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                                                                   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 report dated January 21, 1997
included (or incorporated by reference) in Deltek Systems, Inc. Form S-1 for
the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in
this registration statement.

                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN L.L.P.

Washington, D.C.
June 23, 1997