KB009: Using NSF ACCESS for High-Performance Computing

Scope: Large-Scale HPC (CPU/GPU) Audience: Researchers needing capacity beyond UCR’s local HPCC Last Updated: Feb 9, 2026

1. What is ACCESS?

ACCESS (Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support) is the NSF’s primary program for providing computing resources to US researchers. It replaces the former XSEDE program.

Best For:

• Scale: Jobs requiring thousands of cores or multi-node GPU training.
• Capacity: When UCR’s local HPCC queue is full or too small for your workload.
• Specialized Architectures: FPGAs, large-memory nodes (TB+ RAM).

2. Allocation Tiers (The “Credit” System)

ACCESS uses “Service Units” (credits) which you exchange for compute time on supercomputers like Stampede3, Jetstream2, and Anvil.

• Explore: Small allocation for testing/benchmarking. (Auto-approved).
• Discover: Moderate allocation for standard grants. (Light review).
• Accelerate: Large allocation for major campaigns. (Panel review).
• Maximize: Massive allocation for grand challenges. (Strict panel review).

3. How to Apply

1. Create Account: Go to access-ci.org and sign in with your UCR credentials (via CILogon).
2. Request “Explore”: Start here. Write a simple abstract (1 paragraph) to get immediate credits.
3. Transfer Credits: “Exchange” your credits for time on a specific resource (e.g., SDSC Expanse).

Campus Champion: Chuck Forsyth is UCR’s ACCESS Campus Champion. He can provide immediate “Startup” allocations and guidance on writing successful proposals.