BNC Rates for UC Users (including Sandia, LBNL)
Getting Started
Potential BNC users affiliated with the University of California are required to complete the BNC UC user access form in order to get started as a BNC user. Users working with any biological materials in the BNC must also complete this biological materials check-off form.
The BNC operates on a recharge basis with a monthly access fee coupled with hourly fees for specific technology. The established recharge rates are below. Once a researcher signs up for access, this monthly charge will continue until a documented request for removal is received. This access fee will apply to all researchers using BNC facilities as well as those working on methodology and instrument development in the BNC development labs. The BNC managing director is responsible for maintaining and approving access status. The recharge rates are comparable to other campus recharge services and are appreciably lower. Please remember that rates are subject to change without notice.
The monthly access fee provides access to the facility’s standard equipment and consumables. The use of several pieces of equipment is subject to an additional hourly recharge, please see rates below. The recharge fees have been based upon minimal overhead, equipment maintenance, and user consumable material usage. BNC management welcomes recommendations for consumables that are used commonly by the BNC community.
When the user is being trained for BNC equipment usage by the staff or “superusers,” the general user fees will be applied along with a reduced charge equal to half of the minimal hourly charge for the corresponding equipment. Upon completion of training and qualification, the equipment user will be assessed the standard equipment rates. A list of all qualified users will be posted on each piece of equipment requiring training.
BNC Development Labs
The BNC development labs (127, 131, 133, and 135 Stanley) contain several open recharge facilities (e.g. ESEM) that are available to BNC members with an hourly fee. Other space within the development lab is allocated to specific research group(s) for instrument and methodology development. The purpose of this space is to allow the development of instrumentation with potential BNC applications. Access to these new developments is available to BNC members upon agreement with the developers and is not subject to an hourly recharge fee. Allocation and utilization of development lab space will be subject to review by the BNC executive committee on a yearly basis. All supplies and reagents required for these applications that are beyond those provided via access to the BNC are the responsibility of the individual research group(s). The Stanley Stockroom located in 156 Stanley is available for users to purchase supplies using their individual accounts.
BNC Oversight
All BNC recharge facilities are under the supervision of BNC Managing Director Paul Lum, who may assign a responsible BNC member to serve as a “super user” to help oversee training and maintenance of the facility. Designated “super users” will not be assessed equipment usage fees but will be charged the BNC monthly fees. Faculty who aid in the acquisition or set-up of a recharge facility may be eligible for preferential time allotments (percentage of time) on the instrument, but these arrangements must be agreed upon by the BNC executive committee prior to use.
The BNC welcomes input and suggestions of equipment and reagents that would enhance the facility and the opportunities within QB3. Please contact Paul Lum with questions, suggestions, and comments (p_lum@berkeley.edu).
|
Unit of rate |
Monthly Rates For UC User |
|
|
General BNC Access |
Per month |
84.00 |
|
Microfab Photolitho aligner |
Per hour |
39.00 |
|
FEI FIB/EDX/EBSD |
Per hour |
108.00 |
|
Zeiss HIM |
Per hour |
148.00 |
|
PHI XPS |
Per hour |
58.00 |
* Rates subject to change without notice. LBNL and Sandia users are charged an additional 9.9%.
** To cancel access, requests must be submitted in writing no later than the 25th day of the month to avoid being charged for the following month. The cancellation will go into effect on the 1st of the following month and access fees will only be charged up to the month of cancellation. Additionally, a list of each lab’s access will be sent annually for confirmation.
Potential BNC users who are not affiliated with the University of California are required to meet with BNC Managing Director Paul Lum to begin the process of requesting access to the facility. Paul will review the suitability of your projects to determine if the facility meets your research needs. Several additional steps are required:
- Attend a BNC Orientation Meeting, offered by the Managing Director. Register for the meeting by sending an e-mail with your name, company name or other non-academic affiliation description, supervisor, and contact phone numbers to Paul Lum, p_lum@berkeley.edu, call 510-666-3356, or stop by the BNC office at 121 Stanley Hall.
- Pass the campus EHS 101 and BNC Safety Test. The test usually takes about an hour, and can be retaken if necessary. Safety credentials for the lab are recertified yearly. No appointment is required to take the test, just drop in at the BNC office, 121 Stanley Hall.
- Sign up for BNC access via Second Lab. Your company will establish a contract with UC through the Second Lab platform. Second Lab manages booking and payment, and charges a transaction fee at checkout.
- BNC account activation is usually one working day after your access is approved by Second Lab. You will need to go in person to 174 Stanley Hall with an authorization from the Managing Director to activate your card key. This will give you access to the lab.
- You must become qualified on each piece of equipment you use. BNC lab users support each other by providing training and testing in their areas of expertise. To become certified on a piece of lab equipment, you must pass oral testing conducted by a super user of that equipment and demonstrate proficiency. Equipment manuals and procedures are online for study.
The BNC operates on a recharge basis with a monthly access fee coupled with hourly fees for specific technology. The established recharge rates are below. Once a researcher signs up for access, this monthly charge will continue until a documented request for removal is received. This access fee will apply to all researchers using BNC facilities as well as those working on methodology and instrument development in the BNC development labs. Note that rates are subject to change without notification.
The monthly access fee provides access to the facility’s standard equipment and consumables. The use of several pieces of equipment is subject to an additional hourly recharge, please see rates below. BNC management welcomes recommendations for consumables that are used commonly by the BNC community.
When the user is being trained for BNC equipment usage by the staff or “superusers,” the general user fees will be applied along with a reduced charge equal to half of the minimal hourly charge for the corresponding equipment. A list of all qualified users will be posted on each piece of equipment requiring training.
| Monthly External Rates For Non-UC Users | Unit of rate | Non-UC (External) User | Affiliate User | QB3 Startup User | QB3 Garage User |
| General BNC Access | Per month | 682.00 | 92.00 | 478.00 | 390.00 |
| Microfab Photolitho aligner | Per hour | 387.00 | 43.00 | 119.00 | 119.00 |
| FEI FIB/EDX/EBSD | Per hour | 287.00 | 119.00 | 232.00 | 232.00 |
| Zeiss HIM | Per hour | 1000.00 | 163.00 | 542.00 | 542.00 |
| PHI XPS | Per hour | 380.00 | 64.00 | 207.00 | 207.00 |
** To cancel access, requests must be submitted in writing no later than the 25th day of the month to avoid being charged for the following month. The cancellation will go into effect on the 1st of the following month and access fees will only be charged up to the month of cancellation. Additionally, a list of each lab’s access will be sent annually for confirmation.* Rates subject to change without notice. Stanley Hall QB3 Garage users, please contact Donna Hendrix for rates.