1. CFI John R Evans Leaders Fund High-Performance Computing

2. Who Should Be Concerned About This?
Any applicants requiring high-performance computing equipment should contact University of Alberta Information Systems and Technology (IST) during proposal development
The CFI requires that applicants who intend to purchase computer infrastructure costing >$100,000 must consult with Compute Canada

3. What is High-Performance Computing (HPC)?
Examples of HPC infrastructure:
Capacity or throughput computing
Shared memory systems
Systems with very large memory requirements
High performance storage systems
Long-term storage systems
Cloud Computing systems
Computing systems that use specialized processors (e.g. GPU-accelerated computing)

4. What is Compute Canada?
Compute Canada is a CFI-funded non-profit corporation that is responsible for managing high-performance research computing infrastructure
Compute Canada has a partnership with four regional organizations:
WestGrid (Western Canada)
Compute Ontario
Calcul Québec
ACENET (Atlantic Canada)

5. CFI Policies Relating to Compute Canada
The CFI expects high-performance computing infrastructure to be housed and managed by Compute Canada
Compute Canada assumes responsibility for operations and maintenance costs
Reduced costs of purchasing, installing, operating and maintaining HPC infrastructure
If HPC infrastructure is needed, consultation with Compute Canada is required
Although the CFI expects HPC infrastructure to be housed and managed by Compute Canada, it also recognizes that there may be compelling reasons for infrastructure to be housed and managed by individual institutions
Compute Canada provides guidance on a case-by-case basis
* Ref: Section (page 18) in CFI’s Policy and Procedure Guide, 2013

6. Steps Applicants Should Take During Proposal Development
Discuss computing needs with Scott Delinger (Director – Research Computing, Information Services and Technology, ;
If appropriate, Scott Delinger will liaise between applicants and Compute Canada
Compute Canada will provide guidance
*Ref: