NSCI (E.O. 13702)

Summary

Creates a national plan for supercomputers to help the U.S. stay a leader in science, technology, and business by working with companies and schools.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. needs to keep up with the growing demand for computing power and competition from other countries to remain a leader in science and business. This order creates a national plan that brings together government, industry, and schools to work on developing and using supercomputers.

What does this order do?

Establishes the National Strategic Computing Initiative (NSCI)

Creates a whole-of-government plan to develop and use high-performance computing (HPC) to benefit the U.S. economy and scientific research. This involves collaboration with industry and academia.

Sets five strategic objectives for HPC

Outlines key goals, including building an 'exascale' computer (100 times faster than current systems), planning for technology beyond Moore's Law, and creating a strong public-private partnership.

Assigns roles to federal agencies

Names specific agencies to lead the effort. The Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and National Science Foundation are lead agencies, with others assigned to research and deployment roles.

Creates an NSCI Executive Council

Forms a council co-chaired by the heads of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to oversee and coordinate the initiative's activities.

Requires an implementation plan and annual reports

Mandates that the Executive Council create a detailed plan for the initiative within 90 days and report on its progress to the President every year for five years.

Who does this affect?

Federal science and technology agencies
U.S. technology and computing industries
Academic and scientific research institutions

What is the real world impact?

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Maintains U.S. leadership in technology

Creates a coordinated national strategy to ensure the United States stays ahead of other countries in the critical field of high-performance computing. This leadership supports both economic growth and national security.

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Prepares for future technological limits

Addresses the future challenge of 'post-Moore's Law,' when current computer chip technology will reach its physical limits. The initiative pushes for research into new computing methods to overcome this barrier.

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Directs federal funding and resources

Assigns specific government agencies like the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to lead the effort. This focuses federal money and attention on specific goals and projects related to supercomputing.

When does this start?

This order became effective on July 29, 2015, and sets several deadlines for federal agencies.

Implementation plan creation

Within 90 days of the order (by October 27, 2015), the Executive Council must establish an implementation plan for the initiative.

Annual plan updates and progress reports

For the first five years, the Executive Council must update the implementation plan and document progress annually.

Annual report to the President

For five years, the Co-Chairs of the Executive Council must prepare an annual report for the President on the status of the NSCI.

Initial council meetings

The Executive Council is required to meet at least twice during the first year after the order was issued.