This policy describes the requirements for entities planning digital investments involving high performance computing.
Applicability
Digital investment proposals are assessed against this policy by the DTA through the Digital and ICT investment oversight framework (IOF).
Commonwealth entities are encouraged to apply this policy to all digital investments.
Policy requirements
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Identify needs and approach in advance of selecting HPC facilities
Plan and design systems which require HPC facilities using a coherent Enterprise Architecture approach, clearly setting out at both the solution architecture level and the broader enterprise architecture level how use of HPC meets business needs while representing the most cost-effective, fit-for-purpose, and risk-balanced solution approach.
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Access HPC resources utilising shared facilities available to the APS
Prioritise the utilisation of Australian Government owned and operated facilities, Australian Government funded research facilities, and Australian Whole-of-Government procurement contract arrangements and other appropriate procurement arrangements with industry. Value for money in facilities should be balanced with additional factors as set out in the Standard.
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Align to guidelines and standards
All Commonwealth entities must comply with the Hosting Certification Framework to ensure cloud-oriented HPC services are hosted in certified tenancies/data centres, as well as any other mandatory frameworks, policies, and standards.
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Adhere to reuse principles
Entities must give priority to the utilisation of suitable existing HPC facilities and, where necessary, design new solutions with a focus on future reuse.