The University of Alabama is making significant strides in advancing its High Performance Computing Center (HPC) and Data Center. As of April 25, 2025, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Alabama Cyber Institute (ACI) have been actively involved in several key initiatives to ensure the successful development and implementation of the HPC facility.
UA Requirements Summary and RFP Process
Recently, OIT and ACI submitted a UA Requirements Summary as an addendum to the UA HPC Request for Proposal (RFP). This comprehensive document encapsulates the HPC needs of over 100 UA faculty and Research Institute personnel, gathered through surveys and twelve UA faculty research focus groups. This effort highlights the collaborative approach taken to understand and address the diverse computational requirements of the university’s research community.
In April, the RFP process reached a major milestone when OIT hosted the two finalist vendors, Penguin and Dell, on campus for discussions on HPC design and vendor services. These discussions are crucial as they pave the way for selecting the final vendor by the end of June or early July 2025, aiming for an October 2027 delivery date. This timeline ensures that UA will have a state-of-the-art HPC facility to support its research endeavors.
Colocation Services and Revenue Model
OIT and ACI are also defining potential colocation services for the new HPC Facility’s Data Center. This involves working with their business consultant, Amicus, to develop a preliminary five-year revenue model. The model is expected to provide a sustainable financial framework for the HPC facility, ensuring its long-term viability and success.
Roadmap for Enterprise Data Center and Facility Power Build-Out
In collaboration with UA Construction Administration, OIT has set the roadmap for the HPC Facility’s new Enterprise Data Center project. This roadmap includes plans for additional facility power build-out as a potential Phase II construction and the definition of a Secured Area build-out. These developments are essential for accommodating the growing computational needs and ensuring the security of sensitive data.
Industry Partnerships and Executive Director Hiring
OIT continues to support ACI in its discussions with potential industry partners through in-person and virtual meetings, project and technical materials, and planning exercises. These partnerships are vital for leveraging external expertise and resources, enhancing the capabilities of the HPC facility.
Additionally, OIT is participating in the hiring committee for the permanent Executive Director of the Alabama Cyber Institute (HPC). This role is critical for leading the institute and driving the strategic vision for HPC at UA.
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts by OIT and ACI reflect UA’s commitment to advancing its HPC capabilities. By engaging with faculty, vendors, consultants, and industry partners, UA is poised to establish a cutting-edge HPC facility that will significantly enhance its research infrastructure. The milestones achieved and the plans set forth ensure that UA’s HPC center will be a cornerstone of innovation and excellence in the years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as UA continues to make progress on this exciting journey!