EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-___________) pertaining to the 1988 Incentive Stock Option Plan of Welkin Associates, Ltd., of our report dated October 8, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Nichols Research Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended August 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Birmingham, Alabama August 10, 1998