CIA RESPONSE TO O/S&TP QUESTIONS ON SUPERCOMPUTERS (DCI/ICS 83-4224)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85B01152R000700910060-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 26, 2008
• Sequence Number: 60
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP85B01152R000700910060-7
is ' SECRET
CIA Response to O/S&TP Questions
on Supercomputers (DCI/ICS 83-4224)
A. Do you currently own and operate or time share a super-
computer? How many or how much usage?
We do not own or operate a supercomputer.
B. Do you have firm plans to acquire the next generation
supercomputer? What specs? When? How many? Approximate
dollar funds per supercomputer?
We have no firm plans as of now.
C. Is there a difference in your requirement between a "big
number cruncher" and an even bigger and more complex AI-based
machine?
Users have primarily expressed interest in the "big
number cruncher" variety. However, the importance of AI
is recognized and the potential of supercomputers in this
area is being investigated. A complete answer to this
question awaits a detailed identification of Agency
requirements.
D. Have you identified a US source or sources?
It is too early in our planning to have had other than
general discussions with potential sources.
E. What impact would a successful Japanese fifth generation and
supercomputer with the approximate performance
characteristics (described in the attachment) have on your
agency?*
Because of security concerns, Agency policy generally
precludes the use of foreign ADP resources.
F. Is there a role for the federal government in stimulating,
partially funding, or actually developing the fifth
generation supercomputer? One body of opinion asserts the US
Government should only indicate the range of performance
characteristics desired, the best estimate on quantity
required and probable time frame for delivery with a
tolerable price range.
*Wording of Question E was modified for clarity.
SECRE
U/FOUO when Separated
Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP85B01152R000700910060-7
 Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP85B01152R000700910060-7
SECRET
From an Agency perspective, the existence of a domestic
source for supercomputers is critical to any future
Agency use of supercomputers. Unless we are content in
leaving this up to market forces only, we must support a
role for the Federal Government in encouraging domestic
supercomputer development. Developing an Agency position
on the nature of this role would require considerably
more time than was available for the preparation of this
response.
G. Do you have an opinion on the probable success or range of
performance the Japanese are likely to achieve? Basis for
opinion?
The Office of Global Issues, DDI has prepared the
attached response to this question.
Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP85B01152R000700910060-7