In progress
Charge
- Provide the Executive Council with a process for making decisions and strategic advice on scientific computing
- create the scientific computing roadmap
- organize regular external reviews of the scientific computing program
- advise the CIO on operational aspects
- resolve any disputes that arise among the science directorates and CD.
The scientific computing plan hinges on a federation of the science directorate computing activities and the Computing Division (CD). The output of this coordination would include updated technology roadmaps and activities to be regularly reviewed by a Scientific Computing Steering Committee (SCSC), which would then advise the Executive Council on strategic planning for scientific computing. The SCSC is expected to be proactive in addressing these functions with a self-determined agenda. The SCSC chair would report monthly to the Executive Council. The coordination function would be performed by the Head of Scientific Computing.
The SCSC needs to perform an operations function as well, to advise CD on priorities and choices that need to be made on an ongoing basis. Examples include modifications to the service catalogue; changes in the Scientific Computing staffing levels; participation in lab-wide external computing conferences like SuperComputing.
SCSC membership will be drawn from the science directorates and the CD Head of Scientific Computing, with additional ex-officio representatives from CD. Each member should select a deputy to ensure representation at all meetings. A scientific secretary should be assigned to handle meeting minutes etc. The IT SubCouncil should have an observer at the SCSC meetings (and vice versa).
Head of Scientific Computing Roles and Responsibilities
Works with the SCSC, computing coordinators and customers within Science directorates to plan resources, technology and projects to develop a rolling 5 year strategic Plan
Identifies technologies emerging from the Directorates as suitable for transition to CD
Manages the CD Unix and Storage Teams; provides reports on team activities and performance metrics.
Provides communication with CD IT teams and management
SCSC Roles and responsibilities
Supplied Scientific Computing Strategic advice to the ALDs
Planning roles (scientific computing funding model, purchases, strategic planning)
Identify the needed services and technology development areas by which CD provides value for money
Evaluates CD performance
Input into the Operations directorate agenda and Strategic Business plan
Input into CD Unix and Storage team priorities
Input to facilities planning
Communication to the SLAC community (technical design reviews)
Adjudicates resource conflicts
Unix and Storage team responsibilities
Develop overall technology and resource roadmaps.
Lead vendor search/validations
Hardware acquisition, installation and support performed by CD personnel. Head of SC Work with Science Directorates to
CD Roles and responsibilities
Consultation with directorates on resource changes affecting scientific computing, including changes in services not covered by the scientific computing funding model.
Metrics
Reviews
CD Scientific computing
Budgeting and budget execution
Scientific computing funding model description
(effort, M&S, software and hardware licenses)
review and change processes