The Houston Joint Government Operations & Resilience Committee convened on July 21, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the city's ERP systems and the implementation of a new SAP public services contract. The meeting highlighted the importance of technology in city operations and the financial implications of the new contract.

The session began with a presentation by David, the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, who emphasized the complexities involved in implementing IT systems. He acknowledged the contributions of key personnel, particularly Summer from the IT department, who has played a crucial role in negotiating contracts that save the city millions of dollars. David praised her ability to ensure competitive pricing from vendors, which is vital for the city's budget.

The primary agenda item was the approval of a new SAP contract, which encompasses licensing and maintenance for various ERP solutions, including the current on-premise system and several cloud-based services. The proposed contract amounts to $20.5 million for an initial three-year term, with two optional one-year extensions. Notably, the contract does not have a minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) goal due to its non-divisible licensing elements.

The committee discussed the extensive use of SAP within the city, noting that it manages a budget of $7.3 billion and processes payments totaling $6.6 billion for the fiscal year 2025. The system also handles payroll for approximately 38,000 employees and retirees, underscoring its critical role in city operations.

David highlighted Houston's leadership in public sector ERP cloud transformation, noting that only 20% of similar-sized government organizations have begun this journey. The city has made significant investments in cloud technology, positioning itself as a model for others across the country.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the successes achieved through SAP's implementation, particularly in enhancing the employee experience through improved HR processes. The committee acknowledged the progress made and the importance of continuing to leverage technology for efficient city management.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to modernizing its operations through strategic technology investments and highlighted the collaborative efforts of city officials in navigating complex IT challenges.