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                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-8 of our reports dated
January 22, 1999, included in the Deltek Systems, Inc. Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, and to all references to our Firm
included in this registration statement for the Deltek Systems, Inc. 1996 Stock
Option Plan.

                                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Washington, D.C.
August 13, 1999