Exhibit 23.2



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form S-8, No. 333-___________)  pertaining to Nichols Research Corporation 1988
Employees'  Stock Purchase Plan of our report dated October 7, 1998,  except for
the restatement  related to acquired  in-process  technology referred to in Note
11, as to which the date is January 7, 1999,  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, 1998, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.




                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Birmingham, Alabama
September 20, 1999