This is an Oracle thing. Sounds like you might need to upgrade Oracle so the two systems are running the same version of the software? (Perhaps your DBA needs to be a little clearer and less database-techie in asking for what he/she wants?) If it is an upgrade that is needed, I strongly suggest you either let the DBA do it, or work very, very closely with the DBA on the planning and execution.
What version of Oracle are you running on both systems?