713 (33) 680 Developed technology 471 (412) 59 Non-contractual customer relationships 433 (426) 7 Others 167 (165) 2 Total $4,858 $(2,254) $2,604 43Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets totaled $1.6 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018and 2017, respectively. The following table shows the estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next fiveyears:(in thousands) Years ended December 31: 2019 $1,654 2020 1,332 2021 903 2022 674 2023 455 Thereafter 1,062 $6,080 6. Contract ReceivablesContract receivables represent the Company's unconditional rights to considerations due from a broad base of both domestic and internationalcustomers. All contract receivables are considered to be collectible within twelve months.Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed represent costs incurred and associated profit accrued on contracts that will become billableupon future milestones or completion of contracts. The components of contract receivables are as follows:(in thousands) December 31, 2018 2017 Billed receivables $15,998 $8,154 Unbilled receivables 5,506 5,980 Allowance for doubtful accounts (427) (137)Total contract receivables, net $21,077 $13,997 Management reviews collectability of receivables periodically and records an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce our receivables totheir net realizable value when it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual termsof the receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical trends of past due accounts, write-offs, and specificidentification and review of customer accounts. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded allowances fordoubtful accounts of $294,000 and $118,000, respectively.During January 2019, the Company invoiced $4.1 million of the unbilled amounts related to the balance at December 31, 2018.As of December 31, 2018, the Company had one customer that accounted for 16.8% of its consolidated contract receivables. As ofDecember 31, 2017, the Company had one customer that accounted for 26.7% of its consolidated contract receivables.The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:(in thousands) As of and for the Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Beginning balance $137 $17 Current year provision 294 118 Current year write-offs - - Currency adjustment (4) 2 Ending balance $427 $137 447. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current AssetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:(in thousands) December 31, 2018 2017 Inventory $139 $755 Income tax receivable 310 418 Prepaid expenses 556 549 Other current assets 795 1,073 Total $1,800 $2,795 Inventory composed of raw material, is being purchased to support the construction of three major nuclear simulation projects related to asignificant contract that was executed during the first quarter of 2016. Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value inaccordance with ASC 330, Inventory. Cost is determined using specific identification.Other current assets primarily include value-added tax receivables and cash deposited in a Swedish tax account. Prepaid expenses primarilyinclude prepayment for insurance.8. Equipment, Software and Leasehold ImprovementsEquipment, software and leasehold improvements, net consist of the following:(in thousands) December 31, 2018 2017 Computer equipment $2,178 $2,101 Software 1,682 1,598 Leasehold improvements 619 454 Furniture and fixtures 814 629 5,293 4,782 Accumulated depreciation (4,228) (3,719)Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net $1,065 $1,063 Depreciation expense was $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.As discussed in Note 4, Restructuring Expenses , on December 27, 2017, the board of the Company approved an international restructuringplan to streamline and optimize the Company’s global operations. As a result, the Company will be closing its offices in Nyköping, Sweden;Chennai, India; and Stockton-on-Tees, UK, accordingly, the Company's management conducted an impairment test of the assets to bedisposed of under the plan.The fixed assets under the respective offices primarily included computers, office equipment and furniture, software and leaseholdimprovements. As a result of this test, the Company concluded that these assets were no longer recoverable. Accordingly, we recorded a $0.1million write-off of the fixed assets which represented the net book value of the respective assets for the year ended December 31, 2017.There was no fixed-asset write-off for the year ended December 31, 2018.9. Software Development CostsSoftware development costs, net consist of the following:(in thousands) December 31, 2018 2017 Beginning balance $690 $982 Additions 432 177 Amortization (507) (469)Ending balance $615 $690 Software development costs capitalized were $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amortization of capitalized software development costs were $507,000 and $469,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,respectively, and were included in cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.4510. Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfera liability (an exit price) in the principle or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between marketparticipants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use ofobservable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.The levels of the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 are:Level 1: inputs are quoted prices, unadjusted, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability toaccess at the measurement date.Level 2: inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.A Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. The Monte Carlo model was used to calculate thefair value of level 2 instruments. The inputs used are current stock price, expected term, risk-free rate, number of trials, volatility and interestrates.Level 3: inputs are unobservable and reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would usein pricing the asset or liability. The contingent consideration was based on EBITDA.The Company considers the recorded value of certain of its financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash equivalents,accounts receivable and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.The Company had $1.0 million and $2.3 million deposited in unrestricted money market accounts on December 31, 2018 and 2017,respectively.As of December 31, 2018, the Company had five standby letters of credit totaling $2.3 million which represent performance bonds on threecontracts.The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2018: Quoted Pricesin ActiveMarketsfor IdenticalAssets SignificantOtherObservableInputs SignificantUnobservableInputs (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total Money market funds $824 $- $- $824 Foreign exchange contracts - 43 - 43 Total assets $824 $43 $- $867 Liability awards - (118) - (118)Interest rate swap contract - (103) - (103) Total liabilities $- $(221) $- $(221)The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2017: Quoted Pricesin ActiveMarketsfor IdenticalAssets SignificantOtherObservableInputs SignificantUnobservableInputs (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total Money market funds $3,240 $- $- $3,240 Foreign exchange contracts - 201 - 201 Total assets $3,240 $201 $- $3,441 Liability awards $- $(242) $- $(242)Contingent consideration liability - - (1,701) (1,701) Total liabilities $- $(242) $(1,701) $(1,943)During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not have any transfers into or out of Level 3.The following table provides a roll-forward of the fair value of the contingent consideration categorized as Level 3 for the year endedDecember 31, 2018:(in thousands)Balance, January 1, 2018 $1,701 Payments made on contingent liabilities (1,701)Change in fair value - Balance, December 31, 2018 $- The Company made the last payment of the contingent consideration in January 2018.4611. DebtCitizen's BankThe Company entered into a three-year, $5.0 million revolving line of credit facility (RLOC) with Citizen's Bank on December 29, 2016, tofund general working capital needs, including acquisitions. Working capital advances bear interest of one-month LIBOR plus 2.25% perannum and letter of credit fees are 1.25% per annum. The RLOC will mature on December 29, 2019. The Company is not required tomaintain a restricted cash collateral account at Citizen's Bank for outstanding letters of credit and working capital advances. The creditfacility agreement is subject to standard financial covenants and reporting requirements.The maximum availability under the RLOC is subject to a borrowing base equal to 80% of eligible accounts receivable, and is reduced forany issued and outstanding letters of credit and working capital advances. At December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings onthe RLOC and five letters of credit totaling $2.3 million. The amount available at December 31, 2018, after consideration of the borrowingbase, letters of credit and working capital advances was approximately $2.7 million. At December 31, 2017, there were no outstandingborrowings on the RLOC and three letters of credit totaling $0.8 million.On May 11, 2018, GSE and Performance Solutions (collectively, the Borrower) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit and SecurityAgreement (the Credit Agreement) with the Bank, amending and restating the Company's existing Credit and Security Agreement with theBank, which included a $5 million asset-based revolving credit facility between the Borrower and the Bank, to now include (a) a $5 millionrevolving credit facility not subject to a borrowing base, including a letter of credit sub-facility, and (b) a $25 million delayed draw term loanfacility available to be drawn upon for up to 18 months and to finance certain permitted acquisitions by the Borrower. The credit facilitiesmature in five years and bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin that varies depending on the overall leverage ratio of the Borrower and itssubsidiaries. Revolving loans are interest-only with principal due at maturity, while term loans require monthly payments of principal andinterest based on an amortization schedule.The Borrower's obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by GSE's wholly-owned subsidiaries Hyperspring, Absolute, and TrueNorth and by any future material domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the Guarantors). The credit facilities are secured by liens on all assets ofthe Borrower and the Guarantors. The credit facility agreement is subject to standard financial covenants and reporting requirements. AtDecember 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.Term LoanAs discussed in Note 2, Acquisitions , we acquired True North on May 11, 2018 for total consideration of approximately $9.9 million in cash.We drew down $10.3 million to finance the acquisition of True North, $0.5 million of which was repaid to the Bank on the same day. Theloan bears interest at the adjusted one-month LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 2% and 2.75% depending on the overall leverage ratio ofthe Company and matures in five years on May 11, 2023. We also incurred $70,000 debt issuance costs and $75,000 loan origination feesrelated to the Credit Agreement. Debt issuance costs and loan origination fees are reported as a direct deduction from the carrying amount ofthe loan and are amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.At December 31, 2018, the outstanding long-term debt under the delayed draw term loan facility was as follows: Long-term debt, net of discount $8,512 Less: current portion of long-term debt 1,902 Long-term debt, less current portion $6,610 The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants and restrictions typical for a financing of this type that, among other things, require theBorrower to satisfy certain financial covenants and restrict the Borrower's and Guarantors' ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends andmake distributions, make certain investments and acquisitions, repurchase its stock and prepay certain indebtedness, create liens, enter intoagreements with affiliates, modify the nature of its business, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, transfer and sell material assets and mergeor consolidate. Non-compliance with one or more of the covenants and restrictions after any applicable grace period could result in theobligations under the Credit Agreement becoming immediately due and payable and termination of the credit facilities. In addition to non-compliance with covenants and restrictions, the Credit Agreement also contains other customary events of default. If an event of defaultunder the Credit Agreement occurs and is continuing, then the Bank may declare the obligations under the Credit Agreement to beimmediately due and payable and may terminate the credit facilities. At December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with itsfinancial covenants.4712. Derivative InstrumentsIn the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency values and interest rate changes. We mayseek to control a portion of these risks through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative instruments.Foreign Currency Risk ManagementThe Company utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreigncurrency exchange rates and minimize credit exposure by limiting counterparties to nationally recognized financial institutions.As of December 31, 2018, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 3.2 million Euro, which will be validthrough 2020. At December 31, 2017, the Company had contracts outstanding of approximately 162.5 million Japanese Yen, 24,000 Euro,and 0.2 million Australian Dollars at fixed rates. The contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017 have expired on various dates from Januarythrough December 2018.Interest Rate Risk ManagementAs discussed in Note 11, Debt , the Company entered into a new term loan to finance the acquisition of True North in May. The loan bearsinterest at adjusted one-month LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 2% and 2.75% depending on the overall leverage ratio of the Company.As part of our overall risk management policies, in