Some Google Cloud projects are billed to a lab funding source, which covers all Ursa Major cloud work outside Tier 1 (for example VMs, databases, analytics, Standard storage, GPUs and marketplace models). This article describes how such a "Tier 2" recharge project is set up. See KB005 for the tiers.
The steps
1. Request. The PI submits a request through the UCR Support Portal or to research-computing@ucr.edu.
2. Scoping. Research Computing confirms that the work needs a recharge project, explains the process, and collects:
- the technical requirements (APIs, GPUs and so on);
- the full chart of accounts (COA) string.
3. MOU. The ITS systems and finance teams prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets out the recharge rates, the COA and the terms, and send it to the PI for signature.
4. Billing setup. Once the MOU is signed, ITS creates a billing account for the COA and links it to the project.
5. Project creation. ITS creates the project, configures billing export and sets up access for the people named.
6. Handoff. Research Computing confirms access with the PI and helps with initial setup (for example the Cloud SDK and signing in).
Who does what
- Research Computing: your point of contact, technical scoping and onboarding.
- ITS systems and finance teams: the MOU, billing configuration and project creation.
- The PI: signing the MOU and financial responsibility for the project's usage.
How long setup takes depends mainly on how quickly the MOU is signed and routed.