At RIVA, our connection to the mission goes beyond contracts. It’s part of who we are.
Vice President of Growth, Rachel De Geyndt, grew up on a multi-generational family farm. Today, she still returns each spring and fall to help with planting and harvest. Her firsthand understanding of the agricultural community shapes how we support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in delivering intuitive, secure, and compliant digital services.
Rachel’s firsthand perspective is a great example of how use real stakeholder feedback to approach user research, content strategy, and digital development, ensuring our solutions meet the real needs of producers and the federal teams that support them. This is lived experience translated into measurable results.
USDA.gov: A Modern Gateway for Farmers and Ranchers
Launching in October 2024, the redesigned USDA.gov represents a significant advancement in USDA’s ability to serve the public online. Built with modern usability standards and a deep understanding of rural user needs, the new site makes it easier for producers to navigate USDA programs, services, and tools.
RIVA led this transformation using our Integrated Digital Experience (iDX) framework. We applied human-centered design, analytics, and Drupal expertise to deliver a fully compliant, scalable platform. The solution aligns with:
- Drupal 10 CMS best practices
- Section 508 accessibility requirements
- OMB M-23-22 and the 21st Century IDEA Act
- Executive Order 14058 on customer experience
- S. Web Design System (USWDS) standards
Our team ensured every feature supports usability, performance, and equity, critical for an agency, like USDA, designated as a High Impact Service Provider (HISP).
OneUSDA: Modernizing the Digital Backbone
In tandem, RIVA engaged to modernize OneUSDA, the department’s enterprise intranet supporting more than 100,000 employees. The previous system was hampered by outdated technology, fragmented UI, and inefficient backend workflows.
RIVA executed a full redesign and CMS migration, improving performance, governance, and user engagement. The intranet now mirrors USDA.gov in visual identity and structure, creating a unified digital experience for both internal and external audiences.
Key outcomes include:
- Streamlined content workflows and publishing governance
- Improved internal search and accessibility compliance
- A shared design system across platforms
- Personalized dashboard features for staff
By delivering this work in parallel with the USDA.gov redesign, RIVA ensured consistency in design, accessibility, security, and development efficiency.
RIVA brings deep Drupal qualifications across front-end, back-end, DevOps, and accessibility compliance. We integrate seamlessly with USDA’s eWAPS platform, adhere to all governance, and support agile delivery through SAFe methodologies. We understand USDA’s infrastructure, approval workflows, and standards. We have already solved the challenges this contract presents.
Helping USDA Grow
At RIVA, we’ve built a long-standing relationship with USDA rooted in understanding, collaboration, and trust. From public websites to internal platforms, we’ve delivered digital solutions that reflect the real needs of users and the long-term goals of the mission.
Our work goes beyond implementation. We serve as strategic advisors, helping USDA plan, prioritize, and modernize with confidence. We understand the importance of continuity, compliance, and communication across large-scale digital initiatives.
Whether enhancing public access through USDA.gov or supporting internal coordination via OneUSDA, our team is committed to helping USDA deliver lasting, measurable outcomes.
We’re proud to partner with USDA in expanding access, equity, and opportunity for rural communities supporting the farmers, ranchers, and small businesses that power America’s food supply.
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