Dear MCS,
Although the Supercomputing Conference (SC11) does not occur until mid-November, travel preparations (i.e. DOE Conference Attendance approval, lodging accommodations, etc.) will be due in the next month or so. Because it is anticipated that a degree of budget uncertainty will exist in FY12, I am asking for those scientists / administrative personnel that intend on attending the conference to provide a more detailed justification for this trip - similar to the travel process that currently exists.
Supercomputing as a whole is by far the biggest expenditure that our division sees on an annual basis. Because we can somewhat control this, Scott and I have committed to CELS to an overall decrease in costs that pertain to this conference over prior years. What this translates to is that not everybody that wants to go will be approved to.
Reiterating my previous travel email - I am supportive of the travel that we do, and am confident that the travel that our scientists do is justified. But this year I would like you to consider whether you really need to attend this expensive conference. If you do plan to go (and I know there are many good reasons for attending), please email Scott with the following information:
1. The reason you are going (please be specific; if it is to attend a meeting that could be held as a concall, consider how much more convenient the call is), and
2. Just exactly which project you want the trip billed to.
Consult your supervisor if you need further guidance.
Scott needs these justifications by the end of next week, Friday, July 22.
Thanks,
Rusty