June 2018, the Company entered into a pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swapcontract with a notional amount of $9.0 million to reduce the impact associated with interest rate fluctuations . The notional value amortizesmonthly in equal amounts based on the five-year principal repayment terms. The terms of the swap require the Company to pay interest onthe basis of a fixed rate of 3.02%, and GSE will receive interest on the basis of one-month USD-LIBOR-BBA-Bloomberg.The Company reports all derivatives at fair value. These contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities, depending upon thederivative’s fair value. The estimated net fair values of the derivative contracts on the consolidated balance sheets are as follows: December 31, (in thousands) 2018 2017 Asset derivatives Prepaid expenses and other current assets $43 $201 43 201 Liability derivatives Other liabilities (103) - (103) - Net fair value $(60) $201 The Company has not designated the derivative contracts as hedges. The changes in the fair value of the derivative contracts are included in(loss) gain on derivative instruments, net, in the consolidated statements of operations.The foreign currency denominated contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned, and subcontractor accruals that are related to theoutstanding foreign exchange contracts are remeasured at the end of each period into the functional currency using the current exchange rateat the end of the period. The gain or loss resulting from such remeasurement is also included in (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net, inthe consolidated statements of operations.For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized a net (loss) gain on its derivative instruments as outlined below: Years ended December 31, (in thousands) 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value $(150) $73 Interest rate swap - change in fair value (103) - Remeasurement of related contract receivables and billings in excess of revenue earned (97) 26 $(350) $99 4813. Income TaxesThe consolidated income before income taxes, by domestic and foreign sources, is as follows:(in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Domestic $2,512 $1,580 Foreign (1,735) (1,176)Total $777 $404 The provision (benefit) for income taxes is as follows:(in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Current: Federal $(6) $459 State 259 47 Foreign 234 19 Subtotal 487 525 Deferred: Federal 600 (5,867)State 67 (942)Foreign (23) 131 Subtotal 644 (6,678)Total $1,131 $(6,153)The effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate aspresented below: Effective Tax Rate Percentage (%) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017Statutory federal income tax rate21.0% 34.0%State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit30.1% (184.7)%Effect of foreign operations(2.1)% 55.4%Change in valuation allowance(43.6)% (2,332.0)%Meals and Entertainment10.0% 37.9%Stock based compensation(6.9)% (81.7)%162(m) Limit on compensation0.0% 52.2%Subpart F Income0.0% 3.0%Other permanent differences0.4% 0.2%Uncertain Tax Positions46.3% 338.1%Change in tax rate(2.8)% 618.1%Worthless stock deduction0.0% (257.0)%Expired stock options50.7% 30.2%Change in APB 23(4.4)% 46.0%Prior year reconciling items(2.4)% 117.3%Expiration of capital Loss49.3% 0.0% Effective tax rate145.6% (1,523.0)%The difference between the effective rate and statutory rate in 2018 primarily resulted from permanent differences, the write-off of the stockoption deferred tax asset due to expirations, accruals related to uncertain tax positions for certain foreign tax contingencies and revenuerecognition, expiration of capital loss, and return to provision true-ups. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted in the US onDecember 22, 2017. The Act reduced the US federal corporate income tax rate from 34% to 21%. In 2017, we recorded provisional amountsfor certain enactment-date effects of the Act by applying the guidance in SAB 118 because we had not yet completed our enactment-dateaccounting for these effects. In 2018, the Company concluded its’ analysis under SAB 118 and determined that the changes to 2017enactment-date provisional amounts increased the effective tax rate in 2018 by 1.77%.49Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in theconsolidated financial statements. A summary of the tax effect of the significant components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilitiesis as follows:(in thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $4,074 $5,009 Capital loss carryforwards - 383 Accruals 760 487 Reserves 479 514 Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards 213 299 Stock-based compensation expense 563 1,002 Intangibles 674 433 Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary - - Other 324 135 Total deferred tax asset 7,087 8,262 Valuation allowance (756) (1,095)Total deferred tax asset less valuation allowance 6,331 7,167 Deferred tax liabilities: Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary (103) (149)Software development costs (163) (188)Fixed Assets (44) (91)Indefinite-lived intangibles (525) (337)Other (138) (45)Total deferred tax liability (973) (810) Net deferred tax asset $5,358 $6,357 Deferred tax liabilities are included in "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheet.In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferredtax assets will not be realized. The Company's ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends primarily upon the preponderance of positiveevidence that could be demonstrated by three year cumulative positive earnings, reversal of existing deferred temporary differences, andgeneration of sufficient future taxable income to allow for the utilization of deductible temporary differences.As of each reporting date, the Company's management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact management'sview with regard to future realization of deferred tax assets to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existingdeferred tax assets. This analysis is performed on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. The Company provides forward forecasting which isincorporated into the scheduling analysis to support realization of the deferred tax assets.Based on the assessment the Company's management performed as of December 31, 2018, we conclude that critical pieces of positiveevidence supporting the realization of deferred tax assets exist including the strength of three year cumulative positive earnings, reversal ofexisting deferred temporary differences and future taxable income for the U.S. entities. As a result, the Company has determined that avaluation allowance in the U.S. is not appropriate at this time. A portion of the deferred tax assets is attributable to a capital loss that expiredunutilized as of December 31, 2018 because the Company could not support the realization of this DTA, therefore, a valuation allowance hashistorically existed. The Company was not able to generate sources of capital income and, therefore the expiration and write-off of the capitalloss deferred tax asset also generated the release of the valuation allowance existing at December 31, 2017 in the amount of $0.4 million.The Company currently does not have sufficient positive objectively verifiable evidence to substantiate the recovery of the deferred tax assetsfor India, U.K, Swedish and Chinese deferred tax assets at December 31, 2018, accordingly, a full valuation allowance of $0.75 million hasbeen established on these deferred tax assets, predominantly comprised of net operating losses.At December 31, 2018, the Company's largest consolidated deferred tax asset was $5.1 million, excluding the impact of uncertain taxprovisions. It primarily relates to a U.S. net operating loss carryforward of $4.4 million, which expires in various amounts between 2020 and2037. The amount of U.S. loss carryforward which can be used by the Company each year is limited due to changes in the Company'sownership which occurred in 2003. However, the Company does not anticipate that any of the loss carryforward will expire unutilized.On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted tax reform legislation known as the H.R.1, commonly referred to as the “Tax Cuts and JobsAct” (the Act), resulting in significant modifications to existing law.The Company follows the guidance in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (SAB 118), which provides additional clarification regarding theapplication of ASC 740 in situations where the Company does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed inreasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act for the reporting period in which the Act was enacted.SAB 118 provides for a measurement period beginning in the reporting period that includes the Act’s enactment date and ending when theCompany has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information needed in order to complete the accounting requirements, but in nocircumstances should the measurement period extend beyond one year from the enactment date.The Company has completed the accounting for the income tax effects of the Act. There were no material changes from what was reported asof December 31, 2017. The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period cost in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, wehave not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTIin the period. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, there is no GILTI inclusion.As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaled $12.1 million and $19.1 million,respectively, including cash and cash equivalents held at non-U.S. entities totaling $4.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The non-U.S.entities include operating subsidiaries located in China, United Kingdom, Sweden and India. Of these, the Company does not assertpermanent reinvestment in the UK, Sweden or India. Accordingly, the Company analyzed the cumulative earnings and profits anddetermined no US deferred liability exists given aggregated accumulated deficits. A deferred tax liability in the amount of $0.1 million hasbeen recorded for India with respect to the undistributed earnings related to India’s application of a Dividend Distributions Tax. Undistributedearnings in China are considered indefinitely reinvested as of December 31, 2018, to fund the Company's ongoing international operations. IfChina were to repatriate the funds it would not incur any tax due to an accumulated earnings and profits deficit.The Company has made an entity classification (CTB) election to treat GSE UK as a disregarded entity effective January 1, 2018. Therefore,as of January 1, 2018, GSE UK is treated as a branch of the US for tax purposes. Accordingly, GSE UK’s 2018 activity has been included inthe US Company’s income tax provision.50Uncertain Tax PositionsForeign Uncertain Tax PositionsDuring 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded tax liabilities for certain foreign tax contingencies. The Company recorded these uncertain taxpositions in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.During 2017, the Company recorded a tax liability for an uncertain tax position related to the worthless stock deduction on the liquidation ofGSE UK. The uncertain tax position is recorded as a component of current and deferred liability.During 2018, the Company recorded a tax liability for an uncertain tax position related to revenue recognition in the US. The uncertain taxposition is recorded as a component of current and deferred liability.We believe that is it reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $133,907 in unrecognized tax benefits related to federal and state taxexposures may be necessary within the next 12 months due to the intention of the Company to file an accounting method change related torevenue recognition for tax purposes.The following table outlines the Company's uncertain tax liabilities, including accrued interest and penalties for each jurisdiction: China Ukraine South Korea U.S. (inthousands) Tax InterestandPenalties Tax InterestandPenalties Tax InterestandPenalties Tax Interest andPenalties Total Balance,January 1,2017 $202 $209 $89 $28 $129 $8 $- - $665 Increases 14 53 11 - 212 37 833 - 1,160 Decreases - - - - - - - - - Balance,December31, 2017 $216 $262 $100 $28 $341 $45 $833 $- $1,825 Increases - 23 - 44 120 66 163 4 420 Decreases 12 - 18 - - - - 30 Balance,December31, 2018 $204 $285 $82 $72 $461 $111 $996 $4 $2,215 5114. Capital StockThe Company’s Board of Directors has authorized 62,000,000 total shares of stock (30,000,000 of additional common shares authorized onJune 12, 2018) of which 60,000,000 are designated as common stock and 2,000,000 are designated as preferred stock. The Board of Directorshas the authority to establish one or more classes of preferred stock and to determine, within any class of preferred stock, the preferences,rights and other terms of such class.As of December 31, 2018, the Company has reserved 3,615,546 shares of common stock for issuance; 55,000 are reserved for shares uponexercise of outstanding stock options and 1,571,525 are reserved for shares upon vesting of restricted stock units. The Company has2,247,848 shares available for future grants under the Company’s 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan.15. Stock-Based CompensationLong-term incentive planDuring 1995, the Company established the 1995 Long-Term Incentive Stock Option Plan (the Plan), which permits the granting of stockoptions (including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options) stock appreciation rights, restricted or unrestricted stock awards,phantom stock, performance awards or any combination of these to employees, directors or consultants. The Plan expires on April 21, 2026;the total number of shares that could be issued under the Plan is 7,500,000. As of December 31, 2018, 4,174,981 shares have been issuedunder the Plan, 55,000 stock options and 1,571,525 restricted stock units (RSUs) were outstanding under the Plan, while 2,247,848 sharesremain for future grants under the Plan.The Company recognizes compensation expense on a pro rata straight-line basis over the requisite service period for stock-basedcompensation awards with both graded and cliff vesting terms. The Company recognizes the cumulative effect of a change in the number ofawards expected to vest in compensation expense in the period of change. The Company has not capitalized any portion of its stock-basedcompensation. The Company's forfeiture rate is based on actuals.During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $1.