High-Performance Computing (HPC) allocations are awarded based on the number of Service Units (SUs) requested. The number of SUs that a computer job is charged usually represents the number of CPU hours accumulated over all the processors that the job uses.
Note: Service units vary per resource. Learn more about charging algorithms on the available systems.
Allocation requests are subject to committee review. Though some are multi-year awards, Allocations are typically awarded for one year. Time can be requested on more than one machine as long as the total time does not exceed the award limits. There are three types of allocations and accounts on NCSA compute resources: development, peer-reviewed, and course accounts.
Development Allocations
Development allocations are targeted at new users or users who have very modest computational requirements, up to 10,000 SUs (30,000 SUs for TeraGrid). Requests for development allocation awards can be submitted at any time and take about one month to process. A full proposal is not typically required. To apply, an eligible Principal Investigator (PI) must submit an application to NCSA. Each year a PI can be allocated only one development allocation per site. Normally, these allocations can be renewed on a yearly basis. Read about the Development Allocation application process.
Peer-Reviewed Allocations
There are two types of allocations that are reviewed by peers: Medium Resource and Large Resource Allocations. The review process is more rigorous for these than for the Development Allocations.
Medium Resource Allocations
PIs may submit proposals requesting medium-sized allocations, consisting of 10,001-200,000 SUs (30,001-200,000 SUs for TeraGrid). Proposals are submitted to the Medium Resource Allocations Committee (MRAC), which meets quarterly. Read about MRAC application process.
Large Resource Allocations
PIs may submit proposals requesting large-sized allocations (more than 200,000 SUs). Proposals are submitted to the Large Resource Allocations Committee (LRAC), which meets twice annually and is comprised of some of the most experienced computational scientists in the country. Many of these proposals are from researchers whose projects are computationally massive, resource intensive, or interdisciplinary in scope. A large resource allocation is awarded for one year . Read about the LRAC application process.
Course Accounts
Faculty members who wish to use high-performance computers for their classes may apply for time on NCSA systems. The standard allocation is 5,000 SUs per course. An application for computer time should be sent to NCSA by the instructor at least one month prior to the beginning of the course. To be considered for this grant, please submit the Course Account application.
