12. Employee Benefit Plan

We maintain a defined contribution benefit plan (the “401(k) Plan”) in compliance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), which covers those employees who meet the 401(k) Plan’s eligibility requirements.  From March 5, 2016 to March 1, 2017, the Company suspended matching contributions.  During the time periods where matching occurred, the Company’s matching contribution was 100% of each participant’s contribution up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s eligible compensation, subject to limitations imposed by the IRC.  The 401(k) Plan provides 100% vesting in Company match contributions on a pro rata basis over five years of service (20% per year).  Our expenses relating to the 401(k) Plan were $2.0 million, $1.4 million and $0.4 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.