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of stock-basedcompensation expense under the fair value method. Accordingly, the Company recognized associated deferred income tax benefits of$53,000 and $330,000, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and2017, there were approximately $(142,000) and $74,000 of stock-based compensation expense related to the change in fair value of cash-settled RSUs, which the Company accounts for as a liability.Stock optionsOptions to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock under the Plan expire in either seven or ten years from the date of grant andbecome exercisable in three, five, or seven installments with a certain percentage of options vesting on the first anniversary of the grant dateand additional options vesting on each of the subsequent anniversaries of the grant date, subject to acceleration under certain circumstances.Information with respect to stock option activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows: Numberof Shares WeightedAverageExercisePrice AggregateIntrinsicValue (inthousands) WeightedAverageRemainingContractualLife(Years) Options outstanding at January 1, 2018 1,046,833 $3.33 Options granted - - Options exercised (486,500) 1.88 Options forfeited (505,333) 4.89 Options outstanding at December 31, 2018 55,000 1.87 $17 2.08 Options expected to vest - - $- - Options exercisable at December 31, 2018 55,000 $- $- - Information with respect to stock option activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows: Numberof Shares WeightedAverageExercisePrice AggregateIntrinsicValue (inthousands) WeightedAverageRemainingContractualLife(Years) Options outstanding at January 1, 2017 1,556,833 $3.15 Options granted - - Options exercised (320,000) 2.05 Options forfeited (190,000) 4.01 Options outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,046,833 3.33 $928 1.28 Options expected to vest 24,000 1.90 $33 4.72 Options exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,022,833 $3.36 $895 1.20 52A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 is presented below. Number ofShares WeightedAverage FairValue Nonvested options at January 1, 2018 24,000 $0.97 Options granted - - Options forfeited - - Options vested during the period (24,000) 0.97 Nonvested options at December 31, 2018 - $- A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below. Number ofShares WeightedAverage FairValue Nonvested options at January 1, 2017 72,000 $0.97 Options granted - - Options forfeited - - Options vested during the period (48,000) 0.97 Nonvested options at December 31, 2017 24,000 $0.97 53The Company did not grant stock options during the years ended December 31, 2018, and 2017.The Company received cash for the exercise price associated with stock options exercised of $136,000 and $209,000 during the years endedDecember 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The total intrinsic value realized by participants on stock options exercised was $701,318 and$364,974 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.54Restricted Stock UnitsDuring the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company issued RSUs to employees which vest upon the achievement of specificmarket-based or time-based measures. The fair value for RSU's is calculated based on the stock price on the grant date and expensed ratablyover the requisite service period, which ranges between one and five years. The following table summarizes the information about vested andunvested restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Number ofShares WeightedAverage FairValue Nonvested RSUs at January 1, 2018 1,634,663 $1.96 RSUs granted 428,526 3.23 RSUs forfeited (140,997) 2.47 RSUs vested (350,667) 3.30 Nonvested RSUs at December 31, 2018 1,571,525 $1.96 Nonvested RSUs at January 1, 2017 1,688,480 $1.45 RSUs granted 644,677 3.24 RSUs forfeited (5,500) 3.40 RSUs vested (692,994) 1.89 Nonvested RSUs at December 31, 2017 1,634,663 $1.96 As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $0.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the RSUs expected to berecognized on a pro-rata straight line basis over a weighted average remaining service period of approximately 1.16 years.16. Commitments and ContingenciesLeasesThe Company is obligated under certain noncancelable operating leases for office facilities and equipment. Future minimum lease paymentsunder noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: (in thousands) Gross Future MinimumLease Payments 2019 $922 2020 785 2021 796 2022 771 2023 451 Thereafter 106 Total $3,831 Total rent expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was approximately $0.9 million and $ 0.8million, respectively. The office facility leases contain renewal options.Standby letters of credit, bank guarantees, surety bonds and performance bondsAs discussed in Note 11, Debt, as of December 31, 2018, the Company had no letters of credit with BB&T bank. The Company had fiveletters of credit with Citizen's Bank totaling $2.3 million. The Company was contingently liable for these letters of credit.ContingenciesVarious actions and proceedings are presently pending to which the Company is a party. In the opinion of management, the aggregateliabilities, if any, arising from such actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations orcash flows of the Company. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.17. Employee BenefitsThe Company has a qualified defined contribution plan that covers all U.S. employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.Under this plan, the Company's stipulated basic contribution matches a portion of the participants' contributions based upon a definedschedule for GSE Performance Improvement Solutions employees. The Company's contributions to the plan were approximately $309,000and $305,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.5518. Segment InformationThe Company has two reportable business segments.The Performance Improvement Solutions segment provides simulation, training and engineering products and services delivered across thebreadth of industries we serve. Solutions include simulation for both training and engineering applications. Example engineering servicesinclude, but are not limited to, plant design verification and validation, thermal performance evaluation and optimization programs, andengineering programs for plants for ASME code and ASME Section XI. The Company provides these services across all market segments.Example training applications include turnkey and custom training services. Contract terms are typically less than two years.The Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment provides specialized workforce solutions primarily to the nuclear industry, working atclients’ facilities. This business is managed through our Hyperspring and Absolute subsidiaries. The business model, management focus,margins and other factors clearly separate this business line from the rest of the GSE product and service portfolio.On May 11, 2018, GSE, through Performance Solutions acquired True North. True North is a provider of technical engineering solutions tonuclear and fossil fuel power plants with an emphasis on regulatory-driven ASME code programs. The acquisition of True North is expectedto broaden our engineering services offering, expand our relationships with several of the largest nuclear energy providers in the UnitedStates, and add a highly specialized, complimentary talent pool to our employee base. For reporting purposes, True North is included in ourPerformance Improvement Solutions segment due to similarities in services provided including technical engineering solutions to the nuclearand fossil fuel power sector.In September 20, 2017, the Company acquired Absolute. Absolute is a provider of technical consulting and staffing solutions to the globalnuclear power industry and employs approximately 160 professionals with expertise in procedures writing, engineering, technical support,project management, training, project controls, and corrective actions. This acquisition brings a natural adjacency to GSE, fits well with ourgrowth strategy, and benefits our customers from expanded capabilities and offerings. For reporting purposes, Absolute was aggregated withHyperspring into our Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting segment due to similarities in services provided including training and staffaugmentation to the nuclear energy sector. In addition, both entities report to the same management team and share support staff such assales, recruiting and business development. As such, 100% of the goodwill acquired was allocated to the Nuclear Industry Training andConsulting segment.The following table sets forth the revenue and operating results attributable to each reportable segment and includes a reconciliation ofsegment revenue to consolidated revenue and operating results to consolidated income before income tax expense (benefit). Inter-segmentrevenue is eliminated in consolidation and is not significant.(in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 Revenue: Performance Improvement Solutions $42,954 $39,899 Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting 49,295 30,981 $92,249 $70,880 Depreciation: Performance Improvement Solutions $385 $321 Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting 130 21 $515 $342 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets: Performance Improvement Solutions $898 $246 Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting 714 89 $1,612 $335 Operating income Performance Improvement Solutions $2,640 $(3,191)Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting (1,274) 3,420 Operating income $1,366 $229 Interest (expense) income, net (268) 80 (Loss) Gain on derivative instruments, net (350) 99 Other income (expense), net 29 (4)Income before income taxes $777 $404 Additional information relating to segments is as follows:(in thousands) December 31, 2018 2017 Performance Improvement Solutions $40,353 $33,434 Nuclear Industry Training and Consulting 21,087 22,748 Intercompany receivable elimination - - Total assets $61,440 $56,182 56For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, 91% and 83%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenue was from customersin the nuclear power industry. The Company designs, develops and delivers business and technology solutions to the energy industryworldwide. Revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets for the Company’s United States, European, and Asian subsidiaries as of andfor the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2018 United States Europe Asia Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $88,979 $2,150 $1,120 $- $92,249 Transfers between geographic locations 2,046 - 199 (2,245) - Total revenue $91,025 $2,150 $1,319 $(2,245) $92,249 Operating income (loss) $2,902 $(1,116) $(420) $- $1,366 Total assets, at December 31 $171,206 $3,893 $3,592 $(117,251) $61,440 (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2017 United States Europe Asia Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $66,249 $3,196 $1,435 $- $70,880 Transfers between geographic locations 1,953 - 668 (2,621) - Total revenue $68,202 $3,196 $2,103 $(2,621) $70,880 Operating income (loss) $1,930 $(1,585) $(116) $- $229 Total assets, at December 31 $148,717 $5,057 $4,313 $(101,905) $56,182 Revenues by geographic location above are attributed to the contracting entity. Therefore, revenues from a foreign customer that contracteddirectly with our U.S. entity are included in revenues from the United States. In Europe, total revenues attributable to our U.K. and Swedensubsidiaries was $0.2 million and $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. All revenues in Asia were attributable to our Chinesesubsidiary.Alternatively, revenues from customers domiciled in foreign countries were approximately 15% and 16%, of the Company’s consolidated2018 and 2017 revenue, respectively. Revenues from foreign countries where our customers reside were all individually less than 10% of theCompany's consolidated revenues during 2018 and 2017.19. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information December31, 2018 December31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $12,123 $19,111 Restricted cash - 960 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $12,123 $20,071 (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash paid: Interest $278 $- Income taxes $187 $155 20. Subsequent EventsOn February 15, 2019, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Performance Solutions, the Company entered into a membership interestpurchase agreement with Steven L. Pellerin, Christopher A. Davenport, and DP Engineering (The “DP Engineering Purchase Agreement”), topurchase 100% of the membership interests in DP Engineering for $13.5 million. The purchase price is subject to customary pre- and post-closing working capital adjustments plus an additional earn-out amount not to exceed $5.0 million, potentially payable in 2020 and 2021depending on DP Engineering’s satisfaction of certain targets for Adjusted EBITDA in calendar years 2019 and 2020, respectively. Theacquisition was completed through the drawdown of $14.3 million (including transaction costs) of the term loan. An escrow of approximately$1.7 million was funded at the closing and is available to GSE and Performance Solutions to satisfy indemnification claims for 18 monthsafter the closing.DP Engineering is a provider of value-added technical engineering solutions and consulting services to nuclear power plants with anemphasis on preparation and implementation of design modifications during plant outages. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, DP Engineering iswell-regarded as a leading service provider to the nuclear power industry, having been designated an “engineer of choice” by two large powergeneration companies. The Company's allocation of the purchase price remains incomplete and the net assets are subject to adjustmentswithin the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date.57ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIALDISCLOSURE .None.ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES .(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and ProceduresThe Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in itsreports filed or submitted pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed,summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and thatinformation required to be disclosed by the Company in its Exchange Act reports is accumulated and communicated to management,including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is its principal executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who is itsprincipal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls andprocedures as of December 31, 2018, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures wereeffective.On May 11, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of True North, LLC (True North). True North constitutes 23.7% of total assets ofthe Company at December 31, 2018, and 8.6% of the Company's consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018. As permittedby SEC guidance for newly acquired businesses, because it was not possible to complete an effective assessment of the acquired company'scontrols by year-end, the Company's management has excluded True North from its evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures andmanagement's report on internal control over financial reporting and changes therein below from the date of such acquisition throughDecember 31, 2018. Our management is in the process of reviewing the operations of True North and implementing GSE's internal controlstructure over the acquired operations.( b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial ReportingOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined inExchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our CEOand CFO, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements forexternal purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.Management, including our CEO and CFO, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as ofDecember 31, 2018. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of theTreadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on management’s assessment, management hasconcluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial ReportingThere were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d)and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonablylikely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION .On February 25, 2019, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the form of indemnification agreement filed as Exhibit 10.38 to thisForm 10-K. The Company will enter into substantially identical indemnification agreements with each of its current and future directors. Theindemnification agreements require the Company to indemnify the directors and to advance expenses on behalf of such directors and officersto the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and establish the procedures by which a director or officer may request and receiveindemnification. The agreements are in addition to other rights to which a director or officer may be entitled under the Company's certificateof incorporation, by-laws and applicable law.The foregoing summary description of the indemnification agreements is not intended to be completed and is qualified in its entirety by thecomplete text of the form indemnification agreement filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.The information required by this item, including items 401, 405, 406 and 407 of Regulation S-K, is incorporated by reference to the sectioncaptioned “Directors and Executive Officers” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders andincorporated herein by reference or will be provided in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.The Company has adopted a Conduct of Business Policy that applies to its directors, officers, and employees, including its principalexecutive officer, and principal financial officer. The Conduct of Business Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.gses.com. In addition, the Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for its principal executive officer and senior financial officers which is also availableon the Company’s website. The Company will post on its website information about any amendment to, or waiver from, any provision of theCode of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, or principal accounting officer.58ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.The information required by this item will either be set forth under the “Executive Compensation” section in the definitive Proxy Statementfor the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein by reference or will be provided in an amendment to this AnnualReport on Form 10-K.ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATEDSTOCKHOLDER MATTERS.The information required by this item will be either set forth under the sections captioned “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof,”and “Executive Compensation” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein byreference or will be provided in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.The following table sets forth the equity compensation plan information for the year ended December 31, 2018:Plan Category Number ofSecurities tobe IssuedUponExercise ofOutstandingOptions,Warrants andRights(a) WeightedAverageExercise PriceofOutstandingOptions,Warrants andRights(b) Number ofSecuritiesRemainingAvailable forFutureIssuanceUnder EquityCompensationPlans(ExcludingSecuritiesReflected inColumn (a))(c) Equity compensation plans approved bysecurity holdersOptions 55,000 $1.87 RSUs 1,316,525 $1.96 1,371,525 $1.96 2,247,848 Equity compensation plans not approved bysecurity holders -- $-- -- Total 1,371,525 $1.96 2,247,848 Table above excludes 255,000 RSUs granted under the Company's 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan that are settled in cash instead of shares.For a description of the material terms of our stock-based compensation plans, see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8of this report.59ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.The information required by this item will be either set forth under the “Directors and Executive Officers” section in the definitive ProxyStatement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein by reference or will be provided in an amendment to thisAnnual Report on Form 10-K.ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.The information required by this item will be either set forth under the “Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services”section in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein by reference or will beprovided in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.(a) (1) List of Financial StatementsThe following financial statements are included in Item 8:GSE Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmConsolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements(a) (2) List of SchedulesAll other schedules to the consolidated financial statements are omitted as the required information is presented in the consolidated financialstatements or related notes.(a) (3) List of ExhibitsThe Exhibits which are filed with this report or which are incorporated by reference are set forth in the Exhibit index hereto.60ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY.None.ExhibitDescription of Exhibits 2.Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation, or succession 2.1Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2014, by and between Dale Jennings, Paul Abbott, Shawn McKeeverand Mickey Ellis and GSE Performance Solutions, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filedwith the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2014. 2.2Amendment to Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 ofGSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2015. 2.3Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2017, by and among GSE Systems, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary GSEPerformance Solutions, Inc., Richard and Cynthia Linton (and certain trusts owned thereby) and Absolute Consulting, Inc. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20,2017. 2.4 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2018, between True North Consulting LLC, Donald R. Horn, Jenny C. Horn,GSE Performance Solutions, Inc., and Donald R. Horn in his capacity as Seller Representative. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit2.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2018. 2.5Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2019, between DP Engineering Co. Ltd., Steven L. Pellerin, ChristopherA. Davenport, GSE Performance Solutions, Inc., and Steven L. Pellerin in his capacity as Seller Representative. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 2.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2019. 3.Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws3.1Restatement of Certificate of Incorporation dated November 14, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of GSE Systems, Inc.Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2016. 3.2Certificate of the Elimination of the Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock dated November 14, 2016. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 3.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2016. 3.3Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of GSE Systems, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of GSE Systems, Inc.Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2018. 3.4Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of GSE Systems, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-Kfiled with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2016. 3.5First Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of GSE Systems, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of GSESystems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2018. 10.Material Contracts 10.1Office Lease Agreement between 1332 Londontown, LLC and GSE Systems, Inc. (dated as of February 27, 2008). Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 10.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2008. 10.2Amendment of Lease to Office Lease Agreement, dated May 28, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of GSE Systems,Inc. Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2015. 10.3Second Amendment of Lease to Office Lease Agreement, dated July 22, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of GSESystems, Inc. Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2015. 10.4Third Amendment of Lease to Office Lease Agreement, dated May 15, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of GSESystems, Inc. Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2015. 10.5Fourth Amendment of Lease to Office Lease Agreement, dated April 15, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 ofGSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2014. 10.6GSE Systems, Inc. 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated, dated as of March 6, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference toExhibit A of GSE Systems, Inc. Form DEF 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2014. * 10.7Form of Option Agreement Under the GSE Systems, Inc. 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to GSE Systems,Inc. Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1997. * 10.8Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement pursuant to the GSE Systems, Inc. 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, datedas of April 22, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q filed with the Securities andExchange Commission on November 14, 2016.* 10.9Form of Amendment to Restricted Share Unit Agreement, dated July 1, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.8 of GSESystems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2016. * 10.10Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2016, between GSE Systems, Inc. and Emmett A. Pepe. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit99.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 5, 2016. * 10.11Amendment to Employment Agreement between Emmett Pepe and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of June 12, 2017. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 99.4 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2017.* 10.12Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between GSE Systems, Inc. and Emmett Pepe, dated as of January 11, 2019. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11,2019.* 10.13Employment Agreement between Christopher D. Sorrells and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of August 15, 2016. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 10.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 2016. * 10.14Amendment to Employment Agreement between Christopher D. Sorrells and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of June 12, 2017. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2017.* 10.15Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between GSE Systems, Inc. and Christopher D. Sorrells, dated as of January 11, 2019.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission onJanuary 11, 2019.* 10.16 Employment Agreement between Bahram Meyssami and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of December 1, 2015. Incorporated herein by referenceto Exhibit 10.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2017.* 10.17Amendment to Employment Agreement between Bahram Meyssami and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of June 12, 2017. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 99.3 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2017.* 10.18Employment Agreement between Kyle J. Loudermilk and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of July 1, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference toExhibit 10.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2015. * 10.19Amendment to Employment Agreement between Kyle J. Loudermilk and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of June 12, 2017. Incorporated hereinby reference to Exhibit 99.