User Productivity Enhancement and Training (PET)

The High Performance Computing Modernization Program's (HPCMP) User Productivity Enhancement and Training (PET) program gives users access to computational experts with experience spanning a wide variety of HPC technical areas. The PET Team is available to help HPC users become more productive using HPCMP resources with the goal of expediting milestones and reducing overall costs related to technological development to DoD users.

In addition to internal expertise, the PET Team also provides virtual training on effective usage of software, hardware, networking, data transfer, data storage, and visualization of data. PET facilitates and promotes the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge between HPCMP users and the broader computational communities, including DoD and other federal agencies. Help in specific Technical Thrust Areas (TTAs) provide a wide range of expertise including, but not limited to, new delivery methods, emerging hardware exploration, High Performance Data Analytics (HPDA), debugging software, performance improvement with user codes, scalability issues, and porting of software to emerging hardware.

The PET Team's scientists are a limited resource shared by all users so it is important to ensure an equitable use of their time, when necessary.

PET offers three modes of support depending on the type, duration, and level of user support required:

  • Mission Projects (MPs): Mission Projects are designed to assist users with solving complex issues in mission-critical areas. MPs will last anywhere from 1 to 12 months in duration. PET Team scientists will advise and assist in developing, applying, and/or using algorithms and in maximizing usage of existing software. Additional information can be found on the PET Mission Projects page.
  • Special Projects (SPs): Concentrated efforts involving separately funded projects that may include PET Team support staff or other subcontractors for project/user specific challenges. Additional information can be found on the PET Special Projects page.
  • Training: Trains the HPC community in applicable tools and technologies using the latest collaboration, distance learning, and training technologies. Additional information can be found on the HPC Training page or by emailing HPCtraining@hpc.mil.

Before initiating a Mission or Special Project, please consider the following questions. If you are unable to clearly answer these questions or are unsure that PET is the right avenue for you to pursue, you should contact the HPC Helpdesk for assistance.

  1. Is your problem complex, and does it justify the use of expert-level HPC staff resources?
  2. What do you want to accomplish with PET's help?
  3. Is your pIE account active, and do you already have hours allocated on any systems?
  4. What would be the impact of a successful collaboration on your research?
  5. Have you already identified member(s) of your team to collaborate with the PET Team? It is important that members of your team work closely with the PET Team so that you fully understand what has been done and are ready to take over when PET support ends.

If you are able to answer most of these questions and believe the use of PET resources would be appropriate to advance your mission, email PET@hpc.mil.

To learn more about PET user support, click any of the PET links on the sidebar or review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).