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Future Directions for NSF Advanced Computing Infrastructure to Support U.S. Science and Engineering in 2017-2020 Interim Report (2014) / Chapter Skim
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3 Possible NSF Responses
Pages 19-22

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From page 19...
... resource requirements, for prioritizing investments, and for aligning research program and supporting advanced computing investments. Such community-led efforts seem a natural fit for NSF.
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From page 20...
... At first glance, it is once again tempting to seek a structural approach similar to the one used in the ACCI task forces whereby one considers prioritizing investments for the major elements of the ecosystem, such as hardware, software, storage, etc. Such a structural approach could potentially lead to optimal solutions for each element by resolving the complex trade-offs that arise when these elements contend for resources.
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From page 21...
... 8.  The committee seeks comments on the tension between the benefits of competition and the need for continuity as well as alternative models that might more clearly delineate the distinction between performance review and accountability and organizational continuity and service capabilities. ENHANCED STRATEGIC PLANNING AND INTERNAL COORDINATION Despite its vital role in science and engineering, the committee observes that advanced computing receives relatively little attention in the current NSF strategic plan, and decision making about advanced computing is distributed across the Division for Advanced Cyberinfrastructure, other divisions and division programs, the Major Research Instrumentation Program, and individual research institutions.
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From page 22...
... 22 FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR NSF ADVANCED COMPUTING INFRASTRUCTURE Top-down mandates often prove ineffective, even when the coordination is very much needed, and reaching consensus through "grass-roots" efforts may be too slow. Both top-down and bottom-up processes require mechanisms for identifying detailed needs of directorates and their programs and for ensuring adequate community input; the committee will be exploring and seeks comment on ways this might be done.  9.  The committee seeks comments on how NSF might best coordinate and set overall strategy for advanced computing-related activities and investments as well as the relative merits of both formal, top-down coordination and enhanced, bottom-up process.
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Key Terms

  • lattice field
  • major elements
  • field theory
  • seeks comments
  • computing frontier

  • service providers
  • seeks comment
  • task forces
  • committee seeks
  • staged equipment

  • performance review
  • supporting advanced
  • current nsf
  • funding horizons
  • acci task

  • resource requirements
  • infrastructure providers
  • enhanced strategic
  • structural approach
  • business partnerships

  • prioritizing investments
  • provide detailed
  • committee observes
  • advanced cyberinfrastructure
  • approach similar

  • budget planning
  • allow service
  • service capabilities
  • division programs
  • providers evolve


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