Original Broadcast Date: 03/01/2026
Presented by ServiceNow & Carahsoft
At the Department of the Interior, artificial intelligence is not treated as a side project or a stand-alone tool. It is becoming part of the department’s infrastructure. In his conversation on Fed Gov Today, John Montel, Associate Chief Information Officer at Interior, explains how the department is building a structured, scalable path toward AI transformation — inspired by an ancient Greek landmark.
Montel describes the department’s approach as the “Parthenon Framework.” The name is intentional. Just as the Parthenon relies on strong pillars and a solid base, Interior believes AI requires structural support to stand upright. It cannot simply be layered onto existing systems. Instead, it must rest on a foundation of governance, policy, data preparation, training, communications, logistics, contracting, and cybersecurity.
The framework compresses all of those elements into what Montel calls a rapid, agile business model. The goal is to streamline how Interior implements emerging technologies like artificial intelligence today — and potentially more advanced capabilities in the future. Rather than approaching AI in isolated pieces, the Parthenon model brings together every component required to make implementation successful.
For Montel, one principle stands above the rest: AI is only as good as the data it consumes. But even before tackling data itself, preparation matters. Policies, rules, regulations, communications strategies, and governance structures must be understood and in place before AI systems are deployed. Without that groundwork, technology cannot deliver meaningful results.
Preparation begins with people. Montel explains that Interior engages key stakeholders across the organization — from frontline mission staff to administrative leadership. Those conversations help clarify goals and objectives and, importantly, separate what the department needs immediately from what it may want later. That distinction allows the team to focus on addressing pressing AI challenges while planning for longer-term ambitions.
The scale of the challenge is significant. Interior supports approximately 75,000 employees and operates more than 1,100 systems, most of which are classified as level one or level two mission-critical systems. Ensuring that AI modernization aligns with those systems requires coordination not only within the Office of the Chief Information Officer but also across bureaus, sub-agencies, other federal partners like the Department of Justice, and even Capitol Hill.
Montel emphasizes that system transformation is not about whether change is possible — it is about understanding what needs to change and how to change it. That requires slicing systems carefully, working closely with stakeholders, and measuring progress through clear key performance indicators. Risk assessment plays a central role. As AI technologies evolve rapidly, dashboards that provide near real-time visibility into KPIs, cybersecurity posture, data risks, and information management become essential.
One of the most ambitious aspects of Interior’s strategy is modernizing while operations continue uninterrupted. Montel describes the process as changing the tires while the bus is moving down the road. Mission delivery cannot pause. Instead, the department develops parallel AI capabilities that transition smoothly into production. For end users, systems look and feel familiar — but behind the scenes, processes are more automated and aligned with mission objectives.
Montel frames this transformation as a shift from a “high-friction manual interface” to an AI-ready ecosystem. Many legacy systems rely on manual input, output, and paper-based processes. The Parthenon Framework seeks to automate that middle layer, reducing what he calls “click fatigue” and freeing employees to focus on higher-value work.
Importantly, Montel addresses workforce concerns directly. AI implementation is not about eliminating jobs. It is about elevating employees. Interior prioritizes keeping the human in the loop, ensuring that mission experts retain oversight of AI-driven decisions. At the same time, the department invests in education and training so employees can develop skills in data and information management — areas that will define the future operating environment.
The Parthenon’s “pillars” extend into user experience as well. Rather than forcing employees to navigate external training manuals or policy documents, the framework integrates policies, procedures, communications, and regulatory references directly into AI workflows. Montel compares the goal to ordering a pizza or tracking an Uber. Users should be able to see progress, interact seamlessly, and receive information transparently. Embedding the Code of Federal Regulations into intelligent workflows ensures compliance is not an afterthought but a built-in feature.
Customer experience matters not only for employees but also for citizens. Montel envisions systems that allow individuals to track interactions with government in real time — whether monitoring the status of a case or understanding where a process stands. AI-enabled applications should function like the digital tools people use in their personal lives, offering intuitive interfaces and responsive communication.
Measuring success remains central to the effort. Montel points to proven models that deliver strong cost-benefit results, low risk levels, and green indicators across cybersecurity and infrastructure. Rapid, agile development allows Interior to continue delivering products efficiently while meeting fiscal responsibilities.
Throughout the conversation, Montel makes one theme clear: AI is becoming integral to how government does business. Much like the transition from landline phones to cell phones, artificial intelligence is evolving from optional technology to essential infrastructure. By building on strong pillars — governance, data readiness, stakeholder engagement, workforce development, and continuous measurement — Interior aims to ensure its AI transformation stands as solidly as the ancient structure that inspired its name.