Challenge
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) required consistent, transparent, and efficient execution across multiple enterprise IT functions, including Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC), Enterprise Architecture, Technology Business Management (TBM), and IT Governance. These mission-critical efforts demanded a delivery partner capable of aligning with federal mandates, ensuring operational rigor, and maintaining continuous visibility across tasks and deliverables.
USDA needed a partner that could not only manage a complex and evolving task portfolio but also provide traceable, metrics-backed performance across all activities—balancing both strategic oversight and day-to-day execution.
Solution
Through the Symposit–HumanTouch Joint Venture we applied a structured delivery model anchored in agile principles, workflow transparency, and JIRA-based performance tracking. This approach enabled USDA to meet governance requirements, optimize IT portfolio management, and sustain alignment with federal modernization frameworks.
Our support spanned key governance and enterprise architecture initiatives, including:
- Investment reviews and CPIC documentation
- Development of architecture artifacts and roadmaps
- Implementation of TBM practices and reporting
- Coordination of governance board planning and execution
We emphasized proactive backlog control, balanced task management, and consistent communication to ensure that all efforts remained aligned with USDA’s enterprise objectives.
Results
- Issue Closure Rate: Achieved an 86% closure rate across 400+ tracked work items—demonstrating high throughput, accountability, and task discipline
- Balanced Workload: Portfolio composition included 70% operational tasks and 28% user stories, supporting both agile responsiveness and strategic initiatives
- Efficient Task Resolution: Average resolution time of ~36 days, even for complex architecture and governance tasks
- Low Backlog Rate: Maintained <13% of items open or in progress, signaling effective task ownership and execution pacing
- Predictable Cadence: Achieved synchronized monthly task creation and resolution cycles—minimizing scope creep and enhancing forecast reliability
Key Metrics
- 400+ work items tracked in JIRA
- 86% closure rate
- 36 days average resolution time
- <13% backlog rate
- 70/28 split of operational tasks and user stories
Conclusion
The USDA’s enterprise IT governance efforts benefited from the Symposit–HumanTouch JV’s consistent, disciplined delivery model. Our approach ensured not only transparency and traceability but also measurable, repeatable outcomes aligned with federal digital transformation goals. By combining technical depth with execution excellence, we remain a trusted partner in strategic program stewardship and IT portfolio success.
