Policy for Access to the Advanced Photon Source by Partner Users

Potential users can access the Advanced Photon Source (APS) either as Partner or General Users. This policy defines Partner Users (PUs) and outlines the access requirements. The detailed process for becoming a PU is defined in the accompanying procedures. The specific requirements and process for General User access are described in the policy entitled Participation of General Users at the APS.

Definition:

A PU (individual or group) contributes to the facility or user community beyond simply performing good scientific research, as is typically the objective of a General User. For example, a PU might expect to accomplish one or more of the following:

  • Develop a new capability or new instrumentation;
  • Develop a dedicated station or beamline;
  • Design, build, and operate a full sector;
  • Build a new user community;
  • Engage in education/outreach; or
  • Perform other activities outside the scope of the APS General User program and deemed by the APS Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to be valuable to the APS user community.

Typically, a PU requires access to more than 10% of the beam time on a beamline or sector for two years or more.

The time available for general users on any sector must never be less than 25%, leaving the balance for PUs, maintenance, etc. For a sector where APS is the primary operator, then at least 50% of the time will be available to General Users, with an additional 20% reserved for maintenance and operations, leaving a maximum of 30% for PUs.

Requirements:

To become a PU, an individual or group must, at a minimum, complete the following:

  • Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) or short proposal describing the proposed partnership.
  • Obtain approval of the LOI or short proposal and meet any additional requirements.

The scope of the proposed partnership agreement may necessitate additional requirements, such as the submission and approval of a full scientific proposal, conceptual design report (CDR), management plan, safety plan, and funding commitments. Once a partnership has been established, the PU will operate under mutually agreed upon terms.

A Collaborative Access Team (CAT) is a special type of PU arrangement as described in Appendix I: Definitions.

Reviews:

The following criteria will be used for evaluation of partnership LOIs and proposals:

  • Scientific merit
  • Technical feasibility
  • Capability of the experimental group
  • Availability of the required resources

Note: The above criteria are the same as for General User proposals. The following additional criterion, however, applies to PU proposals:

  • Positive impact of partnership on other General Users

Once approved, all PUs will be subject to periodic performance review by the SAC. The criteria for these reviews are spelled out in the policy entitled APS Scientific Advisory Committee Policy. As part of each sector review by a Sector Review Panel (see Guidelines for Reviews by the APS Sector Review Panels), every PU with an active proposal involving that sector will also be reviewed. PU performance may also be reviewed at other times, at the discretion of the APS and the SAC.

Appendix I: Definitions

 

CAT

Collaborative Access Team. A CAT is a special type of Partner User arrangement. In this model, typically several individuals or institutions join to form the CAT, which is considered in the context of this policy as a single Partner User. A CAT assume full responsibility for design, funding, construction, and operation of a sector. A CAT is allocated no more than 75% of the beam time and must support General Users for the remaining 25% of the operating beam time.APS X-ray Operations and Research Section of the APS Experimental Facilities Division. Facility beamlines are operated by XOR staff members.

CDT

Collaborative Development Team. A CDT is a special type of Partner User arrangement. In this model, typically several individuals or institutions join to form the CDT, which is considered in the context of this policy as a single Partner User. A CDT assumes full responsibility for design and construction of a sector or beamline, and the APS provides at least partial funding. During these phases of sector/beamline development, the CDT members have full use of all beam time, and an executive advisory board oversees activities during this period. As the transition is made to the operational phase, the CDT members receive progressively less time as more time is given to General Users, according to a negotiated schedule. After 2-3 years of operation, the CDT sectors/beamlines operate as standard XOR beamlines/sectors. The APS then assume full responsibility for the operation and funding of the sector/beamline, and 80% of the beam time will be allocated to General Users. The executive advisory board serves in an oversight capacity throughout the operational phase.

XOR

APS X-ray Operations and Research Section of the APS Experimental Facilities Division. Facility beamlines are operated by XOR staff members.

5/1/2003