Getting An Allocation

All TACC resources are allocated on a project basis to a single principal investigator (PI).  Faculty and research staff can serve as TACC project PIs.  While Graduate students and  postdoctoral researchers can often request their own project allocations, they along with undergraduates should normally have their advisor assume the responsibilities of project PI and submit the allocations request.

TACC offers three types of project allocations: startup (https://portal.tacc.utexas.edu/allocations-overview#types-startup), instructional (https://portal.tacc.utexas.edu/allocations-overview#types-instructional), and research (https://portal.tacc.utexas.edu/allocations-overview#types-research). You can request Startup and Instructional allocations at any time throughout the year. Research allocation requests are reviewed quarterly by committee.  TACC users are expected to become familiar with the information in the User Services (http://www.tacc.utexas.edu/user-services) sections of the TACC web site in order to select the appropriate type and amount of TACC resources to request. 

Requests for allocations on all TACC resources must be made using the TACC Allocations Request System. This includes TACC high performance computing systems, visualization resources, and storage systems. If awarded an allocation, the PI will receive a login and initial password with which to access the appropriate resource. The PI can then add additional logins enabling other members of his/her research group to have access to the resource via the TACC User Portal. However, the PI is responsible for ensuring that all users on the project allocation use TACC resources in accordance with the TACC Usage Policies.  

Using the portal, PIs can also request new project allocations, update existing project information, request additional allocations for current projects, and  view allocation usage and balance information for all projects and users.

Startup project allocations are meant to provide the PI with adequate allocation to build a case for a research or instructional project. These projects will typically receive small allocations with short durations. PIs can apply for a startup project allocation at any time.

Instructional project allocations support academic classes, with limited allocation sizes and for only certain TACC resources. Instructional project allocations will last for the duration of the class plus 14 days.

Research project allocations support the computational needs of the scientific community. Research project allocations begin on calendar quarters, are normally for one year, and must be renewed annually for multi-year projects. Requests for new research allocations and renewals must be submitted 30 days prior to the start of the allocation period. Requests submitted after the due date will be considered for the next allocation period. PIs can apply for startup project allocations until the next research project quarterly deadline. Multi-year research project allocations can be granted as part of proposal submission by negotiation with TACC during proposal preparation. Such multi-year allocations are also reviewed annually to ensure continued need and effective utilization of the resource.

Additional information on Allocations can be found at https://portal.tacc.utexas.edu/allocations-overview