EXHIBIT 23(a)


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this  registration  statement of our reports  dated  December 18,
1997, included in the Company's  Registration  Statement on Form SB-2 filed on
December  18,  1997,  and to all  references  to our  Firm  included  in  this
registration statement.

                                                       /s/ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Washington, D.C.
December 19, 1997