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2016.* 10.20 Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between Kyle Loudermilk and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of June 12, 2017. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2017.* 10.21Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement, dated January 11, 2019, between GSE Systems, Inc. and Kyle J. Loudermilk. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11,2019.* 10.22Restricted Share Unit Agreement between Kyle J. Loudermilk and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of July 1, 2015. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 10.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2015.* 10.23 Amendment to Restricted Share Unit Agreement between Kyle J. Loudermilk and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of July 1, 2016. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2016.*10.24Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Cash Award) between Kyle J. Loudermilk and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of July 1, 2016. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2016.* 10.25Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Common Stock Award) between Kyle J. Loudermilk and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of July 1, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July1, 2016.* 10.26Restricted Share Unit Agreement between Emmett A. Pepe and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of July 1, 2016. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 99.3 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 5, 2016.* 10.27Restricted Share Unit Agreement between Christopher D. Sorrells and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of August 15, 2016. Incorporated hereinby reference to Exhibit 10.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 2016.* 10.28Restricted Share Unit Agreement between Christopher D. Sorrells and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of August 15, 2016. Incorporated hereinby reference to Exhibit 10.3 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 19, 2016.* 10.29Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Cash Award) between Christopher D. Sorrells and GSE Systems, Inc., dated as of August 15, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission onAugust 19, 2016.* 10.30Restricted Share Unit Agreement between Bahram Meyssami and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of December 1, 2015. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 10.2 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2017.* 10.31Amendment to Restricted Share Unit Agreement between Bahram Meyssami and GSE Systems, Inc. dated as of July 1, 2016. Incorporatedherein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2017.* 10.32Credit and Security Agreement, by and between Citizens Bank, National Association, GSE Systems, Inc. and GSE Performance Solutions,Inc., dated December 29, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities andExchange Commission on January 4, 2017. 10.33Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2018, by and among Citizens Bank, National Association, asBank, and GSE Systems, Inc. and GSE Performance Solutions, Inc., as Borrower. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of GSESystems, Inc. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2018. 10.34Amendment and Reaffirmation Agreement, dated February 22, 2017, and effective as of December 29, 2016. Incorporated herein byreference to Exhibit 10.36 of GSE Systems, Inc. Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2017. 10.35Second Amendment and Reaffirmation Agreement dated as of May 25, 2018. Filed herewith. 10.36Third Amendment and Reaffirmation Agreement dated as of February 15, 2019, by and among GSE Systems, Inc. and GSE PerformanceSolutions, Inc., as Borrowers, GSE True North Consulting, LLC, Hyperspring, LLC, Absolute Consulting, Inc. and DP Engineering Ltd. Co.,as Guarantors, and Citizens Bank, National Association, as Bank. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of GSE Systems, Inc.Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2019. 10.37Sixth Comprehensive Amendment to Financing Documents, dated as of December 29, 2016, by and between BB&T, as Bank, and GSESystems, Inc. and GSE Performance Solutions, Inc., as Borrower. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of GSE Systems, Inc.Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2017. 10.38Form of Indemnification Agreement. Filed herewith. 14Code of Ethics 14.1Code of Ethics for the Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers. Previously filed in connection with the GSE Systems, Inc.Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. 21Subsidiaries. 21.1List of Subsidiaries of Registrant at December 31, 2018, filed herewith. 23Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 23.1 Consent of BDO USA, LLP, filed herewith. 24Power of Attorney 24.1Power of Attorney for Directors' and Officers' Signatures on SEC Form 10-K, filed herewith. 31Certifications 31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to Securities and Exchange Act Rule 13d-14(a)/15(d-14(a), as adoptedpursuant to Section 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith. 31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to Securities and Exchange Act Rule 13d-14(a)/15(d-14(a), as adoptedpursuant to Section 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith. 32Section 1350 Certifications 32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adoptedpursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, file herewith. * Management contracts or compensatory plans required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report.61SIGNATURESPursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to besigned on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. GSE Systems, Inc. By: / s / Kyle J. Loudermilk Kyle J. Loudermilk Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the datesindicated.Date: March 27, 2019 / s / KYLE J. LOUDERMILK Kyle J. Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Date: March 27, 2019 / s / EMMETT A. PEPE Emmett A. Pepe, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Date: March 27, 2019 / s / CHRIS SORRELLS Chris Sorrells, Chief Operating Officer Date: March 27, 2019(John D. Fuller, Chairman of the Board)By:/ s / EMMETT A. PEPE (Jim Stanker, Chairman of the Audit Committee) Emmett A. Pepe (Suresh Sundaram, Director) Attorney-in-Fact (J. Barnie Beasley, Director) A Power of Attorney, dated March 27, 2019 authorizing Emmett A. Pepe to sign this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2018 on behalf of certain of the directors of the Registrant is filed as Exhibit 24.1 to this Annual Report.62SECOND AMENDMENT AND REAFFIRMATION AGREEMENTTHIS SECOND AMENDMENT AND REAFFIRMATION AGREEMENT is dated as of May 25, 2018 (this “ Agreement ”), by and amongGSE SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), GSE PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ GSE Performance ” andcollectively with Parent, the “ Borrowers ” and each a “ Borrower ”), GSE TRUE NORTH CONSULTING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ TrueNorth ”), HYPERSPRING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Hyperspring ”), ABSOLUTE CONSULTING, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ Absolute” and together with True North and Hyperspring collectively, the “ Guarantors ” and each a “ Guarantor ” and together with the Borrowers collectively, the “ LoanParties ” and each a “ Loan Party ”), and CITIZENS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “ Bank ”). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise definedherein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement (as defined below) or the Guaranty (as defined below), as applicable.WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of that certain Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2016 (as the same may have beenamended, renewed, replaced, or supplemented from time to time prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the “ Original Credit Agreement”), by and among Borrowers and Bank, the Bank agreed to provide a revolving line of credit to Borrowers in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 pursuant to arevolving line of credit note dated as of the Initial Closing Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Borrowers payable to the order of the Bank (the “RLOC Note ”);WHEREAS, Hyperspring executed and delivered a Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement (as the same may have been amended, restated ormodified from time to time, the “ Hyperspring Guaranty ”) dated as of December 29, 2016 in favor of Bank in connection with Borrower entering into the OriginalCredit Agreement;WHEREAS, Absolute executed and delivered a Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement (as the same may have been amended, restated or modifiedfrom time to time, the “ Absolute Guaranty ”) dated as of September 20, 2017 in favor of Bank in connection with the Original Credit Agreement;WHEREAS, True North executed and delivered a Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement (as the same may have been amended, restated ormodified from time to time, the “ True North Guaranty ” and together with the Hyperspring Guaranty and Absolute Guaranty collectively, the “ Guaranty ”) datedas of May 11, 2018 in favor of Bank in connection with the Credit Agreement;WHEREAS, GSE Performance executed and delivered a Pledge Agreement (as the same may have been amended, restated or modified fromtime to time, the “ GSE Performance Pledge Agreement ”) dated as of September 20, 2017 in favor of Bank in connection with the Original Credit Agreement;WHEREAS, Borrowers and Bank entered into that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “ Credit Agreement ”) dated as of May11, 2018 to continue the RLOC and to provide for a Term Loan Facility in a principal amount up to $25,000,000;WHEREAS, Guarantors and Bank entered into that certain Security Agreement (the “ Security Agreement ”) dated asof May 11, 2018; andWHEREAS, the parties hereto intend that, (a) the Credit Documents shall be amended subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (b) theobligations under the Guaranty and the Security Agreement will continue to be in effect, on the terms set forth therein, and (c) the Guaranty and the SecurityAgreement will continue to support and otherwise benefit the Obligations (as defined in the Guaranty).NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the rec eipt and sufficiency of which arehereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree, under seal, as follows:Article ISection I.01. Amendments to Credit Documents. The Credit Documents (as defined in the Credit Agreement) are herebyamended as follows:(a) All references in the Credit Documents to “True North Consulting LLC, a Colorado limitedliability company” are hereby deleted and replaced with “GSE True North Consulting, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company”.(b) Exhibit A to the GSE Performance Pledge Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with ExhibitA attached hereto.Article II ReaffirmationSection II.01. Reaffirmation.(a) Each Guarantor hereby: (i) affirms and confirms its guarantee and other commitments andobligations, under the Guaranty, the Security Agreement and any other Credit Documents executed by the Guarantor and (ii)confirms that each guarantee and other commitments and obligations under the Guaranty, the Security Agreement and any otherCredit Documents executed by Guarantor shall continue to be in full force and effect and shall continue to accrue to the benefit ofthe Bank notwithstanding the effectiveness of the Credit Agreement.(b) Each Borrower hereby affirms the execution and delivery to Bank of the Credit Documents, andthe Credit Documents are continued in full force and effect and are in all respects hereby affirmed and ratified.Article III Representations and WarrantiesEach Loan Party hereby represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall survive execution and delivery of this Agreement,as follows:Section III.01. Organization. Each Loan Party is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under thelaws of the jurisdiction of its organization.Section III.02. Authority; Enforceability. Each Loan Party has the corporate or limited liability company power toexecute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement and has taken all necessary corporate and other action, to authorize the execution,delivery and performance by it of this Agreement. Each Loan Party has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and this Agreement constitutes a legal, validand binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof.Section III.03. Credit Documents. The representations and warranties made by each Loan Party and set forth in theCredit Documents are true and correct on and as of the date hereof with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent suchrepresentations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date (in which case any such representation and warranty shall have been true and correct as of suchearlier date).Article IV MiscellaneousSection IV.01. Conditions to Effectiveness of Agreement . The Bank’s willingness to agree to the amendments setforth in this Agreement is subject to the delivery by the Borrower to the Bank of the items described in summary fashion on Exhibit B attached hereto.Section IV.02. Notices. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided inSection 10.9 of the Credit Agreement or Section 13 of the Guaranty, as applicable.Section IV.03. Expenses. Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that the Bank shall be entitled toreimbursement of expenses as provided in Section 10.2 of the Credit Agreement and Section 10 of the Guaranty, as applicable.Section IV.04. Credit Document. This Agreement is a “Credit Document” executed pursuant to the CreditAgreement and shall be construed, administered and applied in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof.Section IV.05. Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to thebenefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.Section IV.06. No Novation. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as a substitution or novation of theobligations outstanding under the Credit Documents, which shall remain in full force and effect except as modified by this Agreement and the Credit Agreement.Section IV.07. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with andgoverned by the laws of the State of Delaware. EACH LOAN PARTY HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANYRIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT OR INSTITUTED BY ANY PARTY HERETO OR ANYSUCCESSOR OR ASSIGN OF ANY PARTY, ON OR WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE OTHER DOCUMENTS, THECOLLATERAL OR THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT HERETO OR THERETO, WHETHER BY CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM.Section IV.08. Remaining Force and Effect . Except as specifically amended hereby, the Credit Documents remainin full force and effect in accordance with their original terms and conditions.[ Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed under seal by itsrespective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written. BANK :Witness/Attest: CITIZENS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONBy: (SEAL) Edward S. Winslow Senior Vice President BORROWERS :Witness/Attest: GSE SYSTEMS, INC.By: (SEAL) Emmett Pepe Chief Financial OfficerWitness/Attest: GSE PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS, INC.By: (SEAL) Emmett Pepe Treasurer GUARANTORS :Witness/Attest: ABSOLUTE CONSULTING, INC.By: (SEAL) Emmett Pepe TreasurerWitness/Attest: HYPERSPRING, LLCBy: (SEAL) Emmett Pepe Treasurer Witness/Attest: GSE TRUE NORTH CONSULTING, LLCBy: (SEAL) Emmett Pepe TreasurerEXHIBIT AISSUERSAbsolute Consulting, Inc., a Delaware corporation (100%)GSE True North Consulting, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (100%)Hyperspring, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (100%)EXHIBIT BCLOSING CHECKLISTSee attachment.INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTThis Indemnification Agreement (“ Agreement ”), dated as of [DATE], is by and between GSE Systems, Inc., a Delawarecorporation (the “ Company ”) and [NAME] (the “ Indemnitee ”).WHEREAS, Indemnitee is or will become [a director/an officer] of the Company;WHEREAS, both the Company and Indemnitee recognize the increased risk of litigation and other claims being assertedagainst a person occupying such position with a public company;WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that enhancing the ability of theCompany to retain and attract the most capable persons is in the best interests of the Company and, therefore, the Company shouldseek to assure such persons that indemnification and insurance coverage is available; andWHEREAS, in recognition of the need to provide Indemnitee with substantial protection against personal liability, in order toprocure Indemnitee’s [continued] service and to enhance Indemnitee’s ability to serve the Company in an effective manner, and inorder to provide such protection pursuant to express contract rights (intended to be enforceable irrespective of, among other things,any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws (collectively, the “ Constituent Documents ”), any changein the composition of the Board or any change in control or business combination transaction relating to the Company), theCompany wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of, and the advancement of Expenses (as defined in Section 1(f) below) to, Indemnitee as set forth in this Agreement and for the [continued] coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’sdirectors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the Indemnitee’s agreement to [continue to] provide services tothe Company, the parties agree as follows:1. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(a)“ Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning given to the term “beneficial owner” in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities ExchangeAct of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”).(b)“ Change in Control ” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:(i)any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing50% or more of the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities;(ii)the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, unless immediately following such reorganization,merger or consolidation, all of the Beneficial Owners of the Voting Securities of the Company immediately prior to such transactionbeneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the combined voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities of theentity resulting from such transaction;(iii)during any period of two consecutive years, not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement,individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board (including for this purpose any new directors whose electionby the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of thedirectors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election waspreviously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; or(iv)the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or anagreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.(c)“ Claim ” means:(i)any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, whethercivil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law; or(ii)any inquiry, hearing or investigation that the Indemnitee determines might lead to the institution of any suchaction, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism.(d)“ Delaware Court ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9 (e) below.(e)“ Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Claim in respect ofwhich indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.(f)“ Expenses ” means any and all expenses including attorneys’ fees, court costs, transcript costs, travel expenses, copying,printing and binding costs, telephone charges, and all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being awitness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness or participate in, any Claim. Expenses also shallinclude (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Claim, including without limitation the premium, security for,and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, and (ii) for purposes of Section 5 only,Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement,by litigation or otherwise. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or finesagainst Indemnitee.(g)“ Expense Advance ” means any payment of Expenses advanced to Indemnitee by the Company pursuant to Section 4 orSection 5 hereof.(h)“ Indemnifiable Event ” means any event or occurrence, whether occurring [before,] on or after the date of thisAgreement, related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any subsidiary of theCompany, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any othercorporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise (collectively with the Company, “Enterprise ”) or by reason of an action or inaction by Indemnitee in any such capacity (whether or not serving in such capacity at the timeany Loss is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement).(i)“ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation lawand neither presently performs, nor in the past three (3) years has performed, services for either: (i) the Company or Indemnitee (other than inconnection with matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement or of other indemnitees under similar agreements) or (ii) any other partyto the Claim giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall notinclude any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest inrepresenting either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.(j)“ Losses ” means any and all Expenses, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties (whether civil, criminal orother), ERISA excise taxes, amounts paid or payable in settlement, including any interest, assessments and all other charges paid or payable inconnection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness orparticipate in, any Claim.(k)“ Person ” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust,business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity and includes the meaning set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of theExchange Act.(l)“ Standard of Conduct Determination ” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9 (b) below.(m)“ Voting Securities ” means any securities of the Company that vote generally in the election of directors.2. Services to the Company . Indemnitee agrees to [serve/continue to serve] as a [director or officer] of the Company for so long asIndemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders [his/her] resignation or is no longer serving in such capacity. This Agreement shall not bedeemed an employment agreement between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that[his/her] [employment with/service to] the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Enterprise is at will and the Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for anyreason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment agreement between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of itssubsidiaries or Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company,by the Company’s Constituent Documents or Delaware law. This Agreement shall continue in force after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director or officer ofthe Company or, at the request of the Company, of any of its subsidiaries or Enterprise, as provided in Section 12 hereof.3. Indemnification . Subject to Section 9 and Section 10 of this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee, to the fullest extentpermitted by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof, or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope ofsuch permitted indemnification, against any and all Losses if Indemnitee was or is or becomes a party to or participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to orparticipant in, any Claim by reason of or arising in part out of an Indemnifiable Event, including, without limitation, Claims brought by or in the right of theCompany, Claims brought by third parties, and Claims in which the Indemnitee is solely a witness.4. Advancement of Expenses . Indemnitee shall have the right to advancement by the Company, prior to the final disposition of anyClaim by final adjudication to which there are no further rights of appeal, of any and all Expenses actually and reasonably paid or incurred by Indemnitee inconnection with any Claim arising out of an Indemnifiable Event. Indemnitee’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard ofconduct. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within thirty (30) days after any request by Indemnitee, the Company shall, in accordance withsuch request, (a) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance to Indemnitee funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses, or (c) reimburseIndemnitee for such Expenses. In connection with any request for Expense Advances, Indemnitee shall not be required to provide any documentation orinformation to the extent that the provision thereof would undermine or otherwise jeopardize attorney-client privilege. In connection with any request for ExpenseAdvances, Indemnitee shall execute and deliver to the Company an undertaking (which shall be accepted without reference to Indemnitee’s ability to repay theExpense Advances), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, to repay any amounts paid, advanced, or reimbursed by the Company for such Expenses to the extentthat it is ultimately determined, following the final disposition of such Claim, that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification hereunder. Indemnitee’s obligationto reimburse the Company for Expense Advances shall be unsecured and no interest shall be charged thereon.5. Indemnification for Expenses in Enforcing Rights . To the fullest extent allowable under applicable law, the Company shall alsoindemnify against, and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall advance to Indemnitee subject to and in accordance with Section 4 , any Expenses actually and reasonablypaid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action or proceeding by Indemnitee for (a) indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment ofExpenses by the Company under any provision of this Agreement, or under any other agreement or provision of the Constituent Documents now or hereafter ineffect relating to Claims relating to Indemnifiable Events, and/or (b) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by theCompany. Indemnitee shall be required to reimburse the Company in the event that a final judicial determination is made that such action brought by Indemniteewas frivolous or not made in good faith.6. Partial Indemnity . If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion ofany Losses in respect of a Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event but not for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee forthe portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.7. Notification and Defense of Claims .(a)Notification of Claims . Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing as soon as practicable of any Claim which couldrelate to an Indemnifiable Event or for which Indemnitee could seek Expense Advances, including a brief description (based uponinformation then available to Indemnitee) of the nature of, and the facts underlying, such Claim. The failure by Indemnitee to timely notifythe Company hereunder shall not relieve the Company from any liability hereunder unless the Company’s ability to participate in the defenseof such claim was materially and adversely affected by such failure. If at the time of the receipt of such notice, the Company has directors’and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for Claims related to Indemnifiable Events is potentially available, theCompany shall give prompt written notice to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. TheCompany shall provide to Indemnitee a copy of such notice delivered to the applicable insurers, and copies of all subsequent correspondencebetween the Company and such insurers regarding the Claim, in each case substantially concurrently with the delivery or receipt thereof bythe Company.(b)Defense of Claims . The Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Claim relating to an IndemnifiableEvent at its own expense and, except as otherwise provided below, to the extent the Company so wishes, it may assume the defense thereofwith counsel reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of anysuch Claim, the Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any Expenses subsequently directlyincurred by Indemnitee in connection with Indemnitee’s defense of such Claim other than reasonable costs of investigation or as otherwiseprovided below. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ its own legal counsel in such Claim, but all Expenses related to such counselincurred after notice from the Company of its assumption of the defense shall be at Indemnitee’s own expense; provided, however, that if (i)Indemnitee’s employment of its own legal counsel has been authorized by the Company, (ii) Indemnitee has reasonably determined that theremay be a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company in the defense of such Claim, (iii) after a Change in Control, Indemnitee’semployment of its own counsel has been approved by the Independent Counsel or (iv) the Company shall not in fact have employed counselto assume the defense of such Claim, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain its own separate counsel (but not more than one law firm plus,if applicable, local counsel in respect of any such Claim) and all Expenses related to such separate counsel shall be borne by the Company.8. Procedure upon Application for Indemnification . In order to obtain indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, Indemnitee shallsubmit to the Company a written request therefor, including in such request such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and isreasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of the Claim.Indemnification shall be made insofar as the Company determines Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification in accordance with Section 9 below.9. Determination of Right to Indemnification .(a)Mandatory Indemnification; Indemnification as a Witness.(i)To the extent that Indemnitee shall have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Claimrelating to an Indemnifiable Event or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including without limitationdismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Losses relating to such Claim in accordance with Section 3to the fullest extent allowable by law.(ii)To the extent that Indemnitee’s involvement in a Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event is to prepare to serveand serve as a witness, and not as a party, the Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Losses incurred in connection therewith tothe fullest extent allowable by law.(b)Standard of Conduct . To the extent that the provisions of Section 9 (a) are inapplicable to a Claim related to anIndemnifiable Event that shall have been finally disposed of, any determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standardof conduct under Delaware law that is a legally required condition to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against Losses relating to suchClaim and any determination that Expense Advances must be repaid to the Company (a “ Standard of Conduct Determination ”) shall bemade as follows:(i)if no Change in Control has occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than aquorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors,even though less than a quorum or (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel in a written opinionaddressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; and(ii)if a Change in Control shall have occurred, (A) if the Indemnitee so requests in writing, by a majority vote of theDisinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board or (B) otherwise, by Independent Counsel in a written opinionaddressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee.The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee,shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within thirty (30) days of such request, any and allExpenses incurred by Indemnitee in cooperating with the person or persons making such Standard of ConductDetermination.(c)Making the Standard of Conduct Determination . The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any Standardof Conduct Determination required under Section 9 (b) to be made as promptly as practicable. If the person or persons designated to make theStandard of Conduct Determination under Section 9 (b) shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after the later of (A)receipt by the Company of a written request from Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 8 (the date of such receipt being the “Notification Date ”) and (B) the selection of an Independent Counsel, if such determination is to be made by Independent Counsel, thenIndemnitee shall be deemed to have satisfied the applicable standard of conduct; provided that such 30-day period may be extended for areasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person or persons making such determination in good faith requires suchadditional time to obtain or evaluate information relating thereto. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nodetermination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the finaldisposition of any Claim.(d)Payment of Indemnification . If, in regard to any Losses:(i)Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to Section 9 (a) ;(ii)no Standard of Conduct Determination is legally required as a condition to indemnification of Indemniteehereunder; or(iii)Indemnitee has been determined or deemed pursuant to Section 9 (b) or Section 9 (c) to have satisfied theStandard of Conduct Determination,then the Company shall pay to Indemnitee, within five (5) days after the later of (A) the NotificationDate or (B) the earliest date on which the applicable criterion specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) is satisfied, an amountequal to such Losses.(e)Selection of Independent Counsel for Standard of Conduct Determination . If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to bemade by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 9.1(b) (i) , the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and theCompany shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising [him/her] of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Standard ofConduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 9.1(b) (ii) , the Independent Counsel shall be selected byIndemnitee, and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. Ineither case, Indemnitee or the Company, as applicable, may, within five (5) days after receiving written notice of selection from the other,deliver to the other a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that theIndependent Counsel so selected does not satisfy the criteria set forth in the definition of “Independent Counsel” in Section 1 (i) , and theobjection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person or firm soselected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is properly and timely made and substantiated, (i) the IndependentCounsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that suchobjection is without merit; and (ii) the non-objecting party may, at its option, select an alternative Independent Counsel and give writtennotice to the other party advising such other party of the identity of the alternative Independent Counsel so selected, in which case theprovisions of the two immediately preceding sentences, the introductory clause of this sentence and numbered clause (i) of this sentence shallapply to such subsequent selection and notice. If applicable, the provisions of clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall apply tosuccessive alternative selections. If no Independent Counsel that is permitted under the foregoing provisions of this Section 9 (e) to make theStandard of Conduct Determination shall have been selected within twenty (20) days after the Company gives its initial notice pursuant to thefirst sentence of this Section 9 (e) or Indemnitee gives its initial notice pursuant to the second sentence of this Section 9 (e) , as the case maybe, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (“ Delaware Court ”) to resolve anyobjection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or to appoint asIndependent Counsel a person to be selected by the Court or such other person as the Court shall designate, and the person or firm withrespect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person or firm so appointed will act as Independent Counsel. In all events, the Companyshall pay all of the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel incurred in connection with the Independent Counsel’sdetermination pursuant to Section 9 (b) .(f)Presumptions and Defenses.(i)Indemnitee’s Entitlement to Indemnification . In making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the person orpersons making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct and is entitled toindemnification, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption and establish that Indemnitee is notso entitled. Any Standard of Conduct Determination that is adverse to Indemnitee may be challenged by the Indemnitee in theDelaware Court. No determination by the Company (including by its directors or any Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has notsatisfied any applicable standard of conduct may be used as a defense to any legal proceedings brought by Indemnitee to secureindemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company hereunder or create a presumption thatIndemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct.(ii)Reliance as a Safe Harbor . For purposes of this Agreement, and without creating any presumption as to a lack ofgood faith if the following circumstances do not exist, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner he orshe reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company if Indemnitee’s actions or omissions to act aretaken in good faith reliance upon the records of the Company, including its financial statements, or upon information, opinions,reports or statements furnished to Indemnitee by the officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the course oftheir duties, or by committees of the Board or by any other Person (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors) as tomatters Indemnitee reasonably believes are within such other Person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selectedwith reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any director,officer, agent or employee of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnityhereunder.(iii)No Other Presumptions . For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order,settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, will not createa presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any applicable standard of conduct or have any particular belief, or that indemnificationhereunder is otherwise not permitted.(iv)Defense to Indemnification and Burden of Proof . It shall be a defense to any action brought by Indemniteeagainst the Company to enforce this Agreement (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for Losses incurred in defendingagainst a Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event in advance of its final disposition) that it is not permissible under applicable lawfor the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for the amount claimed. In connection with any such action or any related Standard ofConduct Determination, the burden of proving such a defense or that the Indemnitee did not satisfy the applicable standard ofconduct shall be on the Company.10. Exclusions from Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligatedto:(a)indemnify or advance funds to Indemnitee for Expenses or Losses with respect to proceedings initiated by Indemnitee,including any proceedings against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees and not by way of defense, except:(i)proceedings referenced in Section 5 above (unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of thematerial assertions made by Indemnitee in such proceeding was not made in good faith or was frivolous); or(ii)where the Company has joined in or the Board has consented to the initiation of such proceedings.(b)indemnify Indemnitee if a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such indemnification isprohibited by applicable law.(c)indemnify Indemnitee for the disgorgement of profits arising from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of theCompany in violation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or any similar successor statute.11. Settlement of Claims . The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of anythreatened or pending Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event effected without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld;provided, however, that if a Change in Control has occurred, the Company shall be liable for indemnification of the Indemnitee for amounts paid in settlement if anIndependent Counsel has approved the settlement. The Company shall not settle any Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event in any manner that would impose anyLosses on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent.12. Duration . All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period that Indemnitee is a directoror officer of the Company (or is serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, trustee or agent of another Enterprise) and shallcontinue thereafter (i) so long as Indemnitee may be subject to any possible Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event (including any rights of appeal thereto) and(ii) throughout the pendency of any proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto) commenced by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret his or her rights underthis Agreement, even if, in either case, he or she may have ceased to serve in such capacity at the time of any such Claim or proceeding.13. Non-Exclusivity . The rights of Indemnitee hereunder will be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the ConstituentDocuments, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, any other contract or otherwise (collectively, “ Other Indemnity Provisions ”); provided,however, that (a) to the extent that Indemnitee otherwise would have any greater right to indemnification under any Other Indemnity Provision, Indemnitee will bedeemed to have such greater right hereunder and (b) to the extent that any change is made to any Other Indemnity Provision which permits any greater right toindemnification than that provided under this Agreement as of the date hereof, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder.14. Liability Insurance . For the duration of Indemnitee’s service as a [director/officer] of the Company, and thereafter for so long asIndemnitee shall be subject to any pending Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into accountthe scope and amount of coverage available relative to the cost thereof) to continue to maintain in effect policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insuranceproviding coverage that is at least substantially comparable in scope and amount to that provided by the Company’s current policies of directors’ and officers’liability insurance. In all policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by the Company, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such amanner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are provided to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors, if Indemnitee is a director,or of the Company’s officers, if Indemnitee is an officer (and not a director) by such policy. Upon request, the Company will provide to Indemnitee copies of alldirectors’ and officers’ liability insurance applications, binders, policies, declarations, endorsements and other related materials.15. No Duplication of Payments . The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment to Indemnitee in respectof any Losses to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise received payment under any insurance policy, the Constituent Documents, Other Indemnity Provisions orotherwise of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable by the Company hereunder.16. Subrogation . In the event of payment to Indemnitee under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of suchpayment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee. Indemnitee shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure suchrights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.17. Amendments . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of theparties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in the form of a writing signed by the party against whom enforcementof the waiver is sought, and no such waiver shall operate as a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute acontinuing waiver. Except as specifically provided herein, no failure to exercise or any delay in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall constitute a waiverthereof.18. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and theirrespective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/orassets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs and personal and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct orindirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part of the business and/or assets of the Company, by writtenagreement in form and substances satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extentthat the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.19. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof (including any portionthereof) are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceableto the fullest extent permitted by law.20. Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been dulygiven if delivered by hand, against receipt, or mailed, by postage prepaid, certified or registered mail:(a)if to Indemnitee, to the address set forth on the signature page hereto.(b)if to the Company, to:GSE Systems, Inc.c/o General Counsel6940 Columbia Gateway DrSuite 470Columbia, Maryland 21046Notice of change of address shall be effective only when given in accordance with this Section. All notices complying with this Section shall bedeemed to have been received on the date of hand delivery or on the third (3 rd ) business day after mailing.21. Governing Law and Forum . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of theState of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in such state without giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws. The Company andIndemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be broughtonly in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Courtfor purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement and (c) waive, and agree not to plead or make, any claim that theDelaware Court lacks venue or that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.22. Headings . The headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed toconstitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction or interpretation thereof.23. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be anoriginal, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written. GSE SYSTEMS, INC. By: _____________________Name:Title: INDEMNITEE _____________________Name:Address:________________________________________________________EXHIBIT AFORM OF UNDERTAKING TO REPAY ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSESThe Board of Directors of GSE Systems, Inc.Re: Undertaking to Repay Expenses AdvancedLadies and Gentlemen:This undertaking is being provided pursuant to that certain Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement” ) dated the ___day of_______________, 20___, by and between GSE Systems, Inc. (the “Company” ) and the undersigned Indemnitee ( “Indemnitee” ), pursuant to which I amentitled to advance of expenses in connection with [Description of Claim] (the “Claim” ).Terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings specified in the Indemnification Agreement.I am subject to the Claim by reason of my status as a _______ or by reason of alleged actions or omissions by me in such capacity. I hereby affirm that atall times, insofar as I was involved as [Description of Company Role] of the Company, in any of the facts or events giving rise to the Claim, I (1) acted in goodfaith and honestly, (2) did not receive any improper personal benefit in money, property or services and (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, had noreasonable cause to believe that any act or omission by me was unlawful.In consideration of the advance of Expenses by the Company for reasonable attorneys’ fees and related expenses incurred by me in connection with theClaim (the “Advanced Expenses” ), I hereby agree that if, in connection with the Claim, it is established that I am not entitled to indemnification then I shallpromptly reimburse the portion of the Advanced Expenses relating to the claims, issues or matters in the Claim as to which the foregoing findings have beenestablished and which have not been successfully resolved as described in Section 6 of the Indemnification Agreement. To the extent that Advanced Expenses donot relate to a specific claim, issue or matter in the Claim, I agree that such Expenses shall be allocated on a reasonable and proportionate basis.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this undertaking on this ___day of ______________, 20___. WITNESS: Exhibit 21.1SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT AT DECEMBER 31, 2018The following are significant subsidiaries of GSE Systems, Inc. as of December 31, 2018, and the states or jurisdictions in which they areorganized. GSE Systems, Inc. owns, directly or indirectly, at least 99% of the voting securities of substantially all of the subsidiariesincluded below. The names of particular subsidiaries have been omitted because, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, theywould not constitute, as of the end of the year covered by this report, a "significant subsidiary" as that term is defined in Regulation S-Xunder the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Name Place of Incorporation or Organization GSE Systems Engineering (Beijing) Company, Ltd Peoples Republic of ChinaGSE Power Systems AB SwedenGSE Process Solutions, Inc. State of DelawareGSE Services Company L.L.C. State of DelawareGSE Systems Ltd. United KingdomGSE Performance Solutions, Inc. State of DelawareEnVision Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. IndiaHyperspring, LLC State of DelawareAbsolute Consulting, Inc.GSE True North Consulting, LLC State of DelawareState of DelawareExhibit 23.1Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmGSE Systems, Inc.Sykesville, MarylandWe hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Forms S-8 (No. 333-212241, 333-183427, 333-150249and 333-138702) of GSE Systems, Inc. of our report dated March 27, 2019 , relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appearsin this Form 10-K./s/ BDO USA, LLPMcLean, VirginiaMarch 27, 2019Exhibit 24.1POWER OF ATTORNEYKNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Kyle J.Loudermilk and Emmett A. Pepe, and each of them, with full power of substitution and reconstitution and each with full power to act for himand without the other, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, tosign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents inconnection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each ofthem, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises,as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-factand agents, or any of them, or their, his or her substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.Pursuant to the requirements of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by thefollowing persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.Date: March 27, 2019/s/ Kyle J. Loudermilk Kyle J. Loudermilk Chief Executive Officer Date: March 27, 2019/s/ Emmett A. Pepe Emmett A. Pepe Chief Financial Officer Date: March 27, 2019/s/ Chris Sorrells Chris Sorrells Chief Operating Officer Date: March 27, 2019/s/ Jone D. Fuller Jone D. Fuller Chairman of the Board Date: March 27, 2019/s/ Jim Stanker Jim Stanker Chairman of the Audit Committee Date: March 27, 2019/s/ J. Barnie Beasley J. Barnie Beasley Director Date: March 27, 2019/s/ Suresh Sundaram Suresh Sundaram Director Exhibit 31.1Certification of the Chief Executive OfficerI, Kyle J. Loudermilk, certify that:1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of GSE Systems, Inc.;2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary tomake the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to theperiod covered by this report;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in allmaterial respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant, as of, and for, the periods presented in thisreport;4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (asdefined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under oursupervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to usby others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed underour supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financialstatements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions aboutthe effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on suchevaluation; andd)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’sfourth quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financialreporting; and5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financialreporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which arereasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’sinternal control over financial reporting.Date: March 27, 2019 /s/ Kyle J. Loudermilk Kyle J. Loudermilk Chief Executive Officer(Principal Executive Officer)Exhibit 31.2Certification of the Chief Financial OfficerI, Emmett A. Pepe, certify that:1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of GSE Systems, Inc.;2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary tomake the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to theperiod covered by this report;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all materialrespects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant, as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (asdefined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under oursupervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to usby others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed underour supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financialstatements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions aboutthe effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on suchevaluation; andd)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’smost recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected or isreasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financialreporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which arereasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’sinternal control over financial reporting.Date: March 27, 2019 /s/ Emmett A. Pepe Emmett A. Pepe Chief Financial Officer(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)Exhibit 32.1CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TOSECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of GSE Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filedwith the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Kyle J. Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer of theCompany, and I, Emmett A. Pepe, Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 ofthe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that,1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and2.To my knowledge, the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition andresults of operations of the Company.Date: March 27, 2019/s/ Kyle J. Loudermilk /s/ Emmett A. Pepe Kyle J. Loudermilk Emmett A. Pepe Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
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