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allocations

What is an allocation?

An allocation is an allotment of computing time or data space on XSEDE resources that is given to a researcher who serves as the principal investigator (PI) of an approved project. An account is the specific method through which an individual (or community, in the case of Science Gateways) logs in to a resource to utilize that time or space. An XSEDE allocation provides access to computing and storage resources and to advanced support services at XSEDE service provider (SP) sites.

Computational Resources

XSEDE SPs offer a variety of High Performance Computing (HPC) systems for allocation. Computing platforms include clusters, scalable-parallel systems, and shared-memory systems with various CPU, memory, communications, and storage configurations. It is important that the platform you choose is a good match for your computational plans. For more information about available machines, including XSEDE capabilities, please visit the XSEDE Resources Catalog to view recommended use guidelines for individual resources or search for a resource that meets your criteria.

Time on compute resources is allocated in Service Units (SUs). Computing power on machines differs significantly. To compare SUs on different platforms, see the SU Conversion Calculator.

Storage Resources

All XSEDE compute allocations include access to disk and archival storage to accomplish project goals. In addition, several SPs offer storage platforms to serve other data and storage needs, such as data management, and large-scale persistent storage. These storage allocations are independent of compute allocations

Allocation Eligibility & Types

Allocation Eligibility

To apply, the principal investigator (PI) must be a researcher or educator at a U.S.-based institution, including federal research labs or commercial organizations, though additional information may be needed from researchers not affiliated with academic or non-profit research institutions. A postdoctoral researcher is eligible to serve as PI. After receiving an allocation, PIs can request that students be given accounts to use the allocation.

In general, XSEDE follows the guidelines described in the current NSF Grant Proposal Guide. However, investigators with support from any funding source, not just NSF, are encouraged to apply. If your institution is not a university or a two- or four-year college, special rules may apply.

Allocation Types

The process for requesting and obtaining access to XSEDE resources differs depending upon the type and purpose of the allocation being requested.

  • Startup allocation requests are reviewed continually throughout the year, are the fastest way of getting started on XSEDE, and are recommended for all new XSEDE users. Startup allocations are for one year, after which, the PI should request a Research allocation. Renewals will be permitted with appropriate justification. Once a PI has fulfilled his startup needs, a PI may request a Research allocation.. A PI may submit a Research allocation request at any time during an active Startup allocation. A successful Research allocation will supersede any Startup allocation and start a new 12-month allocation period. A PI may have only one active Startup allocation at a time.

    Startup Allocations on XSEDE are available to faculty members and postdoctoral researchers at U.S. academic research institutions, as well as to K-12 teachers for classroom use.

    Appropriate uses for Startup allocations may include:

    • Application development by principal investigators (PIs)
    • Experimentation on XSEDE platforms
    • Use of XSEDE systems for classroom instruction
    • Developing a science gateway

  • Education allocations are for academic or training classes such as those provided at a university that have specific begin and end dates. In addition to training classes Education projects support classroom instruction. Education allocations are appropriate for academic courses or training classes having a registration number, class description and known timeframe. Education requests have the same allocation size limits as Startup requests. PIs on education allocations must be faculty.

    Startup and Education allocations are easy to request with fast approval time. The request process requires a CV and short abstract; PIs may apply at any time. Startup allocations are appropriate for code development, experimentation with XSEDE platforms, or for application testing. Most first-time XSEDE users begin with a Startup allocation. PIs may request a single computational resource or a combination of resources. Startup requests may total up to 200,000 CPU-hours (or Service Units, SUs), though limits for individual resources may vary. For resource specific startup limits visit the XSEDE resource catalog.

    The PI should assess the amount of time that will be necessary to accomplish their computational project. If you are just getting started and not certain of your computational needs, then apply for a Startup allocation request. For a project that requires a significant amount of time or data storage, apply for a Research allocation. You must supply a formal request (proposal) document for a Research allocation.

  • Research allocation requests are reviewed at quarterly XRAC meetings.

    Research allocations may be requested for any computation resource and require a formal request document and CVs (for PI/Co-PIs). Research allocations are typically appropriate as follow-ons to Startups; but a PI need not request a Startup prior to submitting a Research request. Requests may be submitted the quarter before they are needed during designated submission windows. The XSEDE Resource Allocations Committee (XRAC) meets quarterly to review requests based on merit and award available SUs.

    Open Submissions Close Submissions Allocations Begin
    Dec 15 Jan 15 April 1
    Mar 15 Apr 15 Jul 1
    Jun 15 Jul 15 Oct 1
    Sep 15 Oct 15 Jan 1

Writing Your Research Allocation Request

Well written requests contain all the information the review panel requires to assess your project qualifications. Details for writing a request to use any XSEDE resource are available in the XSEDE Resource Allocation Policies.

Well written research allocation requests have had the following noted characteristics:

  • The research was summarized in context of the current state of the art; it outlined the computational algorithms to be used; and it related those algorithms to subsections of the request.
  • The reviewers were provided sufficient information, but not overwhelmed by details.
  • The justification for the request was clear, and closely coupled to computational experiments and needs, so that if the committee needed to reduce the original request, it could be done rationally with minimum disruption to the investigator.
  • Results from relevant previous allocations, including manuscripts published, accepted, submitted, or in preparation, were summarized and related to the current request.

Sample Research allocation requests are available as examples of how requests should be presented. Please view the How to write a winning proposal page for advice on Science Gateway proposals.

Submitting Your Research Allocation Request

Requests for computing allocations must be submitted electronically via the XSEDE User Portal.

No user packets will be sent out. Users will be notified via email when their allocations are approved or they have been added to an allocation.

PIs will be able to delegate an allocation manager who can manage their allocations for them. This will be done in the user portal under My XSEDE -> Allocations/Usage

After a request has been reviewed and allocated, the project's PI will receive an email informing him or her that the account is ready.