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Durham County approves Oracle as new ERP platform and authorizes contract talks with DT Solutions
Summary
After a multi-stage RFP and demonstrations, Durham County commissioners authorized the county manager to negotiate with DT Solutions to implement Oracle as the countyenterprise resource planning system; staff cited maintenance and long-term support as decisive factors and budgeted an estimated $20 million in the CIP.
The Durham County Board of Commissioners authorized county staff to negotiate a contract with DT Solutions to implement Oracle as the county's new enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, approving the recommendation unanimously.
County staff reviewed a competitive procurement process that began in 2025 with nine vendor responses, six advancing through initial evaluation and three finalists completing structured demonstrations. "Oracle earned this recommendation by ranking first in maintenance and support," Greg Merrell, presenting for the ERP core team, told the board. Staff said maintenance and support was the most heavily weighted category because long-term vendor accountability and platform sustainment are critical for a generational investment.
Staff framed the work as replacing a 20-year-old SAP environment that will enter extended maintenance after 2027 and reach end-of-life thereafter, arguing that continued use would be increasingly costly and risky. The recommendation included a governance model, two primary risks (talent/resourcing and data readiness) and mitigation plans. The board was given a target schedule: issue a competitive RFP for an Oracle implementation partner within 60 days, target selection by summer 2026, program launch in August 2026 and an implementation horizon of approximately 24 to 36 months after a partner is selected.
Commissioner Jacobs asked how the new system would change day-to-day work. "You can just push a button andreally generate that kind of information in front of your face," Crystal Lee Wright, the countychief financial officer, said, describing improvements such as integrated dashboards, automation and reduced manual spreadsheet work. Kathy Everick Perry, chief human resources officer, added the platform should increase internal controls and speed routine tasks.
On costs, staff said the county budgeted an amount "upwards of $20 million" in the capital improvement plan spread over multiple years to cover software, implementation and associated staffing; they characterized that as a planning estimate and said detailed total cost of ownership analyses and staffing plans will follow as procurement proceeds. Staff reiterated that rigorous data migration gates and governance would be required before any go-live.
After questions, a motion was made and seconded to authorize the county manager to proceed with contract negotiations with DT Solutions to implement Oracle. The motion passed unanimously. Staff will return with implementation partner procurement details, cost and staffing plans and regular milestone updates to the